The Top Truck Driving Schools For Certification In Alabama

Table of contents

• Roles & Duties of a Truck Driver in Alabama
• Why You Should Be a Truck Driver in Alabama
• Truck Drivers Make More Money in Alabama
• Best Truck Driving Jobs: 5 Industries Where Truck Drivers Find Employment
• Get Your Truck Driving Certification: The 25 Top Truck Driving Schools for Certification in Alabama
• Factors to Consider When Choosing a Truck Driving School in Alabama
• Truck Driving Certification in States Bordering Alabama
• Trades Careers Similar to Truck Driving in Alabama

The Top Truck Driving Schools For Certification In Alabama

In the table below, we’ve included all 25 truck driving programs in Alabama. Currently, each school meet the standards of the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI).

The schools listed below teach both the technical and the operational aspects of driving a semi-truck.

The technical information you will learn include:

• Maintaining driver logs
• Reading maps
• Trip planning
• Conducting a pre-trip safety inspection of your vehicle.

The hands-on portion of our training program puts you behind the wheel of a full-sized 18 wheeler while you include:

• Proper shifting techniques.
• How to effectively perform turning maneuvers.
• How safely backing up the vehicle.

Once you’ve mastered handling of the tractor trailer forwards and backwards, you’ll be tested for your Alabama Class A CDL License!

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Since the information within the training programs listed is continually changing, we encourage you to contact the schools directly with the information supplied.

Factors To Consider When Choosing A Truck Driving School In Alabama

We’ve highlighted what we feel are the most important factors when choosing a truck driving school in Alabama. Although all truck driving schools in Alabama teach the same material, they’re not all created equally it’s important you take the time to consider the following factors to understand exactly what each school is offering and they’re advantages or disadvantages compared to the rest.

• The Tuition Cost of The CDL Truck Driving Training In Alabama.
• The Location of the Truck Driving School in Alabama.
• The Provided “Behind The Wheel” Drive Time Each Alabama Truck Driving School.
• The Ratio of Students to Instructors in Each Alabama Truck Driving School.
• Likely-hood of Job Placement in Alabama Once Completing Your Truck Driving Schooling.
• The Quality Of The Instructors Providing The Truck Driving Training.

The Tuition Cost of CDL Truck Driving Training In Alabama

Unsurprisingly, tuition rates are very different between schools truck driving schools in Alabama. For example, a school just down the block from another truck driving school might be as much as a thousand dollars cheaper.

Although price isn’t everything, it’s a good idea to look into the schools and find out why they have low or high tuitions. For example, a well-known truck driving school can get away with charging more, since they’ve earned their respectable reputation. Although certain tuitions are pricier, they may help you find better truck driving jobs once you graduate.

The Location of the Truck Driving School in Alabama

It’s important to realize that every state has different CDL licensing requirements. Although some states will accept your Alabama CDL license, not all of them well. In fact, some will require you to retake both the written and road exams. No thank you! Therefore, we recommend thinking a lot about where you’re going to be working long-term before signing up for truck driving school in a specific state.

The Provided “Behind The Wheel” Drive Time Each Alabama Truck Driving School

As we mentioned before, truck driving schools in Alabama have a wide range of possible tuition costs. Another facet of this is that the more expensive schools tent to provide more driving time. Specifically, time in school when you’re actually learning behind the wheel. This is so important for your success and safety, that it’s important to inquire about driving time as you look into the best truck driving schools in Alabama.

The Ratio of Students to Instructors in Each Alabama Truck Driving School

Much like driving time is important, it’s essential to have a good instructor to student ratio in truck driving school. Whenever you’re driving at school, an instructor should be managing your progress and be on the ball about redirecting you when you make mistakes. A low teacher-student ratio may drive up tuition (pun intended!) a little, but it’s worth it for the quality of education.

Likely-hood of Job Placement in Alabama Once Completing Your Truck Driving Schooling

As you look at the top truck driving schools in Alabama, pay attention to the school’s website. Do they have stats about job placement? Ideally, the best truck driving schools will have job placement assistance. Because after all, getting a good truck driving job is the whole reason you go to school!

The Quality Of The Instructors Providing The Truck Driving Training

Even though this is a no-brainer, it’s important enough to at least mention it briefly: make sure the instructors are high quality. Not only should they have years of experience driving and teaching, but you should also hear good reviews about them from other students. It’s definitely worth checking out YouTube and Yelp to find out what you’re getting yourself into.

Requirements In Alabama To Complete Your CDL Training

Permits & License:

Alabama residents must hold a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) for a minimum of 14 days before applying for the CDL.

Age:

In order to obtain your CDL in Alabama, you must be:

• To drive within the state lines with a (CDL in-state “Intrastate”) you’re required to be 18 years of age.
• In order to transport hazardous materials or drive cross country “Interstate” you’re required to be 21 or older.

Proof Of Residence:

Additionally, you must provide:

• A current driver’s license
• A valid DOT medical examiner’s card
• A legal presence in the U.S or proof of citizenship.
• Provide proof of your social security number and insurance

You cannot have:

• A license from any other state other than Alabama
• A cancelled, denied, revoked, or suspended license.
• A DUI conviction in the 24 months preceding application, or a warrant for your arrest. Typically, having a police record or prior arrests will not disqualify you.
• Depending on the school you enrol in, having a high school diploma or GED may or may not be necessary.

What are the roles and duties of a truck driver in Alabama?

The roles and responsibilities of a commercial truck driver in Alabama’s include:

• Drive long distances to transport goods, fuels, and livestock from place to place.
• Follow all applicable traffic laws for each particular state.
• Secure cargo for transport.
• Inspect their trailers before and after the trip, to record and fix any potential defects.
• Maintain a log of their working hours, following all federal and state regulations.
• Keep their trucks and associated equipment clean and in good working order.