The next 5 days you are drilled about company policies, DOT policies, securing your loads, doing the paper work for your company and the DOT. Plus you must within these days also get a physical and DOT JD Truck Training Centre drug screen.
Many of the better private schools will have a wide range of training including several weeks of practice at backing up the truck, classroom coverage of everything from log books to maps and routing to air brakes and vehicle inspection. They will also have several weeks of training out on the local roadways. Make sure they will give you the necessary training to get ALL of your endorsements including hazmat, tankers, doubles and triples, and people (buses). Make sure you get ALL of these. It only requires a very short written test and can also severely limit your job opportunities if you leave them out.
I remember when the Truck driving school was teaching me how to meet all the CDL requirements. They taught me how to back up, shift and do lane changes and everything. But the real deal of getting loaded, to driving through the mountains is another thing.
Yes, the banks seem to always be touting the fact that they have money and want to fund small businesses. But besides taking collateral on your house, they will also want to collateralize your favorite dog and youngest child. Of course I'm joking - but have you tried to get traditional bank financing? Especially if you have not had a long time relationship with the bank?
First step is before changing lanes in a HR Truck Licence plan ahead. You do this by knowing whats around you. You are using your mirrors and checking blind spots. If there was a car right behind you and he is not there take a second look at your blind spot because he just might be sitting there next to you.
This job's main advantage is that you get to see places where you have never been. Even though it might scare you at first, with a map and precise directions you shouldn't worry about it. From the seaside to the mountains and deserts, you will see everything. If you go Heavy rigid licence in different states and meet new people, you will learn new accents and customs. It is all about making a living and at the same time live your life. When you will grow old, and you will have grandchildren, you'll be able to tell them that you've seen many places in your life, and even help them with geography.
Today truck driver training is more affordable than ever. Most training schools can point you in the right direction to apply for grants and some trucking companies will pick up the cost of your training for free in exchange for an employment contract. Good luck.