Comparing Truck Driving Schools
Have you ever thought about the role of truck driving schools?
Seems obvious, you may say. They’re in the business of training truckers. Yes, the answer is correct, albeit a bit simplistic one…
It’s easy to see that what we need are truckers of a special kind, who are:
- Adept drivers
- Competent machinery operators
- Careful and conscious of all road safety issues
- Able to maintain customer service standards
- Diligent and disciplined employees
- Conscientious workers effectively managing assets in their care
Truck driving schools are indeed trying to teach all these and more, within a basic CDL course.
Understandably, the end result - a new graduate, entering the transport industry, depends equally on the caliber of the candidate, as it does on the school itself.
Hence, it’s highly recommended, that prospective truck driving school students undergo specialist aptitude tests, after passing the primary medical examination.
In the current road traffic conditions, having suitable physical and mental ability is a must for the intending truck driver.
Although all schools declare adherence to best industry practices, the reality is often much different. Some private schools simply aren’t able to carry the extra financial burden of physical and psychological tests. Passing the costs onto students is not an option, as it would severely limit the schools’ competitiveness. This less than ideal situation is possible, due to the lack of uniform rules across the states. The industry dominant body: the Professional truck Drivers Institute has a relatively limited role. Although it’s accreditation given to training providers is sought and valued; particularly by the enquiring candidates entering the schooling.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration plays an important role here, albeit limited to the federal level. Industry self-regulating processes are not well developed yet, to guarantee graduating truck drivers’ level of competency, uniform on the national scale. Consequently, two main educational models can be identified as having intrinsic advantages:
- College based truck driver training, due to the superiority of its educational system
-Trucking company conducted drivers’ training, with its heavy reliance on practical issues, particularly on customer’s relations and caring for the equipment. Time will tell which model of truck driving schools produces better professionals, able to cope with the high pressure of the road transport environment.
And while too many regulations can stifle the day-to-day running of the training facility; the absence of safeguards and clear rulings can seriously inhibit its performance and results. One can only hope that a common platform will be found soon, that brings together interests of the trainers, students and the employers. 
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