If you’re considering a career as a truck driver in Ontario, it’s important to ask the right questions before starting your training. Truck driving courses time and money intensive, so you need to make sure you train at a school that responsibly teaches you.
Truck drivers operate heavy vehicles and are responsible for transporting goods across long distances, often across multiple states or provinces. You don’t just need to be careful about driving in your lane but ensure those around you, car and people, are safe while you’re changing lanes. All these are huge responsibilities and must be taken seriously. Before you enrol in a MELT program in Brampton, it’s important you are comfortable with the instructors and facilities, so you learn efficiently and become a confident driver.
Here are 12 important questions to ask before starting truck driving lessons:
1. What is the cost of truck driving lessons?
The cost of truck driving lessons varies depending on the school or program you choose. It’s important to understand the total cost of the program, including any additional fees for books, equipment, and exams. Keep a few hundred dollars as miscellaneous funds as you might need it for extra tests. Make sure to compare the costs of different programs and choose the one that fits your budget. Don’t let a cheaper option entice you into signing up with them. Read reviews and talk to past students of the truck training academy.
2. What is the duration of the truck driving lessons?
The duration of truck driving lessons is typically five weeks but you can ask for extra training on the weekends before your AZ driving test. It’s important to understand the time commitment required for the program and make sure it fits with your schedule. If you are currently working a part-time and full-time job, ask the academy if they can offer you a flexible training schedule or weekend training.
3. What is the class schedule?
Many truck driving schools offer both full-time and part-time classes. As long as you complete the province-mandated 103.5 hours of training, you will quality to attempt the road test. It’s important to understand the schedule of the classes and make sure it fits with your availability. If you’re interested in a school but your schedules don’t match, ask them if they would recommend any schools that offer the same level of training.
4. What is the curriculum for the truck driving lessons?
The curriculum for AZ truck driving lessons should cover all aspects of operating a commercial vehicle, including driving techniques, safety regulations, and maintenance procedures. A typical program includes a certain number of hours allocated for theory and practical. Make sure to ask about the specific topics covered in the program and ensure they meet the requirements of the industry. Do your research beforehand, so you ask the right questions and don’t feel overwhelmed when the school throws jargons at you.
5. What type of equipment is used for the truck driving lessons?
Equipment used for truck driving lessons should be up-to-date and well-maintained. Make sure to ask about the type of vehicles used for training and ensure they are similar to the vehicles used in the industry. At this point, you should also ask whether the training trucks have automatic or manual transmission as the latter one opens up more career opportunities for you. We recommend that you also get a tour of the training yard, so you can look at the training trucks yourself. If you want to only learn on trucks with automatic transmission, that won’t cause any trouble in the future but possibly limit some career opportunities.
6. What is the instructor-to-student ratio?
A good truck driving school will focus on limited number of students at time and make sure every student get equal attention, one-on-one training, and time to resolve doubts. At Caledon Truck Driving School, we maintain a 1:5 ratio, meaning we only take five students every batch, so our instructors can focus every student properly.
7. What is the pass rate for the truck driving licence exam?
While passing rate as a standalone isn’t a good indicator of the training program, it definitely boosts the school’s reputation. For a better metric, ask how many students cleared in the first attempt. A healthy pass rate is between 75-100%.
8. What is the job placement rate for graduates?
Trucking school graduates usually get jobs between 6 to 12 months of graduation. It is a long waiting game but if a trucking school offers job placements, you can find a job in less than 3 months. You can reach out to previous students and ask how their experience was at jobs they got through the school.
9. What type of support is provided after graduation?
Re-training, refresher classes, and endorsements are just some support that a school can provide after graduation. It reflects that they are invested in your success.
10. What are the requirements for obtaining a commercial driver’s licence (CDL)?
Each province has specific requirements for obtaining a CDL. Make sure to ask about the requirements for the state or province where you plan to work and ensure they are covered in the training program. In Ontario, you are required to meet a certain eligibility criteria including a medical exam. Read more about the criteria here.
11. What type of endorsements are offered?
Endorsements are additional certifications that allow you to operate certain types of vehicles or transport specific types of goods. Make sure to ask about the endorsements offered by the school and whether they align with your career goals. For driving long-haul trucks, you must have an Air Brake Endorsement, which is a 2-day training program that covers the workings, inspection, and maintenance of air brakes.
12. What is the school’s reputation in the industry?
The reputation of the school can be an important factor in securing a job as a truck driver. Make sure to ask about the school’s reputation in the industry and whether they have relationships with potential employers.
By asking these questions before starting truck driving lessons in Brampton, you can ensure you choose the right program to launch your career as a truck driver. Remember to compare different programs, consider the costs and time commitment, and ensure the curriculum covers all the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful career in the industry.
