Arizona CDL school is a great way to increase your chances of success if you are considering a commercial driver’s license or truck driving job. While attending school is not required for truck drivers, education provides much needed knowledge and experience that will aid you in the future. The Arizona CDL test is not easy, and school provides some much-needed information and guidance to ease you through the process from start to finish.

CDL training in Arizona is not just about passing the written knowledge test, either. You will greatly benefit from the behind-the-wheel experience you gain. Truck driving requires a high level of skill and a high standard of safety. Practice is the best way to hone your skills and improve over time. Plus, most Arizona schools offer CDL job placement to help you find a way to use those skills to make money as soon as possible.

What is CDL training in Arizona?

Proper training is important to gain the skills and experience necessary to operate a commercial vehicle in the state and throughout the U.S. The goal of education is to prepare you for the rigorous AZ CDL test and future truck driving employment.

The admissions officer will also be able to guide you as you decide on what CDL class and endorsements will be necessary for your specific needs and goals.

Schools usually offer at least two different class offerings: Class A CDL training and Class B CDL training. Class A CDLs are for large vehicles in excess of 26,000 pounds or towing vehicles heavier than 10,000 pounds.

This is the most popular choice because it covers the broadest range of vehicles. Class B, on the other hand, covers vehicles designed to tow smaller vehicles that weigh less than 10,000 pounds.

Is CDL school required in Arizona?

In Arizona, CDL school is not required when applying for a CDL license. However, it is helpful for students that want to set themselves up for the best chances of success.

Professional training is the best way to learn how to operate a commercial vehicle. Students also benefit from the guidance of a qualified instructor to learn from while they practice with their commercial driver’s permit. Plus, many AZ CDL schools offer students the ability to borrow a vehicle to take their test in.

Curriculum of Arizona CDL Classes

CDL education involves in-classroom instruction, behind a desk, and in-vehicle instruction from behind the wheel. Both aspects contribute important elements to overall education and preparedness. AZ CDL school teaches students general knowledge and basics like road laws and safety, vehicle parts and their function and maneuvers and vehicle handling.

In-Class Instruction for the CDL Written Test

Classroom instruction provides the fundamentals of commercial driving. Before you take your AZ CDL knowledge test to receive a driver’s permit, you’ll undergo an in-class instructional course to learn all of the material necessary to pass the written test.

In the classroom, expect to learn the differences between driving a non-commercial vehicle and a commercial one, street signs to be aware of and safety protocols and precautions. The Arizona CDL test is challenging but it is the first step before you can get behind the wheel to get driving experience.

Behind-the-Wheel Instruction for the CDL Driving Test

It takes time, practice and experience to hone your commercial driving skills. AZ CDL school provides opportunities to gain necessary experience and put classroom lessons into action for those who pass the physical exam requirements. Once you have your learner’s permit, you’ll likely have a set number of hours to practice driving with a knowledgeable instructor.

The Arizona road skills test is necessary to get your CDL. During the test, you will have to perform a variety of maneuvers like backing up the vehicle, parallel parking and turning. CDL school allows you to prepare ahead of time and to run through a dry-run of the test in advance. Expect to learn how to:

• Drive in traffic and urban areas.
• Maneuver tight turns.
• Complete safety procedures.
• Back up, park, shift gears and turn.

How long is CDL training in Arizona?

If you plan to attend an AZ CDL school, expect the program to last anywhere from three to six weeks. If length of the program is a deciding factor for you, be sure to inquire ahead of time how long it will take to complete.

Some schools offer accelerated three-week programs but any school offering a course shorter than three weeks should be met with skepticism. After all, there is a lot of material to learn and an adequate amount of time is necessary.

Best CDL Schools Near Me in Arizona

If you’ve been on the search for the best “trucking schools near me”, you’ll want to consider a variety of factors besides location as well.

Length of program and cost are also important. Many AZ CDL schools offer job placement and some even offer scholarships that you may qualify for to cut down or completely eliminate the cost of courses.

Here are some Arizona CDL schools to consider:

• Yuma Truck Driving School: This private school has been serving Southern Arizona since 2010. They offer job placement, financial assistance and even benefits for military members. Classes are small, and training can take as little as a few weeks. Plus, there are flexible class time options available to work with your busy schedule.
• HDS Truck Driving Institute: Located in Tucson, AZ, this CDL school is family-owned and operated since 1991. Thousands of students have graduated from the program and gone on to have fulfilling CDL jobs. Their shortest program lasts four weeks and financial aid is available for students who qualify.
• Phoenix Truck Driving Institute: This school offers Class A and B bus training and testing, refresher courses and road testing. Best of all, the school has many professional affiliations with organizations like the American Trucking Association (ATA), National Safety Council, Arizona Motor Transport Association and Driver Employer Council of America which opens up many doors for employment.
• Roadmaster Driver School: This AZ CDL school has 10 locations across the U.S. and has graduated thousands of students. Not only has it been around for 25 years, it’s an industry leader for training entry-level drivers. The four-week training class has flexible schedule hours, both days and weekend options, tuition assistance, exam prep and job placement. There are on-site recruiters from some of the best CDL job employers in the U.S. like Werner Enterprises, Covenant Transport, USA Truck, Swift Transportation Co. and Roehl Transport.

Benefits of Completing Arizona Truck Driving School

AZ CDL school increases your chances of success when you take the state CDL test. Because you have to pay regardless of whether or not you pass the test, it’s important to make it count the first time.

Training ensures that you have the right knowledge and experience to pass. You are able to practice commercial vehicle driving, maneuvers and the pre-inspection portion of the AZ CDL test beforehand. One other benefit is that most Arizona trucking schools have job placement services for students.

Finding a commercial driving job on your own is much more difficult than utilizing the established connections and relationships your school has with commercial truck driving companies and employers.

CDL Training Costs in Arizona

Course costs vary, depending on the school. Most prices are about $4,000 to $6,000. However, many schools offer scholarship options and military benefits for those who qualify.

Additionally, some employers will offer company paid CDL training to cut or eliminate out-of-pocket costs. Inquire at the school to learn which companies pay for training or how you can qualify for free CDL training.

How to Self-Prep for Arizona CDL Exams

Even if you choose not to attend a CDL school in Arizona, you will need to spend plenty of time preparing for the state tests, both written and road skills.

Use the AZ CDL handbook to learn to study state laws and regulations you will be tested on during the knowledge test portion. Take a free CDL practice test online or sign up for a CDL prep course.

Once the test is passed, you will have a learner’s permit which allows you to practice your driving skills as long as you are with a qualified commercial vehicle driver. Spend time practicing behind-the-wheel maneuvers and gaining confidence and experience driving.

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