when to take a cdl refresher course

If you initially received your CDL several years ago, it may be time to enroll in a refresher course. Everything from Hours of Service (HOS) to procedures for maintaining a proper logbook is constantly modified.Refresher courses provide up-to-date information on the current CDL standards.

Full Answer

What companies offer the best CDL refresher courses?

We will recommend one of these three options:

• Tractor-Trailer 1 day (8 hours),
• Tractor-Trailer 2 day (16 hours), or
• Tractor-Trailer 5 day (40 hours)

How difficult is it to get a CDL?

• Go to your local DMV, and they will give you a free workbook
• There will be 12 chapters, from which you need to go through four chapters coming to your pre-exam test
• Go back to DMV to pay the fee of $15 and give the test with 150 questions (50 questions in each section)
• You only need to get 70% or higher in each section to pass the test

How to become an approved CDL training school?

• an office that is open to the public, and
• at least 50 square feet of space dedicated to the operation of the driving school business
• required signage, displayed in plain sight: driving school license hours of operation (when the office is open to the public) a sign that states “Applicant must be given a receipt ...
• acceptable receipts and contracts

More items...

Where can I take a CDL course?

• Bennettsville
• Columbia - Shop Road
• Greenville - Saluda Dam Road
• Greenwood
• Ladson
• Myrtle Beach - Commons
• North Augusta
• Rock Hill
• Sumter

How long is a CDL refresher?

Courses range from a few hours of review to a full 40 hours of training.

What to do when you get your CDL?

In-House Courses. When you first got your CDL, you may have completed your training with a school or through a truck driving company. Regardless of what you did then, you should definitely consider going with an in-house program now.

How long does the Averitt refresher program last?

Programs last between one and five weeks.

What happens if you don't use your CDL?

If you don’t use your CDL for a period of time, it’s easy to forget skills and laws that dictate your time on the road. Unfortunately, going too long without a truck driving job may make companies hesitant to hire you. A CDL refresher course is the solution.

How long is the FFE course?

FFE Transportation is another well-known option among trucking companies with refresher courses. The course lasts 14 days, but you do have to meet specific requirements to take it. You need a clean driving record for at least the past three years and a current commercial driver’s license.

Do you have to pay for a trucking refresher?

With a refresher program at a trucking company, you generally don’t have to pay anything as long as you work with the company for a set period of time after graduation.

Designed Around You

At GDA, our CDL Refresher Course is designed to help drivers who have had experience driving trucks in the past but left the industry and would like to return. This course gives drivers the option to relearn the skills for a Class A or B CDL and can be customized to fit each driver’s need.

Find the Time and Place that Works for You

GDA offers the refresher course at both our Conyers and Columbus locations. This gives drivers the most amount of scheduling options possible. The length of the program depends on how much training the driver needs. GDA does not set a firm date on the refresher course as we want each driver to feel confident and ready to get back on the road.

Back on the Road when Ready

GDA’s goal with the refresher courses is first and foremost to help drivers feel confident that they can take time away from the industry and come back at the skill level they left at, if not better. Our admissions representatives will talk you through the refresher process so that you get the exact training needed.

Program Details

The Commercial Driver Safety Improvement course is a comprehensive, behavioral-based program for the commercial driver. Commercial drivers are considered professionals who have met greater requirements and standards than have drivers with other types of licenses.

Instruction that impacts your bottom line

Our Commercial Driver Safety Improvement course was developed for commercial fleet drivers and is designed to reduce collisions, improve safety on the road, and minimize insurance costs. This program can be developed as a stand-alone course or may be combined with other NTSI SAFER Driver™ programs, including our in-vehicle training programs.

PLEASE READ: Documents to Upload Post-Booking

After selecting your testing date and time, you will be prompted to upload the following items. These must be uploaded immediately following booking your test with us: we cannot schedule a test in the State system without the documents!

Driver's License

Upload a photo of the front and back of your driver's license. You can use your iPhone to take the photos!

Learning Permit

A CDL Learner’s Permit allows you to practice in vehicles that would be legal to drive with the CDL. If you are unsure what types of vehicles your permit covers, visit here !

Vehicle Documents

We will need a copy of your truck's vehicle registration and proof of insurance if you are bringing your own to take the exam. Upload only needed IF you are bringing your own vehicle.

Medical Certificate

Request a copy of your DOT medical examination report from the medical examiner who gave you the exam.

Book your CDL test with FleetForce today

CANCELLATION POLICY - PLEASE READ: Per State regulations, refunds are only available for cancellations that are made at least 3 BUSINESS DAYS prior to the test.

Take a refresher course with FleetForce

Had an absence from driving? Want to brush up on your skills? These refresher courses are for drivers looking to get back on track with where they want to be.

JSGS Bobtail Member

I havn't driven in 15yrs. but had 7yrs flatbed prior, was told ins. carriers wouldn't take me without 160 hrs. so off to Roehl Transport I go. Starting in a few weeks.

RickG Road Train Member

I don't know about in your area but where I'm located Averitt runs ads saying refresher courses are available . You should really stay away from the large carriers . It's worth the search to find a smaller company that is less restrictive.

Rif Raf McQ Light Load Member

My husband has his CDL but has not driven for over a year...2 months driving before that...and no driving for approximately 2 years prior to that. He has just a little over 2 years experience, but if you look at how much in the last 5 years the answer would be 16 months.

ChromeDome Road Train Member

Yea, the issue with refreshers is that their is not Government given number or even a guide. It is all based on Insurance company's and carrier requirements. Actually, there is no government rule on anything regarding truck driver training. None at all. No hours needed, no behind the wheel, nothing. But no carrier will take you with nothing lol.

Longarm Road Train Member

I just went through this a year ago. Your best bet is to call the companies you're interested in and ask. I was told everything from 15hours to 160 (yeah no). I ultimately did a 40 hour course and hired on with Prime.

MNdriver Road Train Member

I last "drove" in 1997. I started to try and get back into a truck in February this year. I met the same "story". Need a refresher course. $4-5000. ########.

RickG Road Train Member

You need to stay away from the megacarriers. They are not "most companies". There are many companies that don'e require unneeded excessive hours with a trainer .