TSI Logo

A truck driver sits behind the wheel with his hands on his face, looking frustrated

Getting Your CDL: How to Avoid CDL Mills

Getting your CDL remains one of the best ways to earn a good salary without being burdened by student loan debt. Unfortunately, there are ill-meaning scammers in this world who try to take advantage of eager, hard-working Americans.

While the Trump Administration recently removed over 500 CDL schools that failed to meet U.S. training standards from the FMCSA’s registry, the problem still exists. America needs safe, skilled, and well-trained drivers operating commercial vehicles, and the only way for that to happen is if the right people train new drivers.

Having a credible CDL will provide endless opportunities and unparalleled job security. The persistent national truck driver shortage hovers around 100,000 and is only expected to grow. That’s largely why CDL holders consistently see their salaries increase, with some experienced truckers with good safety records making up to six figures.

Avoiding CDL sham schools requires patience and extensive research. Here are our tips for how to avoid these scammers:

Confirm They’re in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry

Before inquiring about the cost of truck driver school or the level of training you will receive, make certain the organization is FMCSA-approved and complies with recently mandated Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations. If they are, you’ll find them listed in the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry.

Understand Who Is Teaching the Courses

A prominent social media presence, engaging YouTube videos, or appealing traditional advertisements do not necessarily speak to the hands-on quality of the training. These are some questions worth exploring when choosing a school:

  • Do the instructors possess at least 3-5 years of actual driving experience?
  • Are the instructors state-certified?
  • Does the curriculum prioritize safety over fast certification?
  • What is the instructor-to-student ratio?

Keep in mind that you are interviewing the organization, not the other way around. At the end of the day, consider whether the school is teaching you to merely pass the CDL exam or empowering you with applicable, real-world trucking skills.

Ask What Vehicles Are Being Used During Training

Knowing what vehicles are being used is important for a variety of reasons. Semi-trucks that are in great shape tells you a great deal about the mindset of the organization. It’s also important to train on the makes and models you’re most likely to take the road test with and operate on the job.

Hands-On Driving Experience

Some outfits provide only theoretical and online training. While that has some value, it won’t help you pass the road test or get a decent job. Make sure you will receive time behind the wheel. It’s vital to get enough hands-on training to operate a big rig safely after passing your CDL exam.

Ensure They Meet Michigan’s Requirements

Con artists are usually willing to take money from just about anyone. That means they’ll skirt Michigan’s regulations by enrolling people under 18, skipping background checks, and not requiring proof of citizenship or Social Security Numbers. If a venture is not complying with all state and federal regulations, delete it from your list of options.

Tour the School

Once you’ve whittled your list of schools down to a manageable number, schedule a walk-through. Credible organizations that are confident about the curriculum, vehicles, and instructors are usually quick to meet you. If you sense any hesitation, that’s a red flag.

Walk Away If They Can’t Answer Basic Questions or Avoid Answering Them

Always remember that you are in the driver’s seat when enrolling in a trucking school. Part of your process involves acquiring enough information to make an informed decision. So, ask potential schools:

  • Are there additional testing or permitting fees?
  • Is the background check a separate expense?
  • What things aren’t covered under the tuition?
  • Can I see a detailed breakdown of the total costs?

With this information in hand, you’ll have an opportunity to make comparisons. If the operation is not forthcoming or makes excuses, that tells you all you need to know.

Trust Your Gut

As New Age as it might sound, trust your gut when evaluating schools. Things like accepting only cash or using unusual payment methods should make you feel uncomfortable because that’s incredibly sketchy behavior. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not. Don’t risk losing your investment and having to start all over.

Earn Your CDL at TSI

TSI offers a six-week paid CDL training program for anyone interested in starting a career in the freight-hauling industry.

We help new drivers succeed by teaching them delivery planning, pre-trip inspections, load-securing techniques, communication tips, hazard recognition, FMCSA regulatory guidance, and more. While the course involves three days of in-classroom work, the rest of the program will be a team driving experience, where you get to travel with an experienced TSI driver.

While jobs aren’t guaranteed, our team is growing, and we sometimes hire students directly into OTR solo or team driving positions. Visit our website to learn more or to sign up for this opportunity.