Thinking about starting a career as a truck driver? Don’t know where to start? It’s important to choose a CDL school that has hands-on training with well-maintained equipment, certified instructors with real life experience, and in-depth classroom instruction. PAM Transport has partnered with Select CDL Driving School – a training program that covers these topics and more. For those interested in obtaining their CDL-A, we’ve outlined the process from application to graduation.

1. Apply to Select CDL Driving School

Getting started can be daunting. That is why we have a team of recruiters ready to walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Before you apply, it’s important to know some of our eligibility requirements:

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Have a valid driver’s license.
• Have previous employment history.

Applying takes 10 to 15 minutes and can be done on your mobile device through: https://land.driverapponline.com/land-rover1?active_job_id=72011 After your application is received, you’ll be assigned a recruiter who will verify your information. Next, you’ll move along in the process and be asked to complete a background check, DOT physical, and DOT drug screen. Your recruiter will work with you to schedule your DOT physical & drug screen at a location near you – and Select will cover the cost of the physical and drug screen.

2. Get Your CDL Permit & Travel to School

After you are approved to start school, your recruiter will put you in contact with a student coordinator who will provide information on how to obtain your CDL permit. Your student coordinator will give insight to what you’ll need while training, what to expect while in school, and facilitate your travel to Tontitown, Arkansas to begin your on-site CDL training.

3. Arriving at School

Upon arrival at Select CDL Driving School, you will be introduced to the office staff and instructors. This team will work with you daily for the next 3 weeks to ensure you have everything you need to successfully test for your state issued CDL-A license. You will also be shuttled to your hotel, which will be your home for the duration of your training. With your lodging and transportation covered during training, you can focus on learning. We understand you may need additional assistance during school, so we offer a $100 weekly stipend at the end of every week to offset personal expenses for the first 3 weeks of training.  

4. Hands-On Training

All students will receive 3 weeks of hands-on training through classroom instruction, instruction on the driving range with a tractor and trailer, and road driving. Students can expect to learn how to complete a pre-trip inspection, a variety of backing maneuvers, the SMITH System, and more.

5. State CDL-A Testing

After successfully completing the schooling program with Select, they will help you schedule your test for your Class A Commercial Driver License through the state. Students whose license is from outside of Arkansas are responsible for their $50 state testing fee. Testers will need to successfully complete and pass a pre-trip inspection, airbrake test, skills evaluation, and road test. After passing your CDL-A test with the State Testing Facility, you will participate in a short graduation ceremony with Select. Select will organize your travel to your home state so you can upgrade your license to that state.

6. Paid Training with PAM Transport

Next, you will complete a paid training program with a PAM Transport Certified Driver Mentor. This on-the-job training helps our new drivers gain confidence and experience under the guidance of a mentor for a minimum of 18 days and 80 hours. This ensures that drivers are well-prepared for tasks they will compete on the road such as trip planning, working with your operations team, and completing a pick-up and drop-off at a customer. At the end of your training period, you will be routed to a terminal to complete Driver Onboarding which includes an informational presentation, backing evaluation, and road test. Upon successful completion of onboarding, drivers will be issued their own tractor, meet their operations staff, and be dispatched on their first load.

One of our standout benefits of the CDL training is the potential to have your tuition covered. If you commit to driving for 6 months, PAM will make tuition payments on your behalf and pay off the remaining balance at the end of the 6 months.  

For more information, please visit Get a CDL | Sponsored CDL Training | PAM Transport (pamdrivingjobs.com) or speak to a recruiter at 888-329-8651.