Trucking: Starting team driving w/ wife, cdl training, trucking school

Question
Hi, I have read quite a bit of your responses on this site. I am very impressed with the good advice you give.  My dilemma is this: My wife decided to join me in the truck. So I signed her up through my company's driving school. Since I went through the same school 2 years ago, much has changed for the worse. Her training was the equivalent of being told, "Here's a beat up truck to play around with... Have fun! I'm going on break until further notice."  Needless to say, she got fed up with everything and quit.

I would like to know what options we have as far as getting her full CDL.  I would prefer to stay with my current company, since my seniority gives me perks I would rather not abandon.  But then, of course, leaving is a possibility if there is a better option.  She has a CDL training permit which she obtained through the "school" (I use the term loosely) and was allowed to keep. Both of us have a clean driving record and she prefers that I be her mentor/trainer once she gets her full Class A.

I have considered renting a truck and trailer, teaching her and letting her take the DMV test with it. Is that even an option?

Thank you for your advice,
Dan

Answer
Hi Dan.

Thanks for the compliment.  I try to help out the best that I can.  As for your dilemma, you have four choices.  One, go to a independent driving school.  Two, try to get back in the same school.  Three, go to a new companies driving school.  Four, go to a third party testing facility.  

I can shoot four out the door.  Any decent size company is going to want a driving school graduate.  Most insurance companies won't let a company hire a driver that isn't a driving school graduate.  So, like anything else, stay in school!

An independent trucking school is good, but it comes out of your pocket.  She may be able to get into some sort of "accelerated" program with her background.  Make sure that the school is certified by the "Commercial Vehicle Training Association" or "Professional Truck Drivers Institute".  Either will guarantee that shes getting a great school.

Going to another companies school is possible, you need to fill out some apps and see if you can transition without a loss of pay or benefits.

Probably the least favorite option, for your wife anyway, is to lump it and try to get back in the same school.  Here me out, first.  You like the company and it would be the easiest thing to do.  Your wife, granted, had idiots for instructors.  I would see if she could get with another instructor and class.  If it was me, I would talk to senior management at the company.  Tell them of her problem with the instructors and lack of training.  If senior management doesn't care.  Then find another company.  If they listen to your problems, they may be able to help.  Plus, the school will be free, I assume, once she passes a certain time period with the company.

If that doesn't fly.  I would try a new company.  Get a fresh start and, again, once she gets some seniority, the school is free.  I have nothing against trucking schools, but if you can save the money, I'm all for it.  

Truth be told, whatever your choice, you'll be teaching her a lot more than she'll ever learn in school.  Even though your company failed to train her properly, you sound intelligent and could train her too.  Like I said, if it's not an option, I would move on to a new company.  There are too many carriers out there that would love to have you two.

Good luck!

Bob Stephens