RESOURCES

EDITORS NOTE: Class B CDL training is no longer offered at ACI. Check out all of our CDL training programs offered HERE. Looking for work in the white-collar world can be tough. You need top-notch education and training, which can be very expensive and time-consuming. Perhaps you’ve thought of making a major career change. Finding a new profession can be much easier in the blue-collar world. Professions in the blue-collar world that are always in need are those requiring people with CDL licenses. People with CDL licenses drive semis, school buses, and other labor-based vehicles. While you still need specific training, you’d be able to obtain your career goal in a much shorter time frame. If you already drive a car or truck, studying for a CDL license is relatively easy to do.

What is a CDL License?

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) serves several purposes. First and foremost, it lets prospective employers know you’re a qualified, professional driver. Drivers that hold CDL status must have good working knowledge of weight limits, vehicle size and vehicle control. Secondly, a CDL license endorses what you can drive and what weights you can tow. Endorsements for a CDL license are tested separately. There are also several categories of CDL licenses. The categories, or classes, of CDL licenses are A, B, and C. Classes A and B are broken down into commercial and non-commercial use. Class C licenses are broken down into commercial and basic use. What you can tow with the licenses is broken down into Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Motorcycle licenses are another form of CDL. Below is the information regarding commercial towing and driving information for the State of California:

Commercial Class A CDL license holders can tow the following:

[caption id="attachment_9933" align="alignright" width="198"] Class A CDL training with full size tractor trailer combination vehicles.[/caption] - Single vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. (semi tractor-trailers) - Trailer buses or more than one vehicle (tandem trailers). These types of vehicles need special endorsements. - Any vehicles that fall under the categories of Class B and/or C. You are able to drive vehicles that are: - Any legal combination of the vehicles listed in Class A - Vehicles of any type that are rated for Class B and/or C drivers

Commercial Class B CDL license holders can tow the following:

[caption id="attachment_9942" align="alignright" width="199"] Class B CDL training for bus drivers using both commercial buses and school buses.[/caption] - Single vehicles rated with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or less - Vehicles of any type that are rated for Class C drivers You are able to drive the following with a Class B license: - Single vehicles with a GVWR weighing 26,000 lbs. or more - 3-axle vehicles that weigh more than 6,000 lbs - A bus (except a trailer bus), or any farm labor vehicle. Endorsements are needed for these particular vehicles. - All vehicles that fall under Class C licensing Licensing regulations change periodically. You’ll need to check your State guidelines for the most up-to-date information.

Who Can Benefit From a CDL License?

Having a CDL license opens many doors for employment opportunities for both men and women. For individuals with families at home, there are many trucking companies with regional or local jobs that get their drivers home each night. Driving and towing certain weights isn’t difficult, as long as you follow the regulations regarding log books. Finding loads is handled for you by dispatchers with your company. Semi-driving is only one of many options for you if you obtain a CDL license. There are plenty of positions driving straight trucks or buses. Bus drivers can find work for schools or tour buses. Once you’ve made the decision to obtain a CDL license, companies that you work for may have programs available in order for you to add endorsements for specific jobs. Getting endorsements for additional weight limits or job types will require a little more time, but is well worth adding to your license. Sure, working a typical 9-to-5 job has its benefits. Having a CDL license has just as many - it also offers the perk of a daily change of scenery. For more information on how you can get your Class A, call us at 1-877-649-9614 or fill out the form. We’ll answer any questions you have, and help you get your new career started today!

Advanced Career Institute is sponsoring our 8th annual community service event for the holidays: Toys for Tots & Gifts for Seniors! Last year we were able to collect and distribute toys to several hundred children! * * Unfortunately, we ran short on senior citizen gifts and were not able to fulfill all requests - so we really need help for those individuals! * * Toys for Tots: We are collecting new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages! Gifts for Seniors: We are collecting as many basic need items as possible for our less fortunate senior citizens. Items include new blankets, slippers, socks, basic need toiletries, etc...

From the US Census Bureau: 

19.2% of Visalia residents live at or below poverty level, 
and as many as 7500 kids in Visalia alone are at or below poverty level.

Approx. 2500 seniors 65 years of age and older are below poverty level in Visalia Ca.

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In addition to our regular gift collection, the event on Sunday will also include a LIFE Car Show from 11:00am-4:00pm! Entry Fee:  Donation of a gift for either a child or senior citizen is requested. Trophies will be awarded! [gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="9803,9802,9804"]     If you have any questions about this event, would like to request gifts for a child or senior, or you know of a child or senior citizen that is in need, please contact Larry by email or phone: [email protected]; office: (559) 651-1978

The Department of Transportation (DOT) inspection is one of the most important aspects truck driving safety. Knowing your truck is safe and sound and ready for action gives you peace of mind, but also is a reassurance to everyone else on the road that your truck is fit for duty. Inspections are conducted annually and are a comprehensive look at the truck both inside and out. They are subject to the strict regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can read those regulations here. All truck drivers should be interested and involved in the DOT Inspection. While the regulations state that the motor carrier is responsible for the maintenance of the truck, you should be aware that your neck is on the line if you don't pass the inspection. Do you trust the trucking company’s inspectors to find everything wrong with the truck? As the driver, no one knows the rig better than you. You'll be able to tell when there is a problem with the truck. You can tell by the feel of the truck whether the brakes are off, or many times by the sound of the truck whether there could be a problem with the motor. Be sure in the weeks and days leading up to the inspection that you are up front and vocal about any issues with the truck. Any small problem can cause issues with the inspection report. Make sure you are proactive—write down a list of issues so you don’t forget or overlook something. Remember that your truck is your livelihood. You and the truck form a symbiotic pair—two entities that rely on each other. The proper operation of the truck determines your safety and ability to make a living. If you're ready to take the next step towards a career in the truck driving industry, the right training makes all the difference. Learn how ACI can help you reach your career goals! Fill out the form you see on this page, or give us a call at 1-877-649-9614. If you'd like more information on the Training Programs available at Advanced Career Institute, please visit advanced.edu/training-programs

In Part 3 of our series on becoming a truck driver, you’ll learn about beginning CDL School. At this point, you've solidified your commitment to becoming a safe and successful truck driver. You've found the right CDL school, got all of your enrollment options figured out, and are anxiously awaiting your start date. This means it's time to get serious about your career training education. During grade school years as a kid, and into high school, many people develop a negative attitude about school. But after graduating, or receiving a GED, many people realize that going back to school means learning specific skills to use in a new career. This is exactly what you are doing by enrolling in a CDL training program.

The CDL Training Mindset

When you are first starting out, don’t underestimate the importance of your truck driving training. Don't overestimate your own skills either. Even if you feel like the material is easy, continue the program. Students who successfully complete their course of study will be awarded an appropriate diploma or certificate, and leave our institution with a quality education. To get to that point, you'll have to work hard to make sure you master the concepts and complete the course. To successfully complete a program students must complete 100% of the program requirements, measured in scheduled hours. Truck driving courses at ACI vary in length, depending on the program course. Refreshers courses are shorter, from 1-3 weeks in length, while other Class A training programs vary between 4-20 weeks.

What to Expect

Each transportation course consists of classroom, lab, range and on the road experience to ensure the best possible training. The driving portion is quite simply where you learn to drive the truck, under an instructor’s supervision. Even for seasoned drivers of commuter vehicles, driving a big truck can be a daunting and difficult experience. After all, maneuvering a big rig is quite a bit different than a normal car. The “written” portion of your truck driver training is the classroom work. In the classroom, students learn the rules and regulations associated with driving a truck. While this may not be as much “fun” as driving the truck, it is equally important.

The Benefits

Once the course is complete, students will have the basic knowledge and practical skills necessary to become a proficient entry-level truck driver. They will be prepared to obtain a Commercial Driver License by taking the CDL exam. But before we get into that, we want to give you the opportunity to take a deep breath before we consider another aspect of CDL training, which can have a big effect on your hire-ability: endorsements (which we talk about in Part 4 of this series!) If you're ready to take the next step towards a career in the truck driving industry, the right training makes all the difference. Learn how ACI can help you reach your career goals! Fill out the form you see on this page, or give us a call at 1-877-649-9614. If you'd like more information on the Truck Driver CDL Training Programs available at Advanced Career Institute, please contact us or visit advanced.edu/programs Other Articles in This Series: Your Guide to Becoming a Commercial Truck Driver Part 1: Is Truck Driving Right For Me? Part 2. Finding the Right School Part 4: CDL Endorsements

There are many truck drivers out there — more than 2 million at last count. So how do you tell the good ones from the not so good ones? It’s not too difficult, as it turns out. While all truck drivers have certain strengths and weaknesses, the best drivers all share certain traits. Once you learn these qualities, work on mastering them, and they will serve you as a trucker like nothing else. Here are the 4 traits we believe make a good truck driver:

Patience

Whether you’re sitting in traffic or waiting for your truck to be unloaded, staying cool under pressure is important. Losing your head in rush-hour traffic, or an otherwise inopportune time, can spell disaster for you - and possibly for others.

Time-Management Skills

Knowing how to spend your time out on the road is a necessity. Pre-planning your route and staying on schedule will get you to your destination and back on time. Be sure to plan out when you are going to make stops before beginning your trip. If you have good time management, employers will be stepping on themselves to hire you.

Discipline

Sticking to your schedule and being disciplined is key. Be professional about when you do (or don’t) make stops. Try to multitask on those stops. Additionally, being able to successfully maneuver around traffic accidents will keep you chugging toward your destination. This also works for staying in position when the truck is leaving.

Concentration

Being on the road means spending a lot of time driving. This isn’t always the most exciting activity in the world. If you want to thrive as a trucker, it’s important to maintain that control as you are driving, and keep your mind from wandering too much. Did we miss anything you think is an important trait to have a truck driver? What trait or quality sets you apart from others? Share your comments with us (and other drivers!) on our Facebook page! Ready to take the next step towards a career in the truck driving industry? The right training makes all the difference. Learn how our ACI training programs can help you reach your career goals!

You've put a lot of thought into it, and you’ve made your decision - you’re ready to begin trucking school. That's great! Now, your first step is choosing a CDL school. The number of schools to pick from depends on where you live. When you're looking at your options, there are different criteria to consider. The bottom line is you want attend a quality school that helps produce safe and successful truck drivers. Become the best driver you can be by taking your time and choosing the school that is best for you.

Setting Up an Appointment

One good way is meeting with a few schools in your area to learn more about them. At ACI, you'll first set up an appointment with one of our school Admissions Representatives who will answer any questions you have about enrollment and tuition assistance. You'll also receive a tour of any of our three campuses. Another way is to join in on the conversations on Facebook, and talk with students and graduates to learn about their ACI experience. Once you’ve chosen a school, you can begin the real work. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires drivers to meet certain health and wellness standards in order to drive a truck. Most importantly, before you can pursue a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), you must pass a medical exam. The Admissions Representatives at ACI can help you find the appropriate medical facility so you can get the required Driver’s DOT Medical Examination Card. They'll also go over the entire enrollment process, including finding and applying for appropriate student loans, or help you identify appropriate grants you can use.

Beginning the Enrollment Process

Keep in mind there are certain factors* that play a huge role in qualifying for CDL training. Students are required to complete a drug test with a negative result upon enrollment. They are also subject to random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with DOT regulations. Additionally, students are asked the following specific questions prior to enrollment in any of our CDL training programs:

• Do you have any moving violations or vehicular accident(s) in the last 3 years?
• Do you have any tickets pending?
• Have you ever had your drivers license suspended/revoked, or are there any restrictions on your license?
• Have you ever been convicted of a DWI, DUI, or careless driving?
• Do you have any Alcohol or Drug violations?

Truck driving is a job that requires trust. Employers cannot fully trust drivers who have a record of traffic infractions. Your reputation will precede you, so make sure you have a good one. So, take your time and look at your options to determine the school that's right for you. Doing a bit of research will go a long way in your career training.

Learn More About ACI

If you're ready to take the next step towards a career in the truck driving industry, the right training makes all the difference. Learn how ACI can help you reach your career goals! Fill out the form you see on this page, or give us a call at 1-877-649-9614. If you'd like more information on the Truck Driver CDL Training Programs available at Advanced Career Institute, please contact us or visit advanced.edu/training-programs/ *Advanced Career Institute is an Equal Opportunity Educational institution and does not discriminate in the recruitment and admission of students with respect to race, color, creed, sex, age, handicap, disability, national origin, or any other legally protected characteristic. Applicants should be aware, however, that there are U.S. Department of Transportation physical requirements that must be met for admission into any of our Transportation programs. More information can be obtained from the Admission’s department or by reviewing our School Catalog and Handbook here. Other Articles in This Series: Your Guide to Becoming a Commercial Truck Driver Part 1: Is Truck Driving Right For Me? Part 3. CDL Training Part 4: CDL Endorsements