In order to become a truck driver in North Carolina you will need to get commercial driver's license (CDL) certification. This certification means that you have completed your training. There are three kinds of places that you can receive your CDL certification: private schools, public places such as colleges, and through a training program with a truck driving company.
Private schools are the costliest way to get truck driver certification, but is a good way to go about getting it. At most private schools, the trucks you will be working with are fairly new. Most teachers at these institutions tend to have a lot of experience and make for excellent instructors. The average time to get CDL certification is six months through this route.
Many colleges offer truck driver training as part of vocational training. In most instances, the cost to attend this training is either free or cheap. The trucks in some cases are rather old and not up-to-date with the latest equipment because of state budget cuts in regard to education.
Most truck driving companies will offer training for free but then require a time of commitment to that company. If you have a company in mind to work for, taking advantage of training through the company is a cost-effective method to secure a truck driving job. If there is a company you wish to work for, contact it to see if it offers any truck driving training.
To get CDL certification in North Carolina at a private school, here are some to consider:
Charlotte Truck Driver Training School
4830 Hovis Road
Charlotte, NC 28208
800-424-9064
charlottetruckdriverschool.com
Roadmaster Drivers School of North Carolina Inc.
1111 South Clinton Ave.
Dunn, NC 28335
800-831-1300
roadmaster.com/truck_school_northcarolina.asp
United States Truck Driving School
3902 Highway 211
South Lumberton, NC 28358
888-959-7364
If you don't mind waiting, using older equipment, and wish to pay less, going the route of a college to get your CDL certification is the way to go. Here are a few colleges to consider:
Johnston Community College
245 College Road
PO Box 2350
Smithfield, NC 27577
919-934-3051
johnstoncc.edu/nctruckdrivertraining.aspx
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
2855 Hickory Blvd.
Hudson, NC 28638
828-726-2386
caldwell.cc.nc.us
Maryland Community College
200 Maryland Drive
PO Box 547
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
828-765-7351
mayland.edu/academics/pubsafocctech/trucking/index.html