FAQ

Our training program includes 40 hours of classroom instruction and 120 hours of behind-the-wheel training. At our school, classroom instruction doesn’t mean that students are continuously sitting and listening to a lecture or watching a film. We’ve designed out-of-seat activities that break up the day and provide breaks from classroom lectures. Those activities include demonstrating how air brakes work, performing pre-and post-trip inspections, and practicing with the driving simulator. Every student enrolled at Shelly Truck Driving School receives 3 weeks of hands-on training on the roads of York and Lancaster counties. We are one of the few schools in the northeastern United States with a state-of-the-art simulator, which every one of our students uses to learn basic truck driving techniques.

Can I get a CDL in PA without going to school?

While it was once possible to obtain a CDL without formal training, this is no longer the case. Prior to 2022, self-study and on-the-job training were options, but these methods were not highly recommended and often not preferred by employers. Today, Pennsylvania requires all CDL applicants to complete a formal training program.

Which tests are required to get a CDL in PA?

There are three tests required to obtain a CDL Learner’s Permit, they are General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combinations. The final CDL Test includes three practical test segments. They are Vehicle Inspection, Basic Control Skills, and a Road test. Shelly Truck Driving School helps students prepare for these exams and ensures that they possess the skills required for commercial truck driving.

What disqualifies you from getting a CDL in PA?

Several factors can prevent you from obtaining a CDL in Pennsylvania, including age restrictions, certain medical conditions, substance abuse, criminal record, and immigration status. Shelly Truck Driving School can help you understand the specific requirements and determine if you’re eligible to apply. Please be completely honest about your situation so we can provide the most accurate guidance.

What happens after passing the CDL exam?

After passing the CDL exam, students graduate from Shelly Truck Driving School with a Class A CDL license and a diploma. Our students can also earn several endorsements to their CDL, specifically N (tank vehicles), T (double trailers), and H (hazardous materials). These endorsements allow students to drive a larger number of vehicles, which improves their future job prospects and ability to be hired.

How will I know which type of job is best for me?

While you are enrolled at Shelly Truck Driving School, take the opportunity to talk with your instructors and visiting recruiters about the types of professional truck driving careers that interest you. This is the best way to learn what those careers are really like. Take your time, do your research, and ask your instructors for their advice to find the best fit for you.

What kinds of job-placement services do you provide?

Shelly Truck Driving School graduates are highly regarded – we have a 90% job placement rate! During their four weeks of study, students will have the opportunity to meet recruiters from companies that are hiring local, regional, jockey, and long-haul CDL-A drivers. We encourage our students to talk with their instructors about the different types of professional driving careers of interest to them. Graduates are always welcome to contact the school director to discuss employment opportunities.

What kinds of driving jobs will I be qualified for after I get my CDL?

You will graduate with a Class A CDL license and several endorsements, specifically, N (tank vehicles), T (double trailers), and H (hazardous materials), so you will be eligible for any jobs with these requirements. The school can provide job applications from local, regional, and long-haul companies. Recruiters also visit the school on a regular basis, giving formal presentations about their company.

What is it like when a new driver shows up for work on the first day? How do they know what to do?

Shelly Truck Driving School’s 4-week course prepares you for your first day working in the trucking industry with a rigorous 160 hours of instruction that includes practical skills for in the truck yard and on the road. When you earn your CDL-A at Shelly Truck Driving School, you are prepared to begin your career as a professional truck driver. Requirements vary from company to company, but most newly hired first-time CDL-A truck drivers complete several weeks of training with an experienced driver-trainer at their new company. That training helps new drivers learn their employer’s safety, maintenance, and paperwork procedures, preferred routes, and customers’ requirements for delivery and pick-up.