CDL Training Courses: Your Path to a High-Paying Career and Rewarding Benefits

Red Hook on the Road helps unemployed New York City residents obtain their Class B CDL license. Red Hook on the Road graduates are equipped with all the skills needed to pursue an entry-level career in commercial driving and are able to secure the best job opportunities in the industry.

Apply: Are you ready to start a career in commercial driving?

The trucking industry offers high-paying career opportunities, with no college degree required. As the demand for skilled truck drivers remains strong, CDL (Commercial Driver's License) training courses offer a direct path to stable employment. Whether you want to drive a truck, bus, or other commercial vehicle, completing CDL training and obtaining your license is the key to a rewarding career.

The following are the eligibility requirements:

Must be unemployed – no part-time or gig work (Uber, Grub Hub, etc.) 21 years and older Reside in NYC and legally eligible to work in the U.S. Obtain and submit a DMV driving record that must be no older than 30 days Available for training Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm Must pass drug test No driving under the influence or intoxication Individuals with criminal records are encouraged to apply Must currently have a NYS driver’s license Must have held a valid NYS driver’s license for at least two years Contains the following: A) Four (4) points or less B) No more than one (1) suspension (must be at least two years old) C) No more than two (2) criminal convictions on driving record

CDL training courses provide a comprehensive commercial vehicle driving education. Training includes:

• Vehicle Operation: Learn how to safely operate a large vehicle, including maneuvering and parking in tight spaces.

• Safety Protocol: The course emphasizes defensive driving, vehicle inspections, and compliance with safety regulations.

• Driving Skills: Gain hands-on experience through driving training, focusing on highways, city streets, and different road conditions.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Prepares you for the CDL written test, covering traffic laws, road safety, and vehicle operation.

For example, the Red Hook on the Road program offers a four-week course with one week dedicated to classroom learning and three weeks focused on real-world driving experience. Once students complete the course, they are ready to take the CDL road test.

Application Process

If you are interested in applying to our program, please complete the Red Hook on the Road Interest Form, which is the first step in the application process and helps us determine if you meet the eligibility requirements. If you qualify, we will respond via email with instructions on how to obtain a driving record summary, reviewing your driving record is a critical part of the application process. If your summary meets our program requirements, we will invite you to an orientation/information session where you will learn more about the program, career options available to you, entry-level salaries, and next steps in the process. Please note that our orientation/information sessions require video and sound.

What to expect after training

After successfully passing the road test, graduates can work driving school buses, coaches, Access-A-Ride vehicles, and trucks. Businesses in Red Hook on the Road's extensive network of employers often offer benefits and generous starting salaries.

Work sometimes begins early in the morning and often requires traveling throughout the five boroughs. Some local truck driving jobs require the ability to bend and lift up to 70 pounds, though many graduates also work in jobs that do not require heavy lifting.