What Makes a High-Quality CDL Training Program: A Checklist for Employers
For employers seeking the best for their current and newly hired drivers, a customized, high-quality CDL training program can be exactly what they need. CDL programs, whether for corporate or government fleets, can offer new driver onboarding, skill refreshers, and a pipeline of licensed drivers to hire from.
But what elements should you include to make sure your CDL program stands out above the rest? In our blog, we identify the ingredients for an effective, high-quality CDL program and discuss what employers should offer when establishing their own CDL training.
What to Consider When Creating a High Quality CDL Training Program
Establish Clear Objectives
Like any major project, the first step is knowing the end goal. What are the aims and objectives? What does success look like? A customized CDL training program can be geared toward an employer’s exact needs and gaps, and understanding the answers to these questions will drive the rest of the decisions down the line.
Secure Space and Equipment
The kind of learning facilities and training yard used to train your teams make a big impact on the success of the program. Having a variety of trucks, rigs, and equipment in top condition is a foundation for success. Employees can benefit from learning on the models that they’ll potentially be driving on the road.
Hire Real Professionals
CDL training programs are about practical, real-world experience. They’re about getting training for a hands-on career, and the instructors need to reflect that. While they must have extensive experience in the truck driving industry, they must also have strong teaching skills and the ability to meet learners where they’re at. Employees want to know that they’re learning from professionals who really understand the business; not someone who only knows theory.
Plan the Curriculum and Schedule
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has set out minimum curricula requirements for entry-level driver training, breaking it out into both classroom theory standards and behind-the-wheel skills. Input from hired instructors on their own experiences can also help shape how a program’s curriculum is structured. Moreover, since most internal training programs take place during working hours, it’s important to develop a schedule that minimizes the impact on an employee’s other work obligations.
Quality CDL training programs also often have flexible scheduling because many employers have to work training around current employees’ work schedules.
Class Sizes and Support
For employers looking to develop a custom CDL training program, class size is important. Since so much of the instruction is hands-on and behind-the-wheel, a low student-to-instructor ratio is essential. Quality CDL programs center on individualized attention and provide support for employees to be successful, whether that’s extra time learning the material or being flexible so the employee’s schedule can accommodate training.
Make an Implementation Plan
A customized CDL training program isn’t done once it’s launched. To maintain long-term effectiveness, there needs to be a way to both track progress and remain compliant with regulations. Employees should complete an evaluation and feedback questionnaire after training is complete to assess how the program is being received. Offering refreshers, exam preparation, and support for earning CDL endorsements can further help support the success of your trainees.
Putting People in the Driver’s Seat
The idea of developing a customized, high-quality CDL training program might be appealing to a lot of employers, but it also is a daunting prospect, trying to organize all the various moving pieces involved. Ancora Training partners with businesses and organizations to develop career training programs — including CDL training programs — that provide real skills and benefits. Contact our team or book a consultation with us to start developing your individualized plan.
