[bryanlarsen]

From what I hear many of the commercial driver's license training & job programs are scams of the indentured servitude type. You owe them for the training and they keep on adding on penalties and fees so you don't get out from the debt. I'm sure there are some good ones out there, just be careful.

[ics]

It depends, the programs offered by companies are definitely a risk and many of the independent schools are predatory in their own ways. Many states and cities may have their own free or low cost programs to get into the industry for low income folks. However the bigger hurdle will be the behavioral health history. Such history may be disqualifying for those programs; even more likely if you are taking medication; more if your medications are a banned substance. If you're not currently on medication but have any medical record of being prescribed or diagnosed with a mental health issue at any point then be prepared for a great deal of pain. Then begins the kafkaesque ordeal of finding medical practitioners who will work with you through the process instead of just tossing the hot-liability-potato. (Source: me, a recent CDL permit holder who happened to experience some burnout in the past and not simply ignore it.)

[reactordev]

Many require a contract of a year to reimburse training costs. You can leave before then by just paying the difference. Many who claim its servitude aren’t saving their earnings and can’t hold a job longer than a year. In the end though, read the contract. Never sign anything you can’t commit to.