START YOUR CDL JOURNEY TODAY
VALPARAISO, IN
Transportation Info
Please arrange your personal transportation to the hotel.
Lodging Info
Motel 6. 8290 Louisiana St.
Merrillville IN 46410
219-738-2701
Restaurant Info
There are numerous restaurants within 2 miles of our Premier Truck Driving School.
SCHOOL INFORMATION
- Must be be at least 18 years old. CDL drivers under 21 will be eligible to drive within the state lines only.
- Complete all portions of the driver application.
- Obtain a DOT medical card. This requires passing a DOT physical with a DOT registered doctor.
- Obtain a CDL Permit at your local DMV.
- Upon arrival, pass a mandatory drug screen.
- Have results of the physical that meet minimum standards, including:
- A blood pressure rating of 140/90 or less.
- An eyesight rating of 20/40 or better.
- A horizontal field of vision rating of no less than 80 degrees.
- Understand that firearms are strictly forbidden on the school property.
For more information, please call a recruiter at 800-897-1833.
- Valid State Driver’s License
- DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate (typically the last page of the DOT packet)
- Valid I9 document (e.g. Social Security Card – original, Passport, U.S. Birth Certificate)
With this fast-paced truck driver training program, you will accomplish great things by the end of the first week. Students of the training program will find that, although demanding, the course is also very rewarding.
During the first week of class, you will meet your instructor and learn about the safety procedures to backing maneuvers. There may be homework every day throughout the program, but you will find that the more you work, the sooner you will accomplish your goals.
After attending classroom instruction, your time spent in the trucks will teach you how to:
- Turn the tractor-trailer.
- Handle railroad crossings and intersections.
- Drive in city and highway traffic.
- Back up the tractor-trailer.
- Couple and uncouple the tractor to the trailer.
- Inspect your equipment, including the complete pre-trip inspection.
- Test your brakes.
The D.O.T. requires that each driver meet certain qualifications and pass a physical exam (Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, sec. 391).
D.O.T. PHYSICAL
- Vision – Must be corrected to at least 20/40 or better in both eyes
- A horizontal field of vision rating of no less than 80 degrees.
- Pass drug/alcohol screening
- Pass respiratory, cardiac, medical history and medications screening
- Hearing test with or without hearing aid
- Blood pressure must be 140/90 or better
CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Prior to arrival, there are certain medical conditions that need to be cleared by our D.O.T certified doctor. If any of the following apply, please contact your recruiter who will refer you to the Lakeside Medical Clinic for information about D.O.T. medical requirements:
- Diabetes/High Glucose
- Psychotropic Medications
- Unresolved Injuries
- Prescription Narcotic Medications
DON’T FORGET TO BRING
- Money for personal expenses until your first paycheck
- Contacts or glasses, if applicable
- CPAP Machine for sleep apnea, if applicable
- Medications or prescriptions, if applicable
HYGEINE AND CLOTHING ITEMS
- Duffel bag
- Sleeping bag and bedding, pillow, blanket if travelling to the facilities
- 7-10 days of clothing
- Small laundry bag and laundry supplies
- Closed toe shoes, work gloves, sunglasses
- Towel, shampoo, soap, and deodorant
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Small notebook and pens
- Flashlight
- Coat and warm clothes, if applicable
- Sunscreen and a hat, if applicable
Once you have been scheduled into the Valparaiso Facility, please confirm your travel arrangements with your recruiter.
- Please arrange your personal transportation via Uber, Lyft, etc.
- On your first day, check in with the school administrator for further instructions.
- Typically, your first day will consists of several activities including some classroom time, completing paperwork, drug test, road evaluation and backing.