STARTING BEHIND THE WHEEL

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BEHIND THE WHEEL TRAINING

WHAT YOU NEED

Required Documents

You must have completed and we must have copy of your Negative Drug Screen

You must bring all required documents to your appointment:

DOT Medical Card
Driver’s License
Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

Training cannot begin without these documents.

If you arrive without them, it will be treated as a No Call / No Show, and you will be charged the corresponding fee.

WHAT TO WEAR

Expect trucks to be dirty and greasy—wear clothes you don’t mind getting stained. Dress for the weather so you can work comfortably outdoors.

Footwear Rule: For your safety, flip-flops, sandals, or any open-toe shoes are not allowed. Closed-toe shoes or work boots are required at all times.

Coursework Requirement

All coursework must be completed before your first driving session.

Be prepared—in most cases, you will be driving the truck on public roads on your very first day out.

We’re Here to Help You Succeed

We’re Here to Help You Succeed
At Thumb CDL, our instructors bring years of real-world driving and training experience. We know exactly what it takes not only to pass your CDL test but also to become a safe, skilled, and professional driver.

To give you the best chance at success, we do not recommend using non–Thumb CDL–approved materials, such as random YouTube videos or online sites. Much of that information is state-specific, outdated, or flat-out wrong—and relying on it may hurt your ability to pass your test.

Yes, your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) allows you to drive with any CDL holder in the vehicle. However, this is strongly discouraged. Driving outside of training often leads to bad habits, such as one-handed steering, Improper shifting, or other unsafe practices that will set you back when it comes time to test.

Stick with the Thumb CDL–approved training and instructors—they’re designed to prepare you correctly, help you avoid bad habits, and set you up for long-term success on the road.