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Q: ProDrive advertises "individualized instruction." How does this help me prepare for my new career?
A: At ProDrive there is only one student per truck so students at ProDrive receive the benefit of direct instructor supervision. You don't have to spend hours watching your classmates practice (and they don't watch you in return). ProDrive's approach is the best way to learn this new skill because with ProDrive you get what you need most: Time behind the wheel!
Q: Some schools appear to advertise more hours of instruction than ProDrive. Does this mean I'll receive less instruction at ProDrive?
A: At ProDrive you'll actually receive more direct instruction, 30% more than the rules require. Remember that ProDrive's hour total does not include observation time. ProDrive understands that time spent standing in line with your classmates as you wait to use the practice vehicle doesn't prepare you for your new career in trucking.
Q: Truck schools always talk about "job placement." Will the school actually place me in a job?
A: You should realize that no truck school can actually place you in a job. Truck schools simply assist you in contacting trucking companies that hire entry level drivers. The most important responsibility of the school is to establish that your background makes you eligible for employment in today's trucking industry. Companies that routinely hire the graduates of driving schools will hire the graduates of ProDrive; companies who routinely do not hire the graduates of driving schools will usually base their hiring decisions on factors that vary from individual to individual. If a school seems to guarantee you a job be sure to ask for the guarantee in writing.
Q: A lot has been said about a nationwide shortage of truck drivers. What will this shortage mean to me when I start looking for my first job as a professional driver?
A: The need for drivers has reached a near crisis level in the long distance segment of the industry but companies also need local drivers more and more often. Companies contact ProDrive nearly everyday looking for both local and long distance drivers. You can be confident there's a job in trucking for you if you meet certain standards regarding driving record, work history, criminal history, and physical qualifications.
So yes, there's a shortage of drivers today, but keep in mind that not every company feels the same level of pain. Some companies will never hire an inexperienced driver fresh out of school while other companies rely heavily upon truck school graduates. Remember that you're starting a new career, and as always you'll start at the bottom of the ladder. It's up to you to work your way up that ladder. In this trucking is no different from any other career.
Q: Can I get a student loan to attend truck school?
A: Student loans that are subsidized by the Federal Government are not available through truck schools in Maine.
Q: What causes ProDrive to stand apart from other truck driving schools in Maine?
A: ProDrive features small class sizes (six students maximum is the norm) with individualized instruction and personal attention. ProDrive's instruction is realistic (we work with loaded trailers, for instance), and the instructional objective is to achieve more than to simply push you through the state test (we don't use automatic transmissions, for instance).
Q: I want to attend a truck school where I can watch a lot of movies in class and take naps while waiting to practice with a truck. Can I get this from ProDrive?
A: No, but we can help you find such a school.
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