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Knight Driver Training
Whether you already have a Class A CDL or you need to obtain your permit and then attend our CDL Driving School, we can help!
Our CDL program is located in Phoenix, AZ and is currently available to the residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Utah. Unfortunately, our school isn't available to every state, if you would like to inquire about the state that you live in, please give us a call.
At Knight, we provide expert driver training to help our drivers develop a long-lasting career. As a student, you are paired with a trainer who is committed to your success. At Knight, not just anyone can be a trainer – they are hand-selected, with vast industry knowledge and expertise to provide the best training possible to prepare you for the road ahead.
Benefits of Training at Knight
Get Pre-Qualified Before Attending CDL School
Refresher Training Available
Small Class SIzes, Personalized Attention
Obtain CDL through Knight
How Knight’s CDL Driver Training Program Works
Application
Begin application process with the help of a Knight recruiter at your local terminal. This includes screening, testing and DOT qualification. The following are required to enroll in the truck driver training program:
- Passing of written exam
- CDL instruction permit from your home state
CDL Classes
After qualifications are met, you will generally begin training within a week. Knight will not make you sign any contracts to begin our commercial driver’s license (CDL) program. You will begin CDL school at Knight’s Phoenix terminal. Students have to provide their own transportation and lodging during the 2-to-3 weeks of CDL training, but receive $420 of trainee salary each week for additional expenses.
Squire Training
Once the CDL course is complete, you will become a Squire and begin over-the-road training with a qualified trainer in your region. During this time, you will receive individual focus from driver trainers, learn the critical non-driving skills, and get real-world driving experience, all while earning a decent income. Squire training lasts about 4-to-6 weeks.
Road Test
Before moving on to solo driving, Squires have to pass the state CDL skills and road test with an average score of 80 percent or better. This test includes performing a proper inspection, demonstrating straight-line backing, and identifying each piece of your equipment, as well as proving satisfactory driving ability. Drivers who successfully complete the CDL and driver training programs receive a certificate of completion upon graduation.
Solo Driving
Drivers spend 4-to-5 months driving solo after passing their road test. Although these drivers are running loads on their own, they are closely monitored by their driver managers to ensure safe and successful runs. As soon as a driver has achieved 30,000 solo OTR miles, he or she graduates the program and begins a satisfying and profitable career as a Knight Driving Associate.
Learn more about Knight Driver Training. Call us at 1-888-4KNIGHT.
What Our Drivers Think
I appreciate that I am taken care of at Knight. The people are people – I’m not just a number and the dispatchers aren’t just a dispatcher. I work for the best team in the business.
- Dave O’Connell, Driver - Southern California
Knight has been the best company for me overall. They provide good miles, are easy to communicate with, and it gets better and better.
I didn’t know what a fun and exciting ride it would be with Knight. Knight provided a career for me with the best equipment and support group. I am blessed.
If you do your job and do it well, you won’t have any problems at all. Knight gets us home when we need to get home and they always keep us in good equipment.
I enjoy how organized Knight is, how they provide good equipment, and that they acknowledge everything I do. I am always shown respect as a driver and they train their dispatchers well.
- Blake Burdette served in the Air Force, Driver – Lakeland, FL
Knight treats me well and gets me home when I ask. I have a great dispatcher and I love the truck I got.
- Stephen Smeltxer, Reefer Driver - Columbus, OH
This has been my favorite job I’ve ever had. I like how there is no pressure at Knight. We have a choice and they listen and take the time to talk.
- Cesar Martinez, Port & Rail Driver - Los Angeles, CA
If I have a problem on the road I can always call them to get my problem resolved. I don’t have to worry about sitting for days waiting to see if they are going to take care of it.
- Claudio Clark, Independent Contractor for 7.5 years
When I got started, it took about a week, maybe two, because it was my first time I didn’t know much about trucking. I thought it was a nice smooth process. The recruiter told me all of the steps and information I needed to have with me before I came over to Knight and did orientation. When I had everything all set up, they said OK, come in this Monday.
- David Miller, Reefer Driver (Squire)