Hello, I was wondering if there is any type of grants, that can help someone get their CDL, I've been pricing all the schools, but they cost so much. In the past I drove OTR, for about 4 yrs, and I was missing my family grow, so I let my CDL expire, I have a super clean record, but since 2000, when I stopped, I earned myself a felony possession of marijuana, back in 2005, I have looked all around, but with the companies that do training, they want it to be at least, 5-7 yrs old before they touch me, I lined up a job driving with a friend of mine that is a owner op, he does not care about my past, since he is already giving me a 2nd chance at a great job, I can't ask him for the help, with the school, as soon as I get my CDL, I have a job, but I am having a hard time finding the money, so if anyone knows if there are any grants that can help, PLEASE let me know, I believe in Karma, and a 2nd chance... Thank you for taking the time to read this... :rolleyes:

If you already had a CDL, all you have to do is retake the written and road tests to get a new CDL. So what's so hard about that? I don't think you need to attend a school if you already held a CDL. Schooling is for rookies and anyone who actually drove for 4 years is definitely not a rookie.

I let my cdl expire, and it has been 9 yrs in Aug, they said since I have not driven since then, there is a 8.5 yr gap and I have to be retrained completely, school all over again, too long for a refresher course...

Oh, you didn't say how long. You could try one of the OTR companies who offer the free in house training for their new recruits. They may decide you're good material as having previous driving experience and hire you into their free school. The bigger companies offer this. It's just a matter of searching the net for the companies and speaking to their recruiters. I know here in Ohio schools go for $6-$8,000 and up for training. Pricey.