You and your driver trainer are together for the whole JD Truck Training Centre period and you will work as hard or easy as that particular trainer does. That may not be too appealing to some and it isn't really too much fun. The good thing is that it is over so quickly and then you'll be on your own. Make the best of this training and you'll be fine.
Private trucking schools will take their time and won't pressure you. Remember, they want you to enjoy your learning experience so you will recommend their school to others. Trucking companies are hit and miss... some of them may push you and pressure you to keep their agenda alive... it's YOUR privilege to be working there so you BETTER perform. Now not all of them will treat you this way. A lot it will depend on the individual instructors.
Second option is to join a Truck driving school run by any trucking company. These schools offer you free truck driving courses but they usually make you sign one year contract that you will work for the company. At this duration they will pay a little lower wage as they try and compensate what they spent for your truck driver graduation. The disadvantage of this option is that you get stuck for one year with one trucking company and in case you intend to leave they will charge you what they have spent on your course. The advantage is you have the job security as soon as you complete your lessons and you do not have to pay any upfront fees from your side.
For example Chicago is a big city to get through. From 6:00 am in the morning to about 8:00 pm at night you will have a lot of traffic. 3:00 pm rush hour begins and doesn't settle down until 8:00 pm; most big cities are like this. If you are going to be going through at rush hour you're best bet is to wait at a truck stop for a few hours and take a nap.
Out of all the endorsements, you must be fingerprinted and pass a background check for only one: the HazMat endorsement. If you have been convicted of arson robbery smuggling HR Truck Licence bribery Truck driving school or other serious crimes you cannot obtain a HazMat endorsement. Your HazMat endorsement must be renewed at least every 5 years.
From the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, high and low, I've been there. From Puget Sound to the shores of Miami I've driven a big truck. From Boston to San Diego I've gone. I've been on four lanes, three lanes and one lane at times. I've seen the cities and countryside. I see all those vehicles and wonder where they're going and why they're in such a rush to get there?
Today truck driver training is more affordable than ever. Most training schools can point you in the right direction to apply for grants and some trucking companies will pick up the cost of your training for free in exchange for an employment contract. Good luck.