A Driver Training Timeline
Starting a new truck driving job comes with plenty of questions. How long will training take? When will you get behind the wheel? Will you be paid while you train? And how do you know when you're ready to drive solo?
At Dot Transportation, Inc. (DTI), we want every driver to feel confident, capable, and prepared before heading out on their own. That's why our driver training program combines classroom instruction, hands-on experience, and time on the road with an experienced driver trainer.
Whether you're a new CDL holder or an experienced truck driver, here's what you can expect from your first day of orientation to your first solo route.
How Long Does DTI Driver Training Take?
DTI driver training generally takes about 10 weeks, although your timeline will depend on your previous experience and individual progress.
The training process typically includes:
-
2–6 weeks of classroom instruction: This includes CDL classroom training for drivers who need to earn their commercial driver's license, along with DTI orientation.
-
4 or more weeks of over-the-road training: You'll work alongside an experienced DTI driver trainer to build your skills and learn the job.
Some drivers will complete training sooner, while others may need additional time. The goal is to make sure you're ready to handle the responsibilities of driving a DTI truck safely and independently.
Here's a closer look at what happens along the way.
Phase 1: Classroom Training and Orientation
Before heading out on the road, you'll spend time learning how DTI operates, what your responsibilities will look like, and the safety practices you'll use every day.
If you're entering the trucking industry without a CDL, your journey may begin with CDL school, where you'll learn the fundamentals of operating a commercial truck and prepare to earn your license.
Once you've earned your CDL, or if you're joining DTI with one already, you'll move into DTI's orientation and driver training program.
During classroom orientation, you'll cover topics including:
-
Safety and injury prevention: OSHA training, defensive driving principles, emergency procedures, and safe equipment operation.
-
Equipment and operations: DTI trucks, material handling, forklift training, and food safety requirements.
-
Trip planning and deliveries: Route preparation, delivery paperwork, and everyday responsibilities.
-
Driver pay and programs: How DTI's activity-based pay works, available benefits, and employee programs.
-
Getting to know DTI: Our company history, business model, and how our drivers support Dot Foods and its customers.
It's a lot of information, especially if you're new to trucking. But you'll have opportunities to ask questions, learn the processes, and start getting familiar with the work before taking on more responsibility.
Phase 2: Your First Week on the Road
After your initial classroom orientation, it's time to put what you've learned into practice.
You'll head out with an experienced DTI driver trainer who will help you get comfortable with the truck, the routes, and the day-to-day responsibilities of the job.
One important difference about DTI's training program: You won't team drive with your trainer.
Instead, your trainer rides in the passenger seat while you're behind the wheel. They're there to observe, answer questions, provide feedback, and help you develop your skills.
During this stage, you'll gain hands-on experience with the things DTI drivers do every day, including preparing for trips, operating equipment, following safety procedures, and making deliveries.
You'll also begin learning what it's like to drive within DTI's operation, which may be different from what you've experienced at other trucking companies.
The more time you spend behind the wheel, the more familiar those responsibilities will become.
Phase 3: Back to the Classroom
After your first stretch on the road, you'll return to the classroom for additional orientation and training.
By this point, you've had an opportunity to experience the job firsthand. The things you've learned in the classroom now have real-world context.
This stage gives you a chance to build on that experience, work through additional training modules, and continue learning DTI's processes before heading back out.
It's also an opportunity to ask questions about situations you've encountered during your first week on the road.
Phase 4: Building Experience With Your Driver Trainer
Next, you'll return to the road for additional hands-on training.
This is where much of your learning happens.
You'll continue driving alongside your trainer, taking on more responsibility as your skills develop. Your trainer will be there to observe, coach, and provide feedback while you become more comfortable handling the truck and completing your routes.
Over-the-road training lasts at least four weeks, but the exact amount of time varies from driver to driver.
We understand that someone with years of commercial driving experience may have different training needs than someone who recently earned their CDL. Even experienced drivers have new things to learn about DTI's equipment, customers, delivery procedures, and operating expectations.
That's why we focus on individual progress rather than rushing everyone through an identical schedule.
Phase 5: Your Final Evaluation and First Solo Route
Before you're cleared to drive a DTI truck on your own, you'll complete a final evaluation.
You'll need to demonstrate that you understand DTI's operating procedures and can safely handle the responsibilities of the job. Your trainer must also feel confident that you're prepared to drive independently.
Once you've passed your final evaluation and received approval, you'll be ready to begin driving solo.
It's an important milestone, and one you've spent weeks preparing for.
Do You Get Paid During DTI Driver Training?
Yes! DTI pays drivers during training. That means you can continue earning a weekly paycheck while learning the job and preparing for your first solo route.
Training pay depends on your previous commercial driving experience.
Students and Inexperienced Drivers
If you've recently earned your CDL or have fewer than 200,000 miles of commercial driving experience, you'll receive:
-
$800 per week during training
-
A daily food budget while training on the road
Eligible students enrolled in one of DTI's participating CDL schools also receive $800 per week while attending school.
Experienced Drivers
If you have 200,000 or more miles of commercial driving experience, you'll receive:
-
$1,300 per week during training
-
A daily food budget while training on the road
Whether you're new to trucking or have years of experience, you'll be paid while learning how to operate safely and successfully as a DTI driver.
What Makes DTI Driver Training Different?
There's more to learning a new driving job than getting comfortable behind the wheel.
You'll need to understand how deliveries work, what customers expect, how to handle equipment, and who to contact when you have questions.
That's especially important at DTI, where our business model and delivery processes may be different from those of other trucking companies.
Our training program gives you time to learn those responsibilities with an experienced driver trainer beside you. You'll practice the work, receive feedback, and gradually build the skills you'll need when you're driving independently.
And while the training process requires time and effort, there's a reason we take it seriously.
We want you to be ready when it's time to take the wheel on your own.
Ready to Explore a Driving Career With DTI?
Whether you're an experienced driver looking for a change or considering your first trucking job, understanding the training process is an important part of choosing where to work.
Now that you know what to expect, take a look at DTI's driving opportunities, schedules, pay, and benefits to see whether there's a position that fits what you're looking for.