Acquiring a commercial driver’s license (CDL) can open the door to various career paths, from driving to managing a trucking company, becoming a driver trainer, and more.
Tom Gilliam, a seasoned professional driver, has not only driven extensively but also trained many other drivers. He has transformed his vast experience into his own training business, The CMV Tutor LLC.
Gilliam provides multiple levels of instruction, from beginner courses for those new to trucking to specialized programs for experienced drivers looking to gain new endorsements, eliminate automatic transmission restrictions, or meet carrier-mandated safety standards. Additionally, he offers tailored training for carrier clients, including passenger endorsements and school bus certifications.
The CMV Tutor is entirely run by Gilliam himself, with no additional staff. Training sessions for Allied Van Lines are conducted using carrier facilities in Rochester, Minnesota, and Onalaska, Wisconsin, while the school provides the necessary trucks.
Gilliam prefers to keep his operation small.
“I’ve had people ask me about coming in, but when you start interjecting other people into the process, that’s where you start coming up with problems,” he explained. By managing everything on his own, he ensures the quality of his curriculum.
For many students, completing this curriculum and acquiring the skills for a CDL signifies either the start of a new career or progress in an existing one.
The CMV Tutor offers a complimentary CDL training course for individuals currently without a home. However, Gilliam emphasizes that the program is not entirely free.
“Nothing’s free,” Gilliam stated. “They’re earning this. They have to put in the hours and the effort, do the work. That’s their investment.”
The training isn’t supported by government grants or programs.
“This is out of my pocket,” he said. “I see it all the time — people camped out by the river or in the ditches. I can only help one person every few months, but at least that’s getting somebody on their feet again.”
Running The CMV Tutor’s homeless driver training program requires more than simply opening the classroom.
“A lot of (homeless people) don’t have driver licenses, not even for a car,” Gilliam said.
Applicants need to obtain a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) before joining the program. This requires access to online study materials, fees for written exams, and transportation to the appropriate state testing facility. Additionally, applicants’ homeless status must be verified.
“We get a lot of sad stories, like the call from a parent who said their son was sitting at home and needed a life-changing career. But he’s at home; that’s the issue,” said Gilliam.
After approval, students face further challenges like securing meals and lodging, as well as acquiring work boots and clothing.
“That’s why I’m working with homeless shelters,” Gilliam explained. “They’ve worked with the people and know them. They can help filter out the ones that are having issues with drugs or mental illness. They can refer students who are most likely to benefit from the training.”
While collaborating with shelters to refine the homeless training program, Gilliam continues to offer driver training for traditional students.
“I train for several carriers, and I deal with students directly, too,” he said. Licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin, he provides equipment with manual transmissions for training.
Gilliam holds Senior Master Instructor and Senior Master Safety Instructor certifications from the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA). He is dedicated to leveraging his 40 years of driving and teaching to prepare others for successful trucking careers.
His offer extends to homeless individuals interested in obtaining Class A tractor-trailer, straight truck, or bus licenses. He aims to train three to four students annually through the homeless program.
Those interested should apply through their local homeless shelter or advocate. Homeless agencies interested in collaboration can contact The CMV Tutor at [email protected] or 608-358-3143.
Source: The Trucker
Image: The CMV Tutor
