Reviews of Great Lakes Truck Driving School (Driving School)

Rick Mitchell

Hands down the best trucking driving school in ohio.

Ameer E.

By far the best learning experience that I’ve had. If you go through the courses and do what you’re told to do the right way, you’ll pass everything you do the first time. I absolutely love and respect the yard instructors here. Huge shoutout to Tony, Rick, Danny, Eddie, Vince, Gerald aka honky with a donkey, Joe, Dave, Marty, chuck, doc, and Phil. All great instructors and people in general. They are all properly secured, not cracked or leaking except for Jerry. Jerry’s all kinda of cracked, broken and leaking. He had me all kinds of bent and twisted with some of the experiences that he put me through but I did not let that stop me from getting my job done. A special shoutout to Don and the best financial office ladies I know. They’re awesome! I’ll forever represent Great Lakes Truck Driving School ????

Cindy Taylor

Great

carl smith

Greatest

From Beyond

Solid group of instructors who know the trucking / construction industry. Went back in 2015, and not one day do I regret coming here.

Daniel Webster

Outstanding and knowledgeable staff excellent courses and overall outstanding experience!

Sean Bummara

A great place for a lost veteran to find their way. The office staff and trainers are top notch. They were the first step in helping me get my life together and I can't thank them enough. It was a warm experience that I'll never forget even if it was cold and snowy lol. I graduated at the end of December and now am embarking on a career with a top national carrier. The first chance I get I'll be stopping by again to convey my appreciation personally.

Naz Al Kunni

Well where do I start, if there’s any bad review don’t beleave it, just go see nd Experience it yourself, Bc I read some bad reviews And i judge the school wrong.. It’s a good school that you can find, the managers , owners all those guys in there are great people nd they help you if you have any questions My instructor in class David Welch your the best and a great teacher and thank you for everything. The instructors on the field ; John, Derrek, Mike, Gonzalez, Jeff, Big Ed. And specially one person (Mr H) you are the best Instructor there is no one like you, your techniques ???? If it wasn’t for you Mr H I don’t think I would’ve got my My CDL license within four weeks. Thank you my friend Mr. Hakija Hidic ( Mr H) 12-11-2017 .... (Naz) Nazmi

Larry Wurschum

Great school, very helpful instructors and a very nice facility. Everyone is very friendly. As long as you put in the work you will succeed with this school.

kat Langford

Really like the fact i can get my cdl,oilfied and gas course very professional

Braeden Wise

A great place to learn how to drive a truck!

Anthony Allstate

UPDATED FROM JULY 2017, SEE BELOW I wish I could leave 0 stars as my experience here differ from the 5 star ratings that you "potential clients" see on here. Therefore, this lone star represents the instructors (the underpaid, backbone of this outfit), the receptionist, the placement guys, and the admissions reps as they were great. Apparently, consistency has dropped off in recent months as i am a recent grad (within the past month; with pictures to prove it), but it's very possible that there is some sort of favoritism, or discriminatory agenda here. I voluntarily demoted myself from a class A to a class B CDL to save on time as my unemployment compensation was running out, and time was not on my side. This school's front office pretty much forced me to stay longer than needed (if I didn't, no graduate), stating I still needed 200 total hours of course work (that's for a class A, not B..class B doesn't require near that many), because they didn't want to give any grant money back to the government (I was told this was the reason by one of their employees; this greed will now come at a cost as i will not be referring anyone to go here), this extra wasted time put me in a bad situation as I haven't found a driving job yet, my unemployment compensation has run out, and now I'm forced to go back to the seasonal roofing job I was at before I started school just to make a temporary paycheck..I enrolled in this school to obtain year round stable work because I'm tired of seasonal and unemployment compensation! Also, my Class B CDL has an "automatic only" restriction on it because I had to take the best course of action to ensure me passing at the testing sight (I saved them money here also by cancelling a refresher session), when I was first using a manual vehicle (which i didn't get quality time to use..a recipe for failure; which i succeeded in doing my first time out at the testing sight)...Mr. Nease informed me that the school will pay all fees associated with the lifting of this restriction if I chose to do so in the future, I even offered to pay for my license! He never sent the email (he gave his word) of our agreement, or returned any of my phone calls (I called twice), but I did save our texts messages of this agreement, also this restriction just cost me a job with MPW Industrial Services! The front office needs a makeover! Between all this, and the hassle of their possession of only one class B manual vehicle (it was broke down for 2 weeks, inconveniencing me further), giving another class B student (recent grad) more practice time than I received, and them cramming Class A students (who didn't want the automatic restriction on their license, so they used the B manual vehicle to prevent this) back there (training yard) with me, thereby robbing me of precious time with the manual vehicle to better prepare for the state test, and move forward with my life; I WOULDN'T DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN!! I will be contacting the Ohio Department of Public Safety to look into all the standing around going on out there in the training yard, as the hours they are reporting are not the true hours the students are receiving. Now, I'm sure that Hamrick Truck Driving school would've been a better choice for me..I'm deeply saddened, and very upset by the way I was treated and it's outcome, and I hope none of "you" have to go through similar nonsense!! P.S. the review you see on here from Jeff Rhodes is fake, as he's an instructor of this school, not a recent graduate..that review was added in an attempt to counter the facts that I've laid here before you, also there isn't close to 35 trucking schools near Ohio! Thanks for reading, and good luck to you all... Update as of today 5/31/18, I have been informed that the State is currently investigating this school because it received numerous complaints that are similar to mine, also State financial grants also have been put on hold for this school. Thanks be to God!

Frederica Attab

My husband had bad experience...administration is good but instructors for drivings part not good .i suggest stay away

Jerimiah Roth

Looks like a great training facility! Staff is knowledgeable and helpful! I am looking forward to training there!

Eric Dobson

Went there good people

andrew Taylor

The instructors are well experienced and very knowledgeable of the truck driving industry. Also they school is financially affordable and even have educational loan programs for what your financial aid doesn’t cover. Good hands-on equipment and they have a good, safe, and fun learning environment. I’ve learned so much already and I’ve only had one week in class out of the eight weeks I have. They have a wide variety of trucking companies that have recruiters come out to the school in the class rooms and give information about their company to help students decide where they want to start their trucking career. Altogether Great Lakes Truck Driving School’s stuff works together and hard to make sure that their students get the knowledge, the training, and the experience they need to be well prepared for the trucking company they choose to go with after graduation.

Schyler Chappell

GTLDS is a great school! I highly recommend it. I took the the heavy equipment and CDL courses and had an absolute blast and learned a lot. I had straight truck driving experience coming in so I can't testify as a newbie. But many of my classmates, who I became good friends with, had never driven a truck or a manual transmission vehicle before in their lives and they were all trained the same way as me and all walked away very comfortable with driving a semi. They have a full time career services employee named Dustin who comes from a family of truckers and knows a lot about the industry. He was available to talk to anytime, and I feel great knowing that I can go back at any point in my career and the school will help me find work.

Kevin “KC”

Great school to go to

Mohammed Sulieman

Hands down the best school for people who want to get into the truck driving business. The instructors are the best, and most caring individuals. They genuinely care to see you become successful. I will never forget Toni, Marty, Rich, Joe, Vinny, Dave, Danny, Fast Eddie, and "Honkie with the Donkey!" You won't find better. The guys in charge Chuck, Doc, and Phil are truly the best, when I asked for more time on the road they gave it to me, when I asked for more help with pre trip they gave it to me. This school is built with class. Thank you Roger for running such great organization, he has the best staff in place his financial aid ladies are so awesome and kind! If you guys are looking for a school this is the one ask for Don!

jeff

I can’t believe it’s been 8 years since I went here. It was a lot of fun. Well worth the time. I heard about Steve, such a sad occurrence. He was awesome!

marcin MUNIEK Lezuch

thank you guys and RUSS his a grate teacher

RYSE 2019

My research pointed me to this place. I visited and was impressed. Looking forward to starting school, as soon as everything open back up.

charles gardner

Awesome school and even better staff and instructors

Gods Property

I just graduated today with my CDL B (the class was only 4 days). Jim is a GREAT instructor , very patient , knowledgeable, kind and funny. I would recommend him and this school to anyone. Thank you Jim for teaching me what I know in a short period of time and it was truly a pleasure working with you‼️

Tim Francisco

Good programs and a great staff. One stop shop, from training, to certification, to a job.

Willie Conway

Great school. Caring instructors

Alaa Al Attar

Good School, GREAT STAFF, MIKE B. THE MOST PATIENT INSTRUCTOR .... overall all the staff are awesome and great

Shane Al

It was an AWESOME Place to Learn and Enjoyed it Immensely. Teachers Were Very Good and Knowledgeable and We Had Fun Doing it. Best Part was Learning how to Play with the Big Tonka Toys, And Get Certified For It.

Ez Riot

I just finished my 40 hour refresher course here March 03.2018( haven't driven for 22 years) and I am really happy with my experience.I researched other schools and they insisted I take the full course. I want to thank Don, Mike, Terry, H and all the other instructors for their patience as I was really rusty at my skills. Yesterday I just passed my road test for the great R+L Carriers out in Columbiana Ohio and wish all of you the best! Thanks, Troy

Jacob Hathy

Terrible school… Poor Quality Equipment.. Overcrowded Classes.. It’s all about getting your money ..

Des McDonald

The instructors really teach well and are patient but at the same time reassure you that u have what it takes to be a commercial driver.

Tone Gotti

Jerry is a Very great instructor he helps out alot

sam qamh

am a recent graduate of Great lakes class of August 2017 before I signed up for the class, I researched 4 different truck driving schools. Great Lakes trucking school is the best Choice you will ever take. I would like to thank all my instructors for the best job that provided to us during my course . Thank you again and God bless you all .

Adam Widdi

I can’t thank this school enough. From Tony G to Matt and Carl won’t forget any of you. I can’t not forget Angela and Alex and Stan you guys were a great help. It has given me a career yes a school that you can definitely go to and know when you graduate and get your license that you have a job which plenty of recruiters come to and offer you to apply at the school. It gives you the unlimited possibilities to path that you can choose to make a amazing career out of. I also would like to thank Roger and the amazing Ms.Tanya my school recruiter and coordinator who helped me enroll and was there if I needed anything and Ms Maria literally helped me when I need it the most .Thank you Great Lakes Truck Driving School it was great!

Cory Pruchinsky

Great school instructors are nice and pleasant to learn from. Good facilities and plenty of trucks to learn from.

ron smith

BEST SCHOOL EVER

Terry Filsinger

Great place to learn. Fantastic instructors. They go above and beyond to make sure your prepared for your state test. Highly recommended.

CHRISTINA RUBANER

My Husband Loves it there.

G fresh

When looking for a trucking school, I was very overwhelmed. I am so thankful that I chose to go to Great Lakes truck driving school. This school has amazing instructors, Plenty of resources, And over all a team that wants you to succeed. I recommend this truck driving school to everyone I meet who is intrested in the field.

Yasin Ali

Great place to get your cdl. Instructors are experienced and helpful. This is the place that i would recommend.

Terrence Keyes

My experience with Great Lakes was one of a kind when I first came I didn't kno what to expect because of the unknown but as time revealed its self and I started to apply myself to the training the instructors helped me accordingly I started to feel more and more at ease with the trucks because of there understanding of each student were not all the same and we grasp things differently but I seen and felt they knew that when I was learning my way around these trucks I mean what more can u ask for as a student from a teacher

Ben Schreck

Can't ask for a more positive staff !

Renaissance Management Group Llc

Great Lakes Truck Driving School Is Really Great!!!!!!

Matthew Nameth

Awful company! Awful experience!

Shirley

Great school. Good instructors.

hillbilly trucker

great teachers very knowledgeable and very helpful great all around atmosphere

gifted First4sure

Just from hearing the reviews from graduates verbally and those that was posted online, this is a good school with good instructors. The only problem is, that if you live in cleveland, at least where i am at, it takes 45 minutes to get there and the same time to get back. That may prevent a challenge for people. Especially if you dont have a vehicle and using a wia gant to pay for tuition. Besides that, i believe it would be a wonderful place for a individual to learn the basics and possibly move forward to a long carreer in trucking.

Rugged Steel

Horrible experience joining this truck driving school. Do not join in here.

Art Wyzykowski

Good teachers and they move along at a good pace. Very friendly and helping.

Ahmed Hammad

Very awesome school especially the instructors all the staff very helpful awesome customers service

Shawn Bernett

Went to this school and I’m telling you had the worst Experience in my life only good thing in this school was some of the instructors and teachers but the good ones left or were let go other than that completely waste of time and your money all they care about is getting you graduated and that’s it they said they would help you find a job but they could care less, I would not waste my time or money ever going back to the school. You’re better off just learning from a family member or a friend that already has a CDL that will teach you. You will save so much time and money.

Mike Dawson

Great School great instructors. I couldn't have picked a better school for training. Thanks for opportunity.

Steve Dowling

I just started three weeks ago. Sarah my classroom instructor is VERY GOOD at her job. Her knowledge and instructor skills are amazing.

John Kingzett

Jim is an outstanding examiner and instructor! Went in to take my Class A CDL driving test, and the nerves were jumping. Jim talked me down and kept me calm the entire time, he was very professional while also being down to earth. Great man you guys have!

kinster davis

I recommend that any one looking for excellent truck driving school go or come to great lakes truckdriving school. They have the best training experience in the trucking industry. I rate them 5-stars hands down! Student-k.davis,jr.

Jeff Rhodes

I am a recent graduate of Great lakes class of July 2017 before I signed up for the class, I researched 35 different truck driving schools. I had visited all of them looking for the best training to start my new career as a truck driver. Great Lakes had hands down impressed me.This began with the first call where I spoke to Theresa and she provided me with helpful resources & information to the initial visit to the school where Chris, Roger, Christine, Holly, Mike, and Doris (the owner) made me feel welcome and a part of the Great Lakes Family. They really took the time to explain the program and answer all of my questions and concerns. Gary ( the yard master) has a wealthy knowledge base and was willing to go above and beyond to help everyone and can multitask like no one else. Traci who takes care of all the hours and scheduling for class and tests is very thorough and very approachable. She also follows up after your testing and will provide you with excellent care and service. The instructors in the yard and classroom focus on your success and they have a desire to teach skills and technique and how to perform them safely, not just to pass the test. Their focus is to create a professional and competent truck driver. Jerry in the classroom keeps your attention and focus. H, Rob, Mike, Bill, Jeff, Tony, Dave, Cedric, Terry, Brandi, and Coleman not only teaches you the fundamentals and skills required of every driver in their yard but they make you feel a part of the family at Great Lakes. They provide personalized instruction for every student as they feel like your success is also their success. I highly recommend that if you are pursuing your career as a truck driver that you look no further. The team at Great Lakes goes above and beyond to help you and guide you to your new profession. I am thoroughly pleased and confident in the choice I made and if I had it to do over again, there is no doubt in my mind that it would be Great Lakes all the way!

Pat Sal

A good place to learn truck driving.

Kinnar Patel

This really is a great place. All the instructors are nice and explain everything to you in detail and help you however they can. If you are serious about getting your CDL, then this is the place to go.

kirk lehman

Friendly and very informative.

John Adams

School has poor quality equipment to train on!!! You are better off getting your education elsewhere.. It is just a money grab!!!

Laticia Jones

I am currently enrolled in the school 200 hours for CDL. The class size was about 26 people this is horrible when it comes to spending time in the yard or on the road. You’re bounced around from one section to another without actually being taught the concept of the maneuver. There are a few instructors that actually help you and teach the maneuver then there’s others that you have to beg for help. I get it 26-40 ppl in the yard with 7 instructors but why take on so many students when you don’t have the trucks or the employees? Let’s do the math 26*6k. I get it now. Smh There’s so much more I could had done with $5700. There has been days that the students have waited for 2+ hours for the yard to be set up for the day. Then your hours for the day are now messed up because of them not being prepared. The only way you get help is if your company has a contract with them or you’re a woman. Other than that you’re not helped. Due to their incompetence some of us will be here longer than the 5 weeks that was discussed. As I said there are great instructors here the school is ran poorly just like a trucker mill.

Marian Stoica

Thank you Great Lakes Truck Driving School for an amazing experience, the staff was absolutely helpful from the first day i sign up all the way through the classes. Learned everything in such a short time from all the best instructors. I recommended signing up for your Cdl classes.

Andrew Schultz

Good place, good trainers, nice environment.

Alec DeRemer

I went in to remove 2 restrictions from my class A in my own truck a 42ft car hauler straight truck. Stan was my Examiner and he was by far the best one that I have ever had he was relaxed and just easy to communicate to and doesnt make you nervous during the test and he truly wants you to pass and will do everything he legally can to help you pass. When i say that i mean i failed the parking the first time cause i wasnt all the way in the box and before the test he just kept reminding me to get out and look and i ended up passing. I just really wanted to thank stan for an amazing experience at this school along with everyone else that i had the pleasure of meeting