Truckers deliver food, cars, and other goods across the country, making them an essential part of the supply chain. How to become a truck driver? Most companies require their truck drivers to have a high school diploma or equivalent. All long-haul truck drivers must hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Eligibility for a CDL varies by state but usually includes passing a knowledge test and a driving test.
If you’re ready to hit the road, start a new career, make big bucks and become a truck driver – here’s what you need to do.
What Does a Truck Driver Do?
Truck drivers drive large motor vehicles such as 16-wheel tractor-trailers and oil tankers. Some work as independent contractors and others work for commercial fleets or transportation companies.
Becoming a truck driver can take weeks or months, and your training includes more than just the rules of the road. You’ll also learn how to check the safety of your vehicle, how to plan and manage long journeys, and how to secure your freight.
While you often drive your own car, you also need customer service skills to do the job effectively. This job involves communicating with dispatchers and customers receiving shipments.
Truck drivers work in shifts of up to 14 hours. According to O*Net, 84 percent of truck drivers report working more than 40 hours a week. Most also said they were regularly exposed to harsh environments and worked under strict deadlines.
Truck Driver Requirements
If you want to become a professional truck driver, first obtain a Commercial Learning Permit (CLP) and then a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Some trucking schools may require students to have a GED or a high school diploma, but not all students do. Be sure to do your research and choose an option that takes into account the skills required for the job.
In addition to the GED/High School Diploma, you will also need to meet the following requirements:
- You must be 18 to drive by state standards, and you must be 21 to drive interstate
- clean driving record
- State residency certificate
- social security number
- proof of insurance
- Pass regular drug tests and physicals
- Pass a background check
6 Steps to Becoming a Truck Driver
So, you want to be a truck driver. Congratulations! Becoming a truck driver can be an exciting and rewarding career move.
But there are a few things you should know and do before you dive in and put your heart and soul into this adventure before you can drive a semi-truck.
1. Research the job to see if it’s right for you
Before you start a career as a truck driver, it’s important to do your homework and research the pros and cons of the job. You may find that driving a truck isn’t for you, and that’s okay! But it’s best to spot it early in the process, not after you hit the road.
- online research
The quickest way to find truck driving information is to do a simple Google search. There are dozens of blog posts, many YouTube videos, and other resources that can give you an inside look at what it’s like to be a truck driver.
- Talk to the truck driver
One of the best ways to get a real and honest job description of a truck driver is to talk to a truck driver! The truck driver will be able to explain to you the realities of the job and chat with you to see if you have the qualities you need to be a good truck driver.
2. Review requirements
Many companies require you to have certain conditions before you can drive for them. First, you must be at least 21 years old to drive across state lines. Some companies may have local positions that allow drivers between the ages of 18 and 21 to work as truck drivers.
Second, it’s easier to become a truck driver if you have a clean driving record. Many schools and employers ignore minor traffic violations, but if you get a ticket or DUI for reckless driving, you may not be able to attend a driving school.
Third, some companies require you to have a specific endorsement on your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Be sure to research companies you may be interested in or in your area to find out which endorsements they will ask you to get along with CDL.
Finally, some driving schools require you to have a high school diploma or GED before enrolling. Many schools don’t have this requirement, but it’s a good thing when looking for a driving school.
3. Find a driving school
Choosing a driving school can be one of the most important parts of starting a truck driving career. You want to make sure that the school you attend will provide you with all the knowledge you need to successfully start your new career.
Don’t choose skinny schools or easy classes. Choose a good course. Choose a course that will teach you everything you need to know. If you come to us and you are not ready, I will not put you on the road until you are safe and ready to drive. So if you get more knowledge from a professional school, it will speed up everything.
4. Go to truck driving school and get a CDL A
Once you have decided which driving school to attend, the next step is to go to the school to complete your course and training.
One thing to consider is how you will pay for truck driving school. There are quite a few employers who will help you pay for your tuition. But it’s common for companies to offer reimbursement plans, meaning you pay all of your tuition up front, and then your employer pays you back gradually over a specified time period.
Pass your state CDL written and skills test
All drivers must pass a written test and a road test before obtaining a CDL license. Requirements may vary from state to state, so we recommend contacting your driving school or local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for more information.
Get your D.O.T. medical card
Drivers must undergo physical, vision, and hearing tests by a D.O.T. doctor to ensure they are healthy enough to hit the road.
5. To be hired
As we mentioned before, many companies have links to nearby driving schools. This makes it easier for student drivers to learn about different trucking companies and find A-level CDL jobs. It also helps companies recruit students right after school.
Many schools will also have job placement programs or offices that can help you find a job in your area. They are a great resource when looking for job opportunities.
6. Complete employer training and induction
Most trucking companies don’t just let you drive on the road without some kind of training course. The length of the training program varies by company, but in most cases, you can expect it to take at least a few weeks.
Conclusion
With our help and training, your dreams can become a reality. From getting a CLP to becoming an experienced and well-paid driver, we’re here to help.