Do You Want To Be A Truck Driver?
You’ve driven past and looked up to see the face behind the wheel of the big rig. The sun gleaming off the polished chrome caught your attention and captivated your thoughts. The idea of traveling the nation, coast to coast, and taking in the diverse beauty is rarely far from the front of your mind. You want to be a truck driver.
It’s in you. You wonder, “Where do I even begin?”
The world is flooded with more career opportunities and more specializations in every field of work than ever before. Truck driving is no exception. It’s hard to fathom but the industry we thrive in has diversified its opportunities to keep in step with the ever-changing economic world around us. Whether you want to transport commercial products such as groceries, or specialize in moving the stage set-up for today’s hottest act, or drive a mining truck for the newest lithium mine that helps power the electric cars of the future, trucking is already there.
Having a commercial driver’s license (CDL) can be the key to opening the door to a new world filled with opportunity that brings both satisfaction and strong earning potential. But the days of hopping in a truck and heading out on the highway are long gone in most states. Today, fortunately, it’s a formalized educational course coupled with hands-on learning that helps prepare you to enter the ever-evolving world of truck driving.
CDL Requirements
The CDL requirements are different than those of a standard driver’s license, particularly with regard to the type of vehicle that can be operated, and the age at which a license holder may drive. Specific requirements (timelines, fees, etc) vary by state so be sure to check your state requirements. Generally speaking, though, all candidates must be at least 18 years old to drive within their respective state. After 21, CDL holders can cross the state lines and the country opens up to new opportunities.
Truck drivers are also required to pass a DOT medical examination from a qualifying physician. The reality of the industry requires drivers to be behind the wheel, operating a multi-ton vehicle through traffic and across the country. It is both physically and mentally demanding. Drivers are required to perform with top mental clarity and, at times, with a degree of physical acuity. Drivers may be disqualified if they have medical conditions that could lead to a loss of consciousness, hearing, or vision, if they have a compromised nervous system, or physical limitations that could interfere with driving ability.
Other heart restrictions can include certain heart conditions, epilepsy or other conditions that can result in loss of consciousness, inner ear diseases or disorders that cause vertigo or other balance issues, diabetes, high blood pressure, and respiratory conditions. There may also be mitigating factors that will allow drivers to continue working, however, there must be worked out with plans through a physician to ensure maximum safety.
Where To Get Your CDL
As you step into the path of earning your CDL, you want to choose the right school. Truck driving schools are the primary entry point for anyone entering the world of big rigs but not the only option. Let’s take a look at the different paths available to prospective students, with an eye on the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Private CDL Schools
The most popular stream for training new drivers flows through private CDL schools. Training times vary between schools, from mere weeks to a full year, with costs ranging from $1000 to $10,000. Private CDL schools are designed to provide more one-on-one attention to students and typically provide students with individualized driving instruction. The in-class training covers subjects and topics including pre-trip inspections, trip planning, coupling procedures, logbooks, air brakes, loading and unloading, load security, and many other topics that drivers are required to know and demonstrate.
The comprehensive courses offered through private CDL schools take time. Classes generally take a few weeks to complete, while some also offer weekend options to complete the course over a longer period of time. This is especially helpful for students who are already working full-time jobs.
Private CDL schools are the most common training option making it more likely that you are closer to one than a community college or trade school program. These schools also have flexible payment options and financing available while students may also access federal funding to further their education.
Community Colleges/Trade Schools
A less-than-traditional approach to truck-driving education can be achieved through community colleges and trade schools. Set in a more traditional learning environment, these schools appeal to traditional learners who are comfortable setting foot in a post-secondary education environment.
In some states including Delaware, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, the College Promise program is a financial option for students which may cover the cost of tuition.
More than just learning how to drive a transport, some colleges and trade schools offer a one-year degree related to the commercial freight business. While this isn’t required to become the king of the road, it opens up a greater insight into the industry and can prepare you for other opportunities in the industry down the road.
The biggest drawback facing these programs is their duration. Typically, students are required to attend training for 6-9 months at a time thus delaying the start of the truck driving career.
Paid Training/Company-Sponsored Training
Most big carriers offer in-house training which is exactly what it sounds like. Prospective drivers are hired on with the company and immediately hit the road with a trainer or mentor who spend weeks training the student on all aspects of the truck driving world.
The greatest benefit to these training programs is the guaranteed job after training. During the training, driver pay is lower but the training is free. Companies providing the training typically require their students to remain with the company for a year after training at a lower wage to offset the training costs. Students opting to leave a company are usually required to pay the cost of the training back to the employer.
The benefits of training through an employer-sponsored training program include guaranteed employment, training on company equipment, and free training. However, keep in mind that you will be away more than expected, you’re tied in for one year, and your wages will be lower during that time.
Self-Training
Surprisingly, some drivers opt to pursue self-training despite the severe limitations it provides. Aside from the growing requirement of mandatory entry-level training, many insurance companies prohibit carriers from accepting new CDL holders who haven’t completed 160 hours of training and instruction.
While self-training is free and you could get your CDL, you won’t likely find a reputable employer to take you on. Frankly, it’s not worth your time to get your CDL through self-training.
Obtaining your CDL
To begin your journey, no matter what training path you choose, you must begin with a CDL study handbook. Each state has its own handbook reflecting details of that state as they may differ between locations. These CDL handbooks are a comprehensive guide to understanding the rules of the road and the ins and outs of truck driver training. Handbooks are available at your local DMV or online in most cases.
Once you have your handbook, study. You are required to have your commercial learner’s permit (CLP) prior to any training program. Your CLP test will be divided into three categories: general knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles. You are required to successfully answer 80% of the questions to achieve your CLP.
In addition to studying for your permit, certain requirements apply. Make sure you hit the mark on each of these to help smooth the way to your new career in commercial truck driving.
- Be at least 18 years of age (21 to cross state lines)
- Possess a non-commercial driver’s license
- Provide proof of citizenship or lawful residency
- Birth certificate
- Valid passport
- Right to work documents approved by homeland security
- Communicate efficiently in English
In addition to the paperwork requirements, there is an application fee for your CLP that varies from state to state but expect to spend as much as $90, as well as the cost to complete a DOT driver’s medical exam.
With your CLP in hand, you can begin your CDL training. Keep in mind, there are additional fees that frequently come up during the process:
- Commercial driver’s license application fee – up to $45
- CDL written test fees – up to $125
- CDL skills test fees – up to $125
- Endorsement fees vary (bus, tanker, hazardous, etc.)
Tests
You’ve studied. You pulled together your finances to pay for training and fees. Now, it’s test time so let’s quickly recap the testing requirements.
The General Knowledge Test is a compulsory multiple-choice exam. Candidates must achieve a score greater than 80% within the allotted time of 60 minutes. Topics included in these tests include pre-trip inspection, communication, dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and general trucking knowledge.
The CDL Road Test simply tests all aspects of truck operations, including pre-trip inspections, coupling procedures, on-road operations, and backing into a loading dock. You will be expected to demonstrate care and control of your vehicle at all times.
If you weren’t successful on your first test, you generally have three opportunities to achieve success, although this may vary slightly from state to state. Additional fees may also be required and can cost more than $100 per test.
Success
You did it! You’ve passed the tests and now you are a Commercial Driver’s Licence holder. Now what?
It’s time to hit the job market. There are more than 500,000 trucking companies across the nation, albeit some are small companies employing less than a handful of people, making your chances of finding a job in the trucking industry very good.
As a new driver, there are some companies whose insurance will not allow you to come on just yet, but there are many that will. Don’t be discouraged if you are turned away at first, it’s not personal.
New drivers can expect to start at the bottom as with any industry. Don’t expect the newest truck or the best routes. Allow yourself time to become comfortable with the company, its expectations, and the equipment. As you prove yourself worthy and competent you can expect to work with newer equipment, get better runs, and receive higher pay.
New drivers need to give themselves at least a year. There’s a lot to get accustomed to in such a unique working environment. Truck driving is a dynamic career that gives drivers the opportunity to contribute to their country by moving the economy forward. It’s the loads we carry that give consumers of all kinds—big box stores, hospitals, schools, and factories—the products necessary to keep operations running. At the end of the day when you park your truck, you can settle into your bunk with the satisfaction that you played a role to bring purpose to others.
Helpful Resources
As you embark on your journey into truck driving and preparing for your CDL, we want to share a few links to information that should help you on the road to success. From best schools to state regulations you can get started by clicking any of these links.
- List of Best Schools
- https://www.smart-trucking.com/cdl-schools/
- https://www.truckingtruth.com/paid-cdl-training/
- CDL Study Sites – https://cdlstudy.com/
- State Regulations + Guidelines – https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/states
As you look ahead to the future, you can find your fit in this incredible industry. Truck drivers will always be in demand, and skilled drivers will be a premium asset for good companies. Get started today by visiting the links above and checking out the training opportunities in your area. We’ll see you down the road.
