Are you considering becoming a truck driver? It’s an exciting career path that allows you to hit the open road and get paid for it.
As a truck driver, no two days are ever the same You’ll deliver critical loads across the country, meet interesting people, and enjoy a high level of independence.
The demand for qualified truck drivers is also massive right now. The industry needs to hire over 1 million new drivers in the next decade to keep up with freight demands. That makes now an ideal time to start your new career.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through every step of how to become a truck driver Here’s what I cover
- What does a truck driver do?
- Why become a trucker?
- Truck driver training and education
- Earning your CDL license
- Finding your first truck driving job
- Understanding the career outlook and pay
Let’s get started on the road to becoming a truck driver!
What Does a Truck Driver Do?
Truck driving involves transporting all types of cargo across the country or even internationally. As a trucker, your primary duties include:
- Plan efficient delivery routes
- Conduct pre-trip inspections of your vehicle
- Load and unload cargo securely
- Drive long distances while following safety laws
- Track required driving hours and keep detailed logs
- Communicate delivery status to dispatchers and customers
- Perform basic truck maintenance and repairs
- Adhere to all transportation regulations
It’s an active job that combines driving skills with organization, time management and communication. Most truckers are on the road for weeks at a time before returning home.
Why Become a Truck Driver?
Here are some of the key advantages of choosing truck driving as a career:
- Instantly enter a high demand job market
- Earn a good living with just a few weeks of training
- Hit the open highway and enjoy travel opportunities
- Experience a high level of independence
- Benefit from motion and solitude if you dislike desk jobs
- Gain transferable skills for future roles in logistics and transportation
Truck driving also suits individuals who don’t have advanced education. You can break into the industry with just a postsecondary certificate program.
Truck Driver Training and Education
While a college degree isn’t required, you do need specific training and licensure to get hired. Here are the standard steps:
1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED
Finishing high school satisfies the baseline education needed to enroll in a truck driving program. You need fundamental math, reading and science skills.
Some carriers may prefer candidates who pursued some college coursework. But a degree isn’t mandatory.
2. Complete a CDL Training Program
Formal CDL (commercial driver’s license) training is essential and typically takes 3-6 weeks to finish. Look for an accredited program that includes classroom instruction plus hands-on practice:
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Classroom topics include safe operating procedures, regulations, maintenance basics, logbooks, and more.
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Hands-on training teaches vehicle inspections, backing, shifting, maneuvering, and driving skills.
Many trucking companies and private truck driving schools offer theseCertificate programs. You can also find CDL programs at some community colleges.
3. Obtain Your CDL License
All truck drivers must possess a state-issued CDL in order to operate large commercial vehicles like tractor trailers. To qualify for your CDL:
- Pass required knowledge and skills exams at your local DMV
- Pass a medical physical exam
- Pass any needed drug tests
- Present required identification and paperwork
The process takes a few weeks. New drivers must possess a CDL permit before applying for the full CDL license. We’ll cover more details about CDL licensing shortly.
With your freshly minted CDL license, you’re ready to start applying for your first truck driving job!
How to Get Your CDL License
Let’s take a closer look at the process for earning your all-important commercial driver’s license. Here are the typical steps:
Get Your CDL Learner’s Permit
Start by studying for and passing the General Knowledge exam at your local DMV. This qualifies you for a learner’s permit, allowing you to legally practice driving a truck with a licensed CDL holder present.
Choose Your CDL Class
When applying for the full CDL, you must choose a license class based on the type of vehicle you’ll drive:
- Class A – For tractor trailers, tankers, and other large vehicles
- Class B – For straight trucks and buses
- Class C – For smaller passenger vehicles and pickups
Class A is required for most over-the-road truck driving jobs.
Pass the CDL Driving Skills Exam
This test evaluates your ability to conduct pre-trip inspections, maneuver the vehicle, park, and perform other essential skills. You’ll take the test in the class of truck you’re licensing for.
Submit Required CDL Paperwork
Bring all needed documents to your DMV, including your medical exam certificate, permit, application forms, proof of residency and insurance.
With everything in order, you should be issued your new commercial driver’s license!
Finding Your First Truck Driving Job
Newly licensed drivers have several options for searching for that all-important entry level job:
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Apply directly to carriers: Large carriers like J.B. Hunt, Werner and others hire rookie drivers. Check their websites.
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Leverage your school’s hiring network: Many trucking schools have relationships with carriers and can refer top graduates.
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Attend job fairs: Trucking companies often attend events to recruit drivers.
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Broaden your search: Don’t limit yourself to local or regional opportunities. Many new drivers start out long-haul.
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Consider trucking temp agencies: Agencies can help place you with carriers hiring entry-level drivers. Accepting a temp-to-hire role can lead to a permanent job.
Be open-minded and ready to start our driving anywhere in the country. Getting that initial experience under your belt is critical.
Truck Driver Career Outlook and Salary
What’s the job outlook for truck drivers? How much can you expect to earn? Here’s a quick overview of the salary and growth projections:
Job Outlook
Truck driving is poised for much faster than average growth over the next decade.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers will increase by 13% from 2022-2032, adding about 133,200 new jobs. That’s nearly triple the average national job growth rate.
Openings will result from fleet expansions and the need to replace retiring drivers. Positions for long-haul, over-the-road drivers are expected to see the most growth.
Salary Potential
How much do truck drivers make? According to 2022 BLS data:
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The median annual wage for heavy truck drivers was $51,725.
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The highest 10% of earners made $80,980 or more per year.
Salary ranges widely based on your experience level and employer. For example:
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New truck drivers can expect to earn $35,000-$45,000 in their first year.
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Drivers with 1 year experience average $50,000 annually.
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After 2 years, typical pay reaches $55,000-$65,000.
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Specialized routes or hazardous materials often pay higher as well.
Overall, truck driving provides stable, above-average earnings, especially for candidates without a college degree.
Is a Truck Driving Career Right for You?
3 simple steps to a rewarding career
Considering becoming a truck driver? We’re here to help you make it happen. Read through the three steps on how to become a truck driver, and you’ll be on your way to starting a rewarding career.
Step 1: Meet the requirements to become a professional truck driver.
You will need to meet certain requirements in order to drive a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) and be hired by a professional company. Be at least 21 years old. The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires all professional truck drivers who drive across state lines to be at least 21 years old. You can obtain a CDL at the age of 18, but you will be limited to driving intrastate, and most trucking companies only hire CDL holders who are 21 years old and older. Have a clean driving record and solid work history. Most truck driving companies do background checks prior to hire to look for a clean driving record and solid work history. Check out your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website to become familiar with commercial driving rules and regulations.
Step 2: Enroll in training and obtain your CDL.
Before you can start applying for truck driving jobs, you’ll need to obtain a CDL. This means you’ll have to first get a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and then go through proper training at a truck driving school. After completing those two steps, you will be ready to take a knowledge exam and skills test in order to get a CDL. Read the entire process on how to get your CDL so you know exactly what to expect. Find a truck driving school. To earn a CDL, you will have to attend a truck driving school. Schneider can help you find a reputable truck driving school in your area. Simply use our truck driving school search page to locate a great driving school in your area. Take advantage of company-paid CDL training options. Schneider can even help you pay for truck driving school through our Company-Sponsored CDL Training, CDL Apprenticeship Training (CAT) and tuition reimbursement. Discover more about how Schneider helps pay for CDL training.
Step 3: Find a driving career that suits your lifestyle.
Once you have your CDL, you will have access to a huge variety of truck driving jobs. However, there are a few things you’ll have to do before you can start your career. Complete proper paperwork and screenings. Prior to starting employment at most companies, you will be required to pass a drug and alcohol screen in addition to sharing your work history and passing a background check. Search for your ideal driving job. See Schneider’s driving opportunities and apply for one that matches your career goals.
How To Be A Truck Driver In 2021
How do I become a truck driver?
Learn about becoming a truck driver including education and health requirements, career outlook and pay, trucker lifestyle, and the different types of trucking careers. First, you need to have a high school diploma or a GED and a CDL-A. To travel within your state, the age requirement is 18.
Do you need a driver’s license to drive a truck?
Before you attend truck driving school or earn your driver’s license, you need to meet some basic qualifications. Make sure you meet these requirements before you continue to pursue this career. In most states, you have to be 21 years old and legally eligible to work in the country and in the state where you reside.
How do I find a truck driving job?
After you pass all of your exams, start your job search. Many truck driving schools have job placement services to help you find a truck driving position. In fact, many truck driving companies have connections with trucking companies. You can also reach out to trucking companies directly and inquire about any open positions.
How old do you have to be to be a truck driver?
In most states, you have to be 21 years old and legally eligible to work in the country and in the state where you reside. You also need to have a good driving record devoid of DUIs or reckless driving. In addition, many schools and employers want you to have your high school diploma or your GED prior to applying to truck driving school.
