How to Become a Truck Driver

How do i start truck driving?

Pass Your State’s Regular Driver’s License Exam. …
Complete High School or the GED. …
Start Professional Training. …
Earn Your CDL and Other Relevant Endorsements. …
Find Job Placement Assistance. …
Complete Your Employer’s Finishing Program. …
Latest Posts.

I doubt that anyone in America, or a great number of other nations for that matter, hasn’t thought about becoming a truck driver. We’ve all occasionally wondered what it would be like to spend our days driving across the country, seeing the sights, meeting people from all over the world, and watching the sun rise and set from one coast to the other.

I spent more than fifteen years doing just that, and I can assure you that I wouldn’t trade my time traveling for anything in the world. Later, I’ll share my experience with you, but for now, let’s discuss the requirements for becoming a truck driver.

How To Be A Truck Driver In 2021

How to become a truck driver

Although it doesn’t take a lot of time to become a truck driver, there are some prerequisites. The more these requirements and an employer’s preferred qualifications you meet, the simpler it will be for you to find employment in this field. Use these steps to become a truck driver:

1. Meet the minimum requirements

Before enrolling in truck driving school or obtaining your license, you must fulfill a few prerequisites. Before pursuing this career further, make sure you meet these requirements.

The majority of states require that you be 21 years old and legally able to work in both your home state and the nation. Additionally, you must have a clean driving record free of DUIs and reckless driving. Before applying to truck driving school, many employers and schools require that you have your high school diploma or your GED. It’s important to review the job requirements to make sure you meet them all, though, as some employers hire truck drivers without a high school diploma.

2. Attend truck driving school

Sign up for a truck driving program in your area. Find a school that offers both practical and classroom education. You’ll not only learn the rules and laws governing truck driving, but you’ll also gain practical, supervised experience operating a commercial vehicle. While some programs last a month to ten weeks, others are year-long.

3. Pass the licensing exam

Take your state’s commercial drivers license exam after graduating from truck driving school. Despite the fact that each state has its own test, you must pass both the written and driving skills portions. The written examination assesses your knowledge of truck driving-related traffic laws and safety regulations. You are observed by a state-licensed examiner while operating a commercial vehicle during the road skills portion of the exam.

4. Pass the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) exam

Once you pass the licensing exam, take the FMCSA exam. This test includes a written and physical component. Your knowledge of federal law is tested in the written portion of the exam, while your vision and hearing are tested in the physical section. Remember that even though you don’t need to retake the written portion of the exam once you pass it, you do need to do so every two years for the physical portion.

5. Look for an entry-level job

Start your job search once you have passed all of your exams. To assist you in finding a truck driving position, many truck driving schools offer job placement services. In fact, a lot of truck driving businesses are connected to trucking businesses. Additionally, you can speak with trucking businesses directly to find out if any positions are open. Submit an application for entry-level jobs that appeal to you and match your qualifications.

6. Complete your orientation

Many employers require you to go through a few days of orientation after you land a job. Typically, the information you need to know about the business and its policies is covered during orientation. Additionally, some employers might require you to submit paperwork, undergo a drug test, and pass a physical examination.

7. Pass the job training period

After your employer’s orientation, you’ll probably have to go through a training phase. You will gain knowledge of your company’s routes and paperwork procedures during this time. This period can last weeks to months.

8. Pass the companys road test

You might need to ace your employer’s trucking exam at the conclusion of the training period. Even though exams are typically just a road test, some have a written component. If you pass the test, you’ll probably be given a truck and a route to complete on your own.

What is a truck driver?

A person who makes their living by operating a truck to transport goods and materials is referred to as a truck driver. Truck drivers frequently travel to and from retail stores, distribution hubs, or factories to deliver a variety of goods. Despite having a flexible schedule, they are available to work at any time, day or night. They have a demanding job that requires them to travel frequently despite their flexibility. Here are some of a truck drivers main duties:

Tips for pursuing a career as a truck driver

In order to choose the right profession for you, it’s crucial to consider a number of factors when thinking about your future career. When considering a career as a truck driver, keep the following in mind:

Frequently asked questions about truck drivers

What is the job outlook for a truck driver?

Though the U. S. Tractor-trailer truck drivers have a better job outlook than general truck drivers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Between 2019 and 2029, the BLS predicts a 2% increase in employment for tractor-trailer truck drivers. Truck drivers will always be in demand in some capacity, even though this is slower than the average for all other professions in the workforce.

What skills do you need as a truck driver?

In order to succeed in their line of work, truck drivers need a variety of skills. Some of the key abilities you’ll need to succeed in this career are listed below:

What are the risks that come from being a truck driver?

Being a truck driver exposes you to numerous risks, just like with any other type of driving career. Every time you drive, you run the risk of being in a car accident, but you also increase your risk of obesity and hypertension by spending too much time sitting down.

FAQ

Are truck drivers making good money?

The average pay for dedicated drivers can range from $0. 58 to $0. With 78 cents per mile, the average weekly income would be between $1,140 and $1,538 ($60,000 to $80,000 annually). Two drivers who alternate driving shifts while the other rests make up a driver team.

Is truck driving hard to learn?

Truck driving school is challenging, and that is by design. Do not enter this field of work believing it to be simple. Whether you have been operating a truck for four days or 40 years, the moment you stop learning new things, you turn into a dangerous truck driver.

What are the qualifications to be a truck driver?

There is a shortage of truck drivers in America right now, making this one of the most sought-after professions. You can anticipate having a solid, stable, and long-lasting career as a truck driver. Truck driving is a good job to have.

Is Truck Driving a good career to get into?