If you want a job that gives you independence and responsibility, truck driving might be a great choice. It’s recession-proof since goods need to be moved no matter what the economy is like. Truck driving offers job security, the freedom to travel, and an important role in supporting the economy. Another big benefit is that the pay is very good so you can make quite a bit of money doing something exciting.
However, the job also has its challenges. One major challenge is the long hours on the road, which can be exhausting. Safety is another big concern for truck drivers. The roads are full of surprises, and driving a big truck safely requires a lot of skill and constant focus. This is why it’s important to learn everything there is to know about driving a truck.
In this article, we will go over what you need to learn to become a successful truck driver.
1. Education and training requirements
As is the case with many trades, you will need to go to school to learn everything there is to know about driving a truck. In truck driving school, you’ll gain the skills you need to start a career as a truck driver.
Truck driving schools start with classroom lessons where you learn road rules, truck mechanics, and safety tips. You also learn about different types of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) so you can drive different vehicles.
After classroom learning, you’ll get practical, hands-on training with experienced instructors. This part of your training teaches you how to drive large trucks, handle different road conditions, and respond to emergencies. One important skill you’ll learn is how to load a flatbed trailer properly so the cargo doesn’t move around and cause problems while driving. Therefore Education and training requirements is important to become a successful truck driver.
You’ll also prepare for the CDL permit test, which includes general knowledge about trucks, air brakes, and other specifics depending on the CDL class you want. After getting your permit, you’ll practice more specific skills, like checking the truck before trips to spot any issues, controlling the vehicle, and taking a driving test to show you can safely drive a truck in various traffic situations.
2. Getting your CDL license
Once you’ve finished the classes and driving lessons at the truck driving school, you’ll need to pass the CDL test to get licensed to drive a truck.
The first part is the written permit test. This test includes questions about general trucking knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles, depending on the type of CDL you want. You’ll need to know about truck operations, safety practices, and the rules that truckers need to follow.
Next, pass the written exams. When you’re ready, you’ll take these exams at a testing center. Passing these allows you to get a CDL permit, which means you can start driving trucks on public roads as long as a licensed driver is supervising you.
With your permit, you will practice important skills like checking the truck before driving to make sure it’s safe, controlling the truck through different maneuvers, and driving on public roads.
The final step to getting your CDL is to pass the driving part of the test. The test checks if you can safely handle a commercial truck in everyday driving situations. It includes a vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and a driving test on public roads.
Once you pass the road test, you can apply for your CDL at your state’s licensing agency. You might need to submit your test scores and other documents. Some states also require a background check or a medical exam.
3. Find a job
After getting your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), the next step is to find a job as a truck driver.
You can find truck driving jobs online, in newspapers, or at job fairs focused on the trucking industry. Some companies also post jobs directly on their websites. Think about what kind of driving you prefer and the types of loads you’re trained to handle. For instance, you can decide if you want to do long haul jobs which pay more but have you away from home for long periods. Short haul jobs pay less, but you’re sleeping in your own bed every night.
As a truck driver, you can either be an owner-operator or a company driver. Owner-operators own their trucks and choose their work, but they have more costs and responsibilities. Company drivers use the company’s trucks and often get benefits like insurance, but they have less control over their schedules.
