To become a truck driver is a great decision. Unlike other professions, it is exciting, as it will allow you to travel to various places and experience new things while earning well as a Professional Truck Driver.
When you decide to become a professional truck driver, the first thing you might have to do is search for “the best truck driving schools near me.” Choose a reputed one that will help in all the other processes. But apart from choosing a driving school, there are a few different factors to consider.
Here are a few other tips to become a proficient truck driver.
Eligibility
When you want to become a truck driver, you must have at least cut your 18th birthday cake. The age limit for getting a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) is between 18 and 21 years.
You must submit a few certificates such as a birth certificate, driver’s license, social security card, utility bill, and copy of MVR to ensure your identity. You must also have a physical and DOT medical card signed by a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSR) national registered examiner.
Find a Best Truck Driving School
You can quickly get a list of driving schools when you look up ‘driving schools near me’ on google. But choosing the best one is more important. The institution must be able to teach you everything that you need to start a career as a truck driver. If you have any dream company, find schools they partner with for driving.
Fill Out a CDL Application
To become a truck driver acquiring a CDL is the most important part. For that, you must fill out the CDL learner’s permit application. You can even download it online or get it from the driving school you choose.
But it is better to fill the form with the help of the staff in the driving school as they are experienced in it. You might have to fill in the details and provide a few documents such as a copy of MVR, house address, driver’s license, and alternate identification proof.
Take the Final CDL Tests
After you have joined the training school and completed all the formalities, including the commercial driver’s license general knowledge test, you must undergo a final CDL test. It includes various stages such as,
- Vehicle Inspection Test – You will be asked to test a combination unit’s braking system, coupling devices, engine compartment tires, and suspension.
- Controls Test – You should do parallel parking, straight line, and offset backing.
- Road Test – A driving instructor will test your knowledge and performance of managing the vehicle, use of mirrors, and the way you accelerate and control the brakes.
Get Your CDL
When you complete all the stages of the final CDL test and pass out, you will be given a copy of your new license.
However, you must know that some people may find it difficult to pass on the first attempt. But no worries, if you have not passed in the first attempt, you can retry after a short interval. Keeping this in mind, at the very beginning, when you join a truck driving school, you must check what the process is to retake the test and how much it will cost you.
Conclusion
You can quickly get hired as a truck driver in a reputed company after completing the CDL final test process and receiving the license. It is much easier to get your CDL when you choose the right driving school with partnerships or connections with the companies. It may take a few days or a week, but only after completing the training courses will you be allowed to drive professionally.
