How to Become a Truck Driver in the US:

Overview:

How to Become a Truck Driver in the US: 10 Steps to Getting Your CDL If you wish to become a truck driver, but are unsure of how to get into trucking, there are some things you should know about the process. So here’s the good news. The steps you’ll need to take to get a CDL are pretty straightforward. If you don’t get some things right, like picking the wrong driver training school, it could delay or even jeopardize getting your truck driving license.

Mostly, to become a truck driver in any state of the US, you’ll need to achieve either “Class A CDL” or Class B CDL. Having Class A CDL means that you can at most, you can drive the biggest rigs, like tractor-trailers and any combination vehicle over 26,000 pounds with a towed vehicle exceeding 10,000 pounds. While “Class B CDL” is for single vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeding 26,000 pounds, or vehicles towing trailers less than 10,000 pounds GVWR. This category includes straight trucks, box trucks, large passenger buses, and some dump trucks. The difference is quiet a bit, however, having one of them allows you to achieve your truck driving dream in the US. Here, we’ll give you all the steps to get a Class A CDL, from start to finish, so you can get behind the wheel of a truck, to pursue that truck driving career you’re after!

Getting Your CDL – The 10 Steps To Become a Class A Driver Individual States.

Before jumping in, it’s important to note that individual states ( In the USA) are responsible for issuing CDL’s, not the federal government. In most states students are required to attend and graduate from a legitimate truck driving school. In others, they’re able to get their CDL on their own as long as they’re eligible and pass the necessary tests. We’ve already established that you’re determined to shoot for the stars and get your Class A CDL, let’s take a closer look at each step:

5 Things You’ll Need To Become a Truck Driver (In a Nutshell).

You’ll need to possess a license to drive a car.
Write and successfully pass the FMCSA exam, plus medical tests.
Write and pass a test to obtain the CDL Learners’ Permit ( needed for initial training ).
Do the CDL exam and obtain your truck driving license.
Get driving experience when you have your CDL, in order to secure a job Other than having a driver’s license for a car, California Truck Driving Academy will provide the means to complete all of the above.

Now here we go with the 10 steps:

1. Determine Your Eligibility.

If you’re between the ages of 18 and 21 you can get a CDL You can also operate a commercial vehicle outside of your home state as of your 21st birthday. Each prospective commercial driver must also provide the following documentation to prove his or her identity, state of residency, Social Security number, and driver’s history:

Birth certificate.
Driver’s license.
Social Security card.
Utility bill.
Copy of MVR.

Note: The above for those that already reside in the US. If you are outside the country and you wish to travel to the US as a truck driver, you'll need to take the below processes before the US standards:

Pass a Medical Exam: Meets Department of Transportation (DOT) health standards. You may be able to take the medical exam in your home country if a licensed DOT doctor is available.
Visa: You’ll likely need a work visa specifically designed for truck drivers. The H-2B visa is a common option, but there may be others depending on your situation. Consulting an immigration attorney is highly recommended to determine the best visa path for you.
Driving record (clean history/experience required). This is when the CVs and the Resume comes in, make sure to prepare this down before you apply for the job.

2. Address Issues That Could Prevent You From Getting Your CDL.

Address Issues That Could Prevent You From Getting Your CDL Even if you meet the above eligibility requirements however, there are a number of items that could possibly derail your plans of getting your CDL. They include:

certain prescription medications.
medical conditions like sleep apnea, high blood pressure and diabetes.
physical handicaps like missing fingers, toes, or limbs.
serious criminal offences like drunk driving charges.
felony convictions for arson, kidnapping, and extortion.

3. Enrol at A Truck Driving Academy.

Enroll at any Truck Driving Academy CDL training schools come in all shapes and sizes. They range from:

private training academies and community college programs with dedicated instructors and excellent courses
to giant CDL driver mill run by mega carriers, many of which churn out minimally qualified steering wheel holders by the truckload.

No matter where you live, numerous truck driving schools are available to help you find the perfect fit for your learning style and career goals, including;

AB Trucking CDL Training Center-(New York)
Washington Truck Driving-(WA),
Roadmaster Drivers School
American Truck-(FL),
Truck Driver Institute ( TDI )-(Texas)
Riverside (CA).

4. Get a Copy of the CDL Manual (For your state).

Though they’re pretty standardized these days, CDL study manuals do vary slightly from state to state. Get a manual from the state where you’ll do your training and testing.

5. Complete a CDL Learner’s Permit Application.

Complete a CDL learner permit application Students may complete a learner’s permit application online, in-person, or at the truck driving school they’re attending. In addition to the aforementioned documents, students will also need:

copy of MVR including complete driving history from all 50 states and Washington DC home address current driver’s license and information on licenses you’ve had from other states
alternate proof of identification like a passport, credit card or Social Security card

6. Take the CDL General Knowledge Test.

After applying and paying for your learner’s permit, you’ll need to pass a general knowledge test. Including Traffic signs and signals, Right-of-way rules, Speed limits, Driving laws and regulations, and Safe driving practices. Passing these is fifty percent (50%) score of your training because the driving itself deals with the practical aspect of the road.

7. Learn, Practice and Study.

FMCSR rules state that during their training, students must practice driving with a qualified CDL holder instructing them from the passenger seat. Private and company sponsored driver training programs are staffed with instructors. But if you’re in a state that doesn’t require formal schooling, you’ll need to find a qualified teacher on your own.

8. Take the Final CDL Tests.

To get your CDL and join the ranks of commercial drivers you’ll need to take what you’ve learned on the road and in the classroom and pass these final tests:

A Vehicle Inspection (Pre-trip Inspection) Test—includes checking things like the engine compartment, tires, suspension, braking system and coupling devices on combination units.
A Basic Controls Test—includes straight line and offset backing, parallel parking, and alley docking.
A Road Test—a driving instructor will evaluate the student’s awareness, overall command of the vehicle, use of mirrors and turn signals, and ability to brake and accelerate normally.
Endorsements – There are some endorsements you can get as well, to increase your opportunities in the trucking industry. (HazMat, Twic Card to name a few).

9. Get Your CDL (And What To Do If You Don’t Pass On the 1st Try).

After passing your final CDL tests with flying colours, you’ll be issued a physical copy of your new license. If anxiety, pre-test jitters, or a lack of studying kept you from passing, you’ll be able to retake the tests again after a short waiting period. Be sure to ask about your school’s retesting policy in regard to fees and waiting times between retests.

10. Getting a Truck Driving Job.

Once you have your CDL, you’ll need a job! If you are in a paid CDL training program, you will have an automatic job placement as a truck driver. If you have completed the program successfully at a private truck driver training school, the school may have a placement program, with some select trucking companies. In California Truck Driving Academy they have over 100 job placements on their job board to help you land your dream job. And this is the importance of choosing California Truck Driving Academy. Again, you can navigate to mozans to find the work that suit your needs.