Starting a career as a truck driver is a great choice for a stable, rewarding career for years to come. Here are some of the main things you need to check off the list before you apply.
Fulfill Necessary Education and Training
In order to qualify for class A driving jobs, employers will often request you have a high school diploma or GED, along with a certificate certifying you completed truck driving school.
Obtain Your Required Licenses, Registrations, and Certifications
Truck driving school is designed to teach you both about how to operate a commercial truck, and the various laws and regulations associated with truck driving. These details are necessary to pass your commercial driver’s license (CDL) exam—a requirement for any truck driver hauling 10,000 lbs. Additionally, you can obtain endorsements to drive different types of commercial vehicles, such as school buses, tanker trucks and trucks with hazardous materials. These endorsements not only help you gain experience behind the wheel, but also raise your qualifications when looking for jobs in the future.
Pass FMSR Exam
Beyond just truck driving school and obtaining your CDL, every driver must pass the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation (FMCSR) exam to be endorsed for a certain vehicle. This will test driver’s physical abilities, eyesight and hearing, along with a written portion on federal traffic laws. With a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP), you can learn the ropes directly from a CDL certified instructor.
Gather Driving Experience
Once you have obtained your CLP, it is vital you get time behind the wheel to practice. Many companies recommend 100-150 hours behind the wheel, before you officially start as a driver. This can help you ensure you feel confident and ready when applying to various class A driving jobs around the country or close to home.
As much of the economy is on the rise once again, the demand for CDL truck drivers is continuing to rise.
If you love the freedom of the open road, and the idea of making a great living with a host of benefits, applying for entry level CDL driving jobs may be the perfect option for you.
Whether you have been considering driving for years, or just recently came across the opportunity, there has never been a better time to begin a lucrative, rewarding career as a truck driver.
Practice Makes Perfect As much as we may be sick of hearing it, practicing the various safety and driving methods you learn in truck driving school is the best way to be prepared for life behind the wheel.
As much as you read in books and online, nothing will compare to direct, real world experience driving.
There will likely be a member of the management staff that specializes in going out with new drivers and guiding them through their first few weeks on the job.
Start your truck driving career at the most popular commercial driving school - Punjab Truck Driving School for truck driving in California.
We provide Class A CDL and fast track courses to start your career in the trucking industry.
