What Kind of Training Do You Need to be a Truck Driver?

Truck Driver Training

We are so familiar with semi-trucks, the gentle giants of the road. The majority of the time, they cruise in the right lane, and every now and then, as a casual driver, we see truck drivers make a tight turn. Have you ever wondered what exactly truck driver training looks like? Well if you continue reading below, you will stumble across this very information!


The first important thing to note, truck driver training prepares the driver to take a test to receive their CDL license to perform trucking jobs. A CDL license requires special CDL classes. A CDL license allows one to operate large machinery or other large, heavy vehicles. It is important to remember that you can get a specific endorsement for your CDL. An example of an endorsement would be pursuing a CDL that allows you to haul a specific material.


Did you know that semi-trucks and other large vehicles move about 70% of the nation’s freight by weight? This means that there are a lot of truck driving jobs to be had. So the training to get one of these remarkable jobs is very similar to traditional driving school. Truck driver training starts out in a CDL class, in an actual classroom. The classroom portion of truck driver training prepares future truckers by informing them of the rules of the road, driver information for different states, etc. Just like your traditional permit test, the truck driver test also requires you to take a written permit test before getting your CDL license. This permit is meant to allow you to drive a commercial vehicle that weighs up to 26,000 pounds or so. A secondary road test is required to demonstrate capability in maneuvering the bigger trucks.


Lastly, you should be wary about which type of CDL training course you are in need of. There are three different ways to pursue a CDL: license, certification, or an accredited training course. A licensed school meets the state minimum requirements to be a truck driver, and the school itself is licensed in the state you’re taking the test. A certified school means that is has been inspected and completely reviewed by an outside third party. However, this sort of adds a step as an individual can only graduate upon proving they can pass the standards set forth by the United States Department of Transportation. Lastly, the accredited school, which gets reviewed by an accrediting agency that has been authorized by the U.S Department of Ed. Which school you attend will determine what types of trucking jobs you can perform as well as to measure your capabilities and skills for the road. If you are considering a career move, or if it has always been your dream career, consider your local truck driving school, and get started on your career today!

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How to Ensure Safety and Reliable Driving When You’re Out on the Road

When it comes to both national and local truck driving jobs, there are risks involved. Driving is an inherently risky endeavor, but there are measures you can take to minimize your risk and avoid accidents when you’re out on the road. While a CDL driver school can provide you with an excellent foundation of safety principles, it’s all too easy to let your knowledge and practice slip. Many experienced drivers have a similar risk of accident as the average driver, but most of them they think have lower exposure to risk simply because they’ve gone through CDL classes. Whether you’re an experienced driver, or you’re looking for local truck driving jobs, safety is the top priority. Follow our simple guide below if you’re looking for tips to get you ahead. Let’s get started.

Risks Associated with Your Vehicle

As you will find with any vehicle, maintenance is a key prerequisite to overall vehicle function and safety on the roads. Take for example the value of maintaining your vehicle’s tires. With proper tires, you can avoid one of the most common problems. Tire punctures can lead to dangerous consequences, especially if you’re driving a larger vehicle such as a semi-truck. Driving with cargo or a trailer adds to the importance of ensuring that your vehicle is up to date in every aspect.

If you’ve undergone any driving classes, then you know that defensive driving is the most important skill to learn for drivers of all types. This means that you should always maintain a safe distance from the other vehicles on the road. Always be ready to react to the unexpected. Keeping control of your emotions is a valuable skill that could be the difference between a safe ride and an accidental collision. Try to tamper your reactions to other drivers and keep your cool in every circumstance. Aggressive driving puts you at much greater risk, regardless of your experience.

Risks Associated with Other Vehicles

Even when you do everything within your power to ensure that your driving skills are in the best shape possible, it’s nearly unavoidable to prevent the risks you assume from other drivers out on the road. Even if you’re not at fault, you can find yourself in the midst of an accident. Everything from inexperienced drivers to drunk drivers can cause problems for even the most seasoned professionals. Knowing that other drivers can have just as much of an impact on your safety as your own driving is one way to stay competitive if you’re looking for local truck driving jobs. Not only can it give you the edge up on other candidates, but it may also save your life or the lives of others.

Consider something as seemingly harmless as a tire puncture. Sure, it seems like a routine problem that can’t cause too much damage, but when you zoom out and consider the statistics, it becomes clear that this is one more concern you should keep in mind when you drive. You never know when a driver behind or beside your vehicle may have a tire give out. A punctured tire can quickly lead to severe accidents in the form of swerving and unavoidable collisions.

In the United States of America alone, there are approximately seven tire punctures every second. This figure results in 220 million flat tires per year. According to statistics, the average driver will experience up to five flat tires over the course of their lifetime. When you consider these numbers, the value and importance of safe driving are quite apparent. Accidents that result from tire punctures happen regardless of the precautions you put into place, but there are actions you can take to ensure that you are as safe as possible when you are out on the roads.

Finding local truck driving jobs can be a challenge, so it helps to be prepared in every way possible. If you haven’t enrolled in the proper courses, then you should begin searching for a reputable class that provides the knowledge you need to build a successful truck driving career. With experience and expertise, we’d love to get you started on developing the skills you need to thrive as a driver.

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