5 Steps To Becoming a Truck Driver
By Brian Plunkett
Driving a truck is one of the best careers for someone who wants to get into the work force quickly without spending a lot of time in school. Truck driving is a demanding job, which can require a lot of time away from friends and family if you choose an "over the road" career path. There are also opportunities as a local driver, but the way can be less due to not requiring as much time on the job. The best part about a career in truck driving is that the career is growing. The demand for commercial and residential shipping has never been as high as it is now, which requires more and more people to haul the loads across the North American continent.
As stated before, truck driving is a way to get into your career quickly, but there are some steps that you need to take before embarking on your truck driving career. Below are five basic steps to take before your career can begin:
1) You should at least try to finish high school or your GED (even though not usually required). Almost all employers like their new hires to show some level of competence in the education field, and trucking companies are no exception. A high school diploma or even a GED will show your future employer that you are able to finish at least a basic education. The last thing you want your supervisor to think is that you are not competent. This isn't to say that not finishing school makes you a less intelligent person, but you do not want to fall into that stereotype if at all possible.
2) Make certain that your driving record is clean and free from violations. Nothing can scare off a good employer quicker than a record full of DUI's and other major driving violations. If you do have problems with your driving record, there may be employers who would be willing to give you a chance at truck driving, but the pay will be considerably less than a driver with a clean record.
3) You will need to enroll in a local truck driving school. There are many schools available all over the country. The best place to start would be at your local community college, which may have a program for you to join. Driving a truck, especially an 18-wheeler is not something that you can just begin to do. You do need practice, and the school will help you with that process. The school will also get you ready to sit for your CDL or commercial driver's license exam. School is not required to receive your CDL, but the test is much easier if you have had the training a good school can provide.
4) Test and receive your CDL. The CDL is required for anyone who wants to drive tractor trailers, buses, tow trucks, and other trucks which way at least 26,000 pounds. Most states require the future driver to be at least 21, although there are states that will issue a CDL to ages as low as 18. The CDL's are only good for the driver's residence, but if you want to get started early, hopefully you reside in one of these states. There are several endorsements that you can apply for once you receive your CDL, including Hazardous Materials and Tank Trucks, but those are for later in your career. There may also be additional tests that your state and the Federal Government require you to pass. For those requirements, please contact your local DMV office for more information.
5) Stay clear of all illicit drugs. Trucking companies WILL conduct drug testing prior to employment and during employment. Nothing will ruin a great career more than becoming involved in drugs that impair your decision-making skills, and behind the wheel of a truck is not the place to be when using drugs.
Those are the 5 basic steps to get you started on a career in truck driving! Have fun and enjoy the ride! Visit DieselTruckStops.com for equipment to deck out your new truck.
