Do you love driving? Do you want a career that will allow you to spend time outside rather than at a desk every day? Do you want to feel like you’re doing something that matters and has an impact on people’s lives? Then you might want to consider working as a professional truck driver!
What are the requirements to become a truck driver, and how long does it take to become a truck driver? We’ve got you covered with the answers to these questions and more!
How to Become a Semi Truck Driver
Is it hard to become a truck driver? Not really. Once you know the main steps you need to follow to become qualified for this role, you’ll know what to do to launch your new career.
Just about anyone who wants to pursue this career can do so, but there are certain requirements that you’ll need to meet. For example, you’ll need to prove that you have a clean driving record. And although you can apply for your CDL when you’re 18 years old, you’ll only be allowed to drive within the state. Once you’re 21 years old, you’ll be able to drive a truck across state lines.
Here’s a list of things that you’ll need to do to become a truck driver:
1. Get your driver’s license and CLP. First, you’ll need to get a driver’s license from the state you live in. Once you have that, you’ll be able to take the required steps, such as passing a physical exam, vision test, and written test, to get your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). After you get your CLP, you’ll be able to start practicing driving a truck
2. Get the right education. Can anyone learn to drive a semi truck? Yes, and attending an accredited truck driving school is a smart way to learn how to safely operate this type of vehicle. The right training will prepare you not only for the CDL test but also for what you should expect on the road in the real world. Plus, having this background may also make you a more desirable candidate when you’re applying for a job.
3. Get your CDL. In addition to receiving the appropriate training behind the wheel, you’ll also need to take other steps to get your CDL. This includes passing more tests, such as a Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Controls Test, and Road Test.
4. Apply for work. Once you have all of your credentials, it’s time to start applying for a job so you can officially call yourself a truck driver. You might be able to get assistance in this area from your truck driving school, but you can also check various job boards online to find openings that suit you.
Start Your Career with a Truck from Peterbilt!
If you’ve fulfilled all of the requirements to work as a truck driver and you’re ready to get started, you’ll need a reliable vehicle that will allow you to do your job safely and efficiently.
Consider checking out the many used and new Peterbilt trucks that are available for truckers just like you. With so many models that suit all budgets, you’re sure to find the vehicle that you’ll love driving while earning a living.
Sources:
https://schneiderjobs.com/truck-driving-jobs/inexperienced/become-truck-driver
https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/truck-driver/
https://www.primeinc.com/trucking-blogs/clp-prep-guide-how-to-study-for-your-permit-test/
https://schneiderjobs.com/blog/how-to-get-cdl
https://www.jmtank.com/2019/05/07/top-6-things-you-always-wanted-to-know-about-becoming-a-trucker/
https://www.indeed.com/career/truck-driver/salaries
https://truckstop.com/blog/5-reasons-to-become-a-trucking-owner-operator-or-driver/
Updated on August 18, 2021
It’s good to know that you need to get a special license to drive heavy vehicles like trucks. My cousin wants to be a truck driver but doesn’t have much information on the subject. I’ll pass this information along to him so that he can look further into this other license that he needs to acquire.
Wow, it’s interesting how according to the American Trucking Association, there is an estimate of 3.5 MILLION truck drivers. I remember when I was a child that I loved seeing big trucks while my parents were driving on the freeway. Thanks for helping me learn what is needed to become a truck driver.
This is great information. truck drivers also make decent money when they are consistent. It’s also a growing industry. I would imagine with a growing population and with a lot of online purchase, merchandise as well as any kind of wood or food transportation is increasing constantly. This helped me learn what it would take to become a truck driver.
I didn’t know you had to be 21 years or older to drive commercially. Why do you have to 21 instead of 18? I also find it interesting that you have to be physically healthy to get a CDL as well.
You did a great job of explaining why it is a good idea to become a sponge and absorb as much knowledge as possible when becoming a truck driver. One of my cousins is thinking of applying for a trucking company soon so that he can have a job in a stable industry. I’m going to have to share these things I’ve learned from this article with him so that he can know how to be successful as a truck driver.
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The article has very good information. To find the cheapest truck insurance with good coverage, you need to get multiple quotes from multiple companies.This information is really new to me and possibly for some other people as well.