How to become a truck driver: your guide to getting on the road

Truck drivers serve as an integral part of the supply chain. From transporting goods from producers to consumers across the country, truck drivers work day and night to maintain the workflow of the supply chain.

Unlike other job roles, the demand for truck drivers has never deteriorated, and the demand for skilled truck drivers has been constantly increasing. The increase is seen not only in terms of the demand for drivers but also in wages, better benefits, etc. This ensures a productive career. Yet there is a shortage of truck drivers due to the presence of old-aged truck drivers. If you are willing to become a truck driver or are unemployed, then taking up the truck driver role could be a great option. But how do you become a truck driver is the question.

Go through the guide below to take the truck driver role and get on the road.

Basic requirements to become a truck driver

Becoming a professional Truck Driver is easy and fulfilling; however, there are various factors associated with it to become a truck driver. If you are unsure how to get going, here’s the process outlined below.

• Educational qualifications

The primary education needed to become a truck driver is High School Diploma. However, a few companies might be asking for further education, such as GED, though it is not necessary. Certification for course completion from your truck driving school will also be required.

• Age requirements

The minimum age to start is 18 years if you travel within the state or the region, and 21 years if you travel across the country.

• Driver’s license

Having a driving license before entering your truck driving school Edmonton and applying for CDL exam is necessary. A driving license will help you drive even during driving classes.

• Driver’s license exam

The driver’s license exam is the CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) needed to drive heavy commercial vehicles. To pass the exam, you have to take a written test, a road test, and a medical inspection.

• Driving record

A clean driving record is essential to become a truck driver because that entails your skill to drive properly and safely. Your driving record will decide your eligibility for the role, which could be affected if you have met with an accident or indulge in drunk driving.

• Physical fitness

Physical fitness is needed in terms of your eyesight and hearing ability. Having 20/40 vision and a 70° field of vision in each eye is mandatory. Besides your hearing and eyesight, truck drivers should have proper coordination between their hands and eyes and an alert mind. Physical handicaps, and people suffering from sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and diabetes might lose the chance of getting the license.

How do you become a truck driver?

Now that you have met the requirements, the next step is to get vocational training. A truck driver has to take up more training than knowing how to ride safely to become a pro-licensed driver. Here is a list of things you need to take up to take up the job:

• Enroll in a truck driving school to start preparing for your CDL exam
• Apply for your CDL exam and qualify for it.
• Look for a trucking company to get professional training for 3 to 6 months at least.

What is a truck driving school?

The Truck Driving School will teach you how to drive a commercial vehicle. The schools also inform about the safety rules and regulations of the federal and state. They will mostly focus on the information needed for CDL exams.

Trucking Schools also provide classes to allow you to add endorsements to your license. These endorsements function as extra permissions and are added to your CDL.

These driving schools teach how to maintain and inspect a vehicle to operate a truck legally, which is a requirement during the license. It pushes you to become a more skilled driver.

How to find the best truck driving school?

The number of truck driving schools in Edmonton or other places that have started nowadays can overwhelm you when choosing the best truck-driving school. While choosing the driving school, you can check on these questions:

• Is the school accredited or not?
• Does it provide job placements or internship opportunities?
• Is the class conducted virtually, offline, or in hybrid mode?
• What does the curriculum include?
• How much is the cost of the program?
• Do they provide scholarships?

Conclusion

Becoming a truck driver is profitable, with no impact of the recession. If the role of a truck driver is right for you, start off right now with a truck driving program. With proper training, you can be part of the industry and relish the benefits that come along with it.