Driving a truck is a huge responsibility, and not just anyone can be trusted with the job. It takes thorough training and education pertaining to the machine you will be driving before you can legally hit the roads.
When you are barrelling down the interstate in an 80 thousand pound chunk of metal, you have to be mentally and physically fit for the assignment. Here are a few ins and outs of traveling the path to becoming a long distance truck driver.
Find a good truck driving school
Driving school won’t take up four years of your life, but the curriculum is no joke. Seek out a driving school that is set up to help students get everything they need to become competent drivers. You want to find a school that doesn’t charge scary prices and doesn’t make you pay for all the extras.
You don’t want to put yourself in debt trying to start a career (you know, like most people who go to college). Trust driving school is not long and drawn out like university education, but you can spend a pretty penny on the training if you are not careful.
Pass necessary tests to receive your CDL
Okay. Getting your CDL (or Commercial Driver’s License) is not as easy as going down to the DMV and driving around the block. There are steps to be completed before you are legally licensed to drive an 18-wheeler.
You must be at least 21 years of age, and you have to have obtained a CLP (or Commercial Learner’s Permit) for at least 14 days to be eligible for CDL testing. In order to get a CLP, you have to have a valid driver’s license and be able to pass a written skills test.
Scout out a trucking company
While you are in the process of acquiring the proper legal testing and training to receive your CDL, you should be scouting out trucking companies. Decide what you want in a career and an employer.
Truckers are in such high demand that the power is in your hands when it comes to settling in with one particular company. Find the organization that best matches what you need as an individual, and apply.
Enjoy the road and make lots of money
Once you have your Commercial Driver’s License, and you have found the company that best suits you as an individual, it is time to have fun. Work is still work, but you have a job that allows exploration and appreciation of nature.
Take advantage of every beautiful opportunity the position presents, and be smart with the funds that will begin rolling into your bank account. You never know what tomorrow will bring, so plan for the future while you have the ability.