Truck drivers are highly in demand in the country. With such demand, more and more people are interested in becoming a truck driver. The job is especially appealing to those who don’t want to work in an office and those who want more freedom in the work that they do. By working as a truck driver, you get to see different parts of the country, meet a lot of people on the road, and share memorable experiences.
Before you can be a driver, you need to have the appropriate driver’s license. And before you acquire a license, you need to pass a DMV written test, among others.
If you are interested in becoming a truck driver, make sure you check the following requirements. You need to make sure first that you are qualified. While the requirements may vary depending on which state you are applying at, there are federal requirements common to all states. You need to be aware of these requirements to increase your chances of becoming a truck driver:
You need to be at least 21 years old
This is the standard age in order for you to drive across state borders. Most states allow 18 year olds to get a license and drive but only within the state. Since truck driving involves driving across state lines, you need to be at least 21 years old.
A driving history
However, your chances of getting hired as a truck driver are higher if you are older since most states require a 10-year driving history. This means that you will provide a driving record for the past 10 years, including any traffic accidents, tickets, and other related occurrences that you have encountered during those years,
Passing a CDL Exam
Your DMV written test is only for your driver’s license. Truck drivers need to take another test, which is the CDL exam. The exam includes three parts, namely a road test, a vehicle inspection, and a backing test. To increase your chance of passing the test, we suggest that you enroll in a truck driver training course.
Meet medical certifications
There’s a certain medical requirement that you need to meet. People with certain medical conditions are not allowed to be a truck driver due to the nature of the work. Before you can proceed with taking a physical exam, you need to check first with a medical professional whether you have a health condition that would disallow you to drive long distances. Be honest about your health condition.
If you meet these basic requirements, then you can start working on becoming a truck driver. To increase your chance of getting hired, you need to make a great impression. It helps if you enrol in a truck driving school. You can get training courses at community colleges or at independent training programs.
You also need to learn the ropes on truck driving. Before you can fully work as a truck driver, you will need to undergo training, which can last between 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the company hiring you. Get behind the wheels and enjoy life on the road.