If you’re considering trying a career in big rigs, the first place to start is by taking classes at a trucking school. These facilities offer unique educational courses to teach drivers everything they need to know to hit the road. Here are four benefits you can gain by taking classes at a trucking school.

Why It’s Wise to Enroll in a Trucking School

1. Receive Proper Training 

While behind the wheel of a semi truck, you’ll need to learn how to maneuver highways, small-town roads, and loading docks. At trucking school, you’ll learn various aspects, including the mechanics of the rig, how to drive it with and without a trailer, and how to manage the paperwork for commercial deliveries. You’ll go through pre- and post-trip checks, road signage, radio usage and how to couple and uncouple the trailer, so you’re fully prepared to begin your first job.

2. Earn a Class A or B CDL

Commercial trucking schools teach drivers how to earn their commercial driver's license (CDL) Class A (driving a vehicle that weighs over 26,000 pounds) and Class B (driving a vehicle that weighs more than 26,000 pounds and is towing over 10,000 pounds). When searching for a job as a driver, these certifications are required by all licensed, legitimate companies.

3. Gain Job Placement Opportunities

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, long haul truckers with Class A or B CDL annually earn around $40,000 or $21 an hour after attending trucking school. There are jobs all over the world that require truck drivers to carry everything from livestock to produce, and furniture to electronics, so the skills you’ll learn in class will transfer to just about anywhere.

4. Partake in Road Test Prep

Road test practice plays a key role in trucking school classes. It’s essential to feel comfortable behind the wheel to ace your license test and be able to legally get behind the wheel. Test preparation will include performing pre-trip prep before maneuvering a big rig through city streets, on the highway, and to and from different loading situations to ensure you’re ready to deliver goods safely and efficiently.

If you’re considering attending a trucking school, contact Professional Driver Institute in Rochester, NY, to learn about their upcoming classes. The accredited and licensed education center has taught over 5,000 graduates in small classes with one-on-one instruction since their start in 1993. Call (585) 293-1203 to discuss your career options or visit their website for information about their programs.