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If you’re interested in becoming a truck driver, you’ll need to complete various training sessions, permits, and tests. By enrolling in truck driving school, the process of becoming a licensed truck driver is smoother, as instructors will provide the right training materials needed to successfully launch a career in truck driving. Here is a guide to everything you need to know about how to become a truck driver. 

The Path to Becoming a Truck Driver

Take Classes to Learn the Basics

While driving a truck relies on some of the same principles of driving a car, there are many additional facets that come into play. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the amount of material, which is why it’s wise to enroll in a truck driving school. You can expect to take a wide variety of courses covering training such as backing out and shifting gears to what you should know about truck transmissions and engines. Additionally, you’ll receive Learner’s Permit training and can enlist in a special course designed to prep you for your commercial driver license (CDL) exam. 

Acquire a CDL License

truck driving schoolThe first step is to acquire your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). You’ll need a standard driver’s license, and you’ll be required to pass a knowledge and skills test. Once you have the permit, you can apply for your CDL Class A, which allows you to drive a vehicle up to the legal weight limit depending on endorsements and restrictions. To achieve that license, you’ll need to pass a road test, for which a truck driving school can prepare you. 

Explore Jobs

Once you attain your CDL, you’re all set to begin the job hunt. While a reputable truck driving school will help you find high-quality opportunities, it’s helpful to know a little about which type of industries hire truck drivers. Large retail companies rely on truck drivers to stock their superstores around the country with merchandise. Meanwhile, food distribution companies are also major employers of truck drivers, as they need to send packaged food to clients quickly. There are also firms that simply serve major manufacturers, bringing their freight around the country. 

 

 

When you have your sights set on becoming a truck driver, the best place to start is a truck driving school like Professional Driver Institute in the Greater Rochester, NY, area. As you go through truck driver training, you’ll enter an institution with small class sizes and one-on-one instruction. The trucking school has been fully licensed and accredited since 1993 and has graduated over 5,000 truckers. To enroll in courses, call (585) 293-1203 or visit their website to browse their programs. 

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