To pursue a career as a truck driver, you’ll need to follow a process to get the right licensing. Luckily, this career path is shorter than most, and soon you’ll be on the way to a fulfilling, lucrative career in trucking. Here’s a closer look at what you need to do.

What Do You Need to Be a Truck Driver?

1. Check Requirements

First, you must meet a few basic requirements, such as being at least 21 years old and eligible to work in the country and state. Some trucking companies ask for a high school diploma or GED, but many do not. However, they will look for a clean driving record, specifically a history free of DUI charges and reckless driving.

2. Complete Professional Training

CDL training is necessary, and many companies prefer that employees have acquired this education and experience from an accredited truck driving school. Each school offers different program lengths, but choose one that offers both in-class instruction for laws of the road as well as a practical demonstration of commercial vehicles with hands-on learning.

3. Pass the Exams

Pass your state’s licensing exam, which includes a written and road test. The written part ensures you know safety procedures and the laws of driving while the road test is monitored by a state-licensed examiner to see how you operate the truck.

There are different types of exams for various commercial vehicles, such as passenger, tank, and hazardous material transport, with the latter requiring a TSA background check. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires written and physical exams that entail knowing federal traffic laws and passing hearing and vision checks. The physical part must be retaken every two years.

4. Find the Right Job

Many truck driving schools have job placement assistance for those who have passed their licensing and are ready to work. Assistance from your school can help you locate and secure a job as quickly as 30 days after passing exams. Advisors help narrow down potential jobs based on the types of vehicles you can drive to find the perfect fit.

5. Begin Orientation & Training

Once you’ve secured a job, you’ll most likely need to go through an orientation and training program for that company’s specific requirements. It may be as long as a few weeks, and you may need to work under the guidance of a mentor before heading out on your own. Depending on the company that hires you, there may be exams and drug tests included.

If you’re ready to take the first steps toward an exciting career as a truck driver, contact Great Lakes Truck Driving School. Located in Columbia Station, OH, this school offers Class A and Class B CDL training as well as transportation safety training for a successful career in commercial trucking. They also provide heavy equipment training. Call (440) 236-3436 to speak to a representative about enrollment and visit them online for more on their programs.