01/04/2022
How to become a professional driver
Steps to Becoming a Truck Driver
Before considering the steps to becoming a truck driver, know that there is an age requirement. To legally operate commercial motor vehicles, you must be at least 21 years old.
However, you can obtain a learner's permit as early as age 18, and some federally run pilot programs and military programs allow younger drivers to work.
Step 1
Pass Your State's Regular Driver's License Exam
You must have a current driver's license in your state before earning a CDL. With a regular driver's license, you may even be able to start your career driving delivery trucks while studying for your CDL. U.S. driver's license fees cost between $20 and $90.
Step 2
Complete High School or the GED
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that most long-haul employers expect applicants to hold at least a high school diploma or GED credential. In most states, you can earn your GED in around four months for $80 to $140.
Step 3
Start Professional Training
Community colleges, private truck driving schools, and trucking companies host truck driver training programs that qualify you to take the CDL exam. Some states have their own process of auditing and accrediting programs, so make sure you know your state's BMV or DMV regulations.
Driver training programs may last up to a year. Private schools and community college programs can range in cost from around $1,000 to $10,000.
Community colleges may provide financial aid to students in truck driving programs. Some may even offer a one-year degree related to truck driving or commercial freight business. This is not necessary to begin driving, but it can be a great option if you want to obtain a college degree.
Company-sponsored programs usually last four to six weeks and cost around $6,000. Most offer discounts, financing options, and sometimes full reimbursement to graduates who stay with the company for a set amount of time.
Step 4
Earn Your CDL and Other Relevant Endorsements
At a minimum, you need to have a CDL. CDLs come with different classifications (A, B, and C), depending on the size and weight of your vehicle. The CDL-A is the most versatile for drivers of large freight.
You also may need an endorsement code on your license. Endorsements indicate what you can legally transport and are essential for specialty vehicles like school buses and tankers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) explains the different classes and endorsement codes. Still, you should consult your state BMV or DMV, too.
Your CDL application, test, and license will incur a fee in many states' BMV or DMV systems. The most expensive fee will be the license fee, which ranges from $20 to $120.
Step 5
Find Job Placement Assistance
Some truck driving schools offer job boards and career counseling. Truck-driving associations also help members connect with employers and career mentors. These associations include the ATA, Women in Trucking, and more.
Step 6
Complete Your Employer's Finishing Program
Most companies require newly licensed employees to complete an in-house training program. These training sessions, often called driver finishing programs, introduce you to the vehicles, materials, and equipment relevant to the company. The program itself may last three to four weeks and involve a period of supervised driving.