How To Become A Truck Driver

If you’ve been wondering how to become a truck driver near South Florida, Rechtien International Trucks has information for you. Read on to learn more about the training and truck driver requirements for switching to a career as a professional truck driver, then contact us to find out about our lease and rental programs.

Truck Driver Requirements

When you decide to become a truck driver in the South Florida area, there are a number of truck driver requirements you must fulfill.

• Get a regular driver’s license. You need to pass a driver’s test and have a current state driver’s license in order to go to truck driving school.
• Earn a high school diploma or a GED. Most companies that hire drivers require them to graduate from high school or earn a GED.
• Enroll in professional training. If you want to go to work as a professional truck driver, you will need to complete a truck driver training program. Private truck driving schools tend to be more expensive than community college programs. Some companies have their own training programs to help you pass the CDL test.
• Pass a CDL test. Professional truck drivers need to pass the test to earn a Commercial Driver’s License or CDL.
• Find a job. Some schools for truck drivers have programs to help graduates find jobs. There are also professional associations to help connect new drivers with companies that are hiring.
• Complete an in-house training program. Once you get hired, most companies have you complete a training program. These in-house programs, often called driver finishing programs, last about a month, and drivers-in-training are paired with experienced truck drivers to supervise them.

Truck Driving School

After you’ve done your research into how to become a truck driver, you will need to apply to a truck driving school and arrange for financing. Once you are accepted, you will learn the laws and regulations that apply to commercial drivers regarding driving, required rest time, drug testing, filling out driving logs, making sure that loads don’t shift, vehicle maintenance, and the requirements for a CDL.

Commercial Drivers License

After you pass your test for truck driving school, you will need to test for a CDL. There are three grades of CDL classification: A, B, and C. The classification depends upon the size and weight of the vehicle. Most professional drivers who transport large freight hold a CDL-A, which covers tractor-trailers, livestock carriers, and tankers. Class B covers passenger buses like public transit and school buses. There are also endorsement codes for hazardous materials. Check with your state’s BMV or DMV for more information.

How to Become a Truck Driver in 10 Steps

You’ve got the basics, but perhaps you still have questions about how to become a truck driver. For many people on this path, it’s helpful to see all the steps laid out from start to finish. If you’re thinking about becoming a truck driver, then think of this as your go-to checklist:

1. Make sure that you’re eligible.

You need to be at least 18 to acquire a CDL in your home state, and at least 21 to operate a commercial vehicle across state lines.

If you’ve reached the age minimum, then you’ll need to find a doctor who has been approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. They’ll assess your condition and provide you with a physical and a DOT medical card. DOT physicals are valid for up to 24 months, so you’ll want to work relatively quickly after you’ve completed this step.

2. Identify Obstacles That Stand in Your Way

Certain medical conditions, prescriptions, and behaviors could stop you from getting a CDL. Sleep apnea, missing fingers, and previous drunk driving charges are just a few examples.

In some cases, a physician may be able to provide a waiver which states that you’re still fit to drive a truck.

You won’t have to pass a drug test to get a CDL, but you should be prepared to do so when applying to work as a commercial driver.

3. Enroll in a School, Pick Up the Manual, and Get Your CDL Learner’s Permit

Now you’re really ready to get started. Finding a reputable school is important, and we recommend that you avoid mass training programs and find an option where you’ll receive personal attention.

The CDL manual is available at your local DMV, but you can also download a PDF online if you’d prefer to go that route. Instruction manuals vary from state to state, so be sure you get a copy of the manual that’s applicable to the location where you’ll take the test.

There are several different ways to get your learner’s permit, but you can likely apply as part of the schooling process. Just make sure that you can provide a complete MVR report, along with a driver’s license and at least one form of official, alternative proof-of-ID.

4. Pass the CDL General Knowledge Test

There’s nothing too complex about this step. As long as you’ve studied the manual you acquired earlier, the general knowledge test shouldn’t be too difficult.

5. Study and Train

After you’ve passed the first test, you’ll be able to get real-life experience while driving a commercial vehicle—as long as an already-authorized CDL driver is in the passenger’s seat. You’ll also need to continue your pen-and-paper studies to get ready for the final exam.

6. Take the Final Exam

The process of becoming a truck driver finally comes to a head here. Your final exam will require you to perform a pre-trip vehicle inspection, demonstrate basic skills like parallel parking and alley docking, and take a road test.

If you still have questions about how to become a semi truck driver, don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know. We want to empower our drivers, and we’re here for you!

Rechtien International Trucks Has the Trucks & Parts You Need!

If you are looking for a new or used truck in the South Florida area, contact us to take a look at our inventory. We can get parts for trucks, trailers, and forklifts and service all makes of trucks and buses.