Q&A for How to Become a Truck Driver

Learn as much as you can about the industry, and if you can, try riding along with a truck driver.

I'd recommend you get at least a couple of years of driving before you start thinking about this. It usually takes 2 - 3 weeks to get a Commercial Driver License type A, and it'll take at least 12 months or over 100,000 miles to be considered an experienced driver. Still, the rules of the game are somewhat easier (or less complicated) for a Company Driver than an Owner Operator (the technical term for drivers who have their own truck).

It's irrelevant. The main requirements to get a Commercial Driver License Class A are: you need to be 21 years of age, have a clean record (or a recent clean record) and no (recent) DUIs.

Yes, this would be a good idea for your future so you'll know the job requirements and what you need to do to achieve your goal.

Of course not, as long as you're in good physical condition!

Most likely. To be sure, please take a DOT physical test. It'll cost around $30-$40, and you'll know for sure once you get the results.

Go to truck driving school, where they teach you everything you need to know and have trucks for you to drive.

It's possible, but it depends on how long ago this incident occurred. Most trucking companies are looking for people who have a clean record going back about 5-10 years, so if it happened long ago, you should be able to find someone willing to give you a chance.

My father is a truck driver (UPS) and loves when people give him water and snacks because it shows they care.

Trucking schools do offer that, it'll cost you around $200-$400 if you just need it for the road skill test (you will most likely have to book your road skill test through the school). If you need it to get practice, trucking schools can help with this as well, or you can ask your family or friends, they may be able to help.

Yes. You can be anything you wish to be. Just be sure to have the correct documents for each job (i.e. you need a truck license to be a truck driver).

It depends on the medication. If a warning on your medication is do not operate heavy machinery, then obviously no.

You can't. Only CDL holders can drive semi trucks in US. To get CDL you must be a citizen, permanent resident or have a work authorization (while your immigrant status is under review).

Yes. You can get your Commercial Driver License w/out the high school diploma, then apply to companies/jobs. There are companies who will request your education level; having a GED will open more doors to you, but a lot of companies won't even look at your education level, especially if you are into long haul trucking, whose drivers are high in demand right now. That all being said, a little education will increase the chances of you being successful, in this job and in life. Long haul truck driving is a lucrative and onerous job, which requires good communication, troubleshooting skills, as well as basic math skills.

Some companies have rider policies with certain age restrictions. My company’s policy is no less than 10 years old.

No age limit exists.

It depends, a few schools do offer weekend or night classes, but the majority don't. I recommend you find the closest truck driving school and get your DOT physical and written test (with all endorsements) done before you actually sign up for school. This will speed up the process and shorten your school time, as you can potentially go to school and start training for the skill test right away by ghost driving with other candidates. In addition, you'll only have to pay for the skill test, which is significantly cheaper than the full driving course (although not all schools offer this option).

Learn how to drive first and get your normal license. They wouldn't give you your CDL unless you were extremely qualified.

You can't - getting your driver's licence requires you to both know how to physically drive and mentally know all the road rules and regulations. Learning to drive takes most people 1 - 2 years, depending on how much time they can commit to learning.

Usually the company will pay for the training as long as you stay with them for a certain amount of time.

As long as you're a good driver, have enough social skills to make it through training and get hired, and nothing about trucking sets off any sensory issues, sure.

If the conditions do not affect your driving ability, you can become a truck driver. If you have conditions that make you unable to drive, then you can become a trucker.

Although a high school diploma or GED is not a requirement to become a truck driver, it would be better to have one. Having a diploma can help you gain a larger salary and earn promotions.

Some common but not always explained vocabulary: 1. Live Load - Typically associated with Container truck unloads, this simply means the truck driver waits for the container to be unloaded at the warehouse then leaves with the empty container (rather than dropping it off and returning later). 2. Mezzanine Truck/Mezz Deck - When the Truck has a platform in the trailer so more loads can fit without being double stacked. 3. Forklift driver says hes "getting the Slippers" - slang for forklift tine extensions - these allow for unloading/loading from just one side(saving time). 4."Hit the Frog and Toad" - "Hit the Road" (to leave). 5. "Reefers" - Refrigerated Shipping Containers.

They are more "serious" than angry we believe, though some workers in industry would jokingly agree with your statement, however it really depends on the area, industry, location, trucking company, and overall people! Some truck drivers can be quite stern and serious, while others are much more relaxed and at ease, and enjoy meeting new people and talking to repeat customers on their pick ups / drop offs.

You will first have to attend CDL school before you can apply to jobs for truck drivers.

You will first have to visit to the United States embassy to obtain a visa and work permit. After completing the paperwork, you will have to move to the United States and obtain the correct licenses to begin your trucker career.

The minimum cost of CLD school can range from as low as $3,000 to as high as $7,000.

No it would be extremely unsafe for someone with narcolepsy to become a truck driver. Narcolepsy causes thousands of traffic accidents a year. If you have narcolepsy and you wish to become a trucker, you should seek medical treatment for it before applying.

Yes, if you want to work a short term trucking job, try to look for companies that have a short haul trucking. For example, summer trucking to Alaska.