Training to be a Truck Driver
Women interested in obtaining entry-level work as a truck driver helper can obtain the skills by informally observing and learning from experienced workers.
However, to advance in the field and learn safety procedures, they would need to obtain vocational training to become an entry-level truck driver. For more information on training for truck driving see http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos246.htm#training.
Required Certification
In many states, a regular driver's license may be sufficient for driving light trucks and vans. However, some truck drivers are required to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) from the State in which they live if they:
- Drive trucks designed to carry at least 26,000 pounds (such as most tractor-trailers and bigger straight trucks)
- Operate trucks transporting hazardous materials regardless of truck size;
(some groups such as firefighters, and snow/ice removers are exempt)
To obtain a CDL, you must pass a written test on rules and regulations, and then demonstrate you can operate a commercial truck safely. Licensed drivers must accompany trainees until they get their own CDL.
- Learn how to obtain a CDL from your State motor vehicle administrations for more information
- Take a free online CDL Prep Test from Layover.com to get an idea of what questions are asked. (http://www.layover.com/cdl.htm).
New drivers sometimes start on panel, or other small "straight" trucks. As they gain experience and show competent driving skills, they may advance to larger and heavier trucks, and finally to tractor-trailers.
Advancement of truck drivers is generally limited to driving runs that provide increased earnings or preferred schedules and working conditions. For the most part, a local truck driver may advance to driving heavy or special types of trucks, or transfer to long-distance truck driving. Working for companies that also employ long-distance drivers is the best way to advance to these positions. A few truck drivers may advance to dispatcher, manager, or traffic work-for example, planning delivery schedules.
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Training Programs Near You
- Professional Truck Driver Institute of America (PTDIA)
2200 Mill Rd.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 838-8842, fax (703) 836-6610
A nonprofit organization established by the trucking industry, manufacturers, and others. It certifies that truck driver-training programs nationwide meet industry-training standards.
Contact them for a referral to certified tractor-trailer driver training programs in or area. Visit the Commercial Carrier Journal's abbreviated list of training programs (http://www.ccjmagazine.com/PTDIA.htm).
- Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (APFTDS)
2081 N.E. 54th Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50313
(515) 261-4625
Email: apftds@riverbnd.com
APFTDS is an organization of public truck driving schools (e.g., community colleges). Locate a public training program in your state from the list of APFTDS members (http://www.apftds.org/members.html).
- Layover.com Lounge
An online community where you can pose questions about truck Driving and referrals to training programs near you.
- Submit information about your truck-drivingtraining program
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