The allure of the open road, the sense of independence, and the opportunity for a lucrative career draw many to the trucking industry. In fact, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting steady growth and 260,000 new trucking jobs available every year for at least a decade, there’s never been a better time to become a truck driver. But before you can hit the road, you must acquire a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Obtaining your CDL starts with training that will prepare you to take and pass the CDL exam. What kinds of CDL classes should you look for, and what can you expect from CDL classes?
Obtaining Your CDL
Because operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) demands more experience, skill, and ability than operating a non-commercial vehicle, truck drivers must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) before legally operating a CMV.
Getting your CMV is a multi-step process. Before researching CDL classes or enrolling in a CDL training program, first make sure that you meet the baseline requirements set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Be at least 18 years old (for intrastate driving) or at least 21 years old (for interstate driving)
- Possess a valid non-commercial driver’s license
- Be able to pass a series of physical exams and a drug test
- Have a clean driving record
Remember that some states or trucking companies may have stricter requirements than the FMCSA’s baseline, so find out the requirements for your state.
Next Steps
Provided you meet the requirements above, you’ll next need to accomplish the following:
- Obtain a copy of your state’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Manual. You can find hard copies of the CDL Manual at a local DMV, BMV, or online. Remember, since each state has its own licensing requirements, be sure you’re using the manual provided by and specific to your state.
- Decide what kind of vehicle and driving you want to do. There are three different classes of CDLs, and the training requirements vary for each. Also note that you’ll need specific training or endorsements for specialized types of vehicles or driving (such as school buses, tank trucks, tractor-trailers, or vehicles transporting hazardous materials), so keep that in mind as you look for CDL classes.
CDL Classes: The Basics
Next, you must complete entry-level driver training (or CDL classes) with a registered training provider. CDL classes provide you with the essential tools and knowledge you’ll need to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. They will also directly help prepare you for the CDL skills test, a three-part test that you must pass to obtain your CDL license.
Enrolling in CDL Classes
You’ll need to enroll in a CDL training program to learn how to drive commercial motor vehicles and obtain your CDL. In CDL classes, you’ll learn the rules of the road, how to inspect your vehicle, secure freight, plan routes, and more. Typically, CDL classes are a few weeks long, and you’ll be qualified to take the CDL exam by the end.
During CDL classes, you’ll learn everything you need to know about all the following:
- Basic vehicle operations, inspections, and maintenance
- Rules of the road
- Defensive driving techniques,
- Safety practices
- Specialized hauling considerations and requirements
- Regulatory compliance
- And more
Along with classroom instruction, you’ll need to obtain your commercial learner’s permit (CLP) so you can practice driving on public roads with a qualified CDL holder sitting next to you.
Where to Find CDL Classes
You can find CDL classes and training programs at vocational schools, community colleges, and private trucking companies. Any drivers applying for a first-time Class A or Class B CDL license (who are issued a CLP on or after February 7, 2022) must complete entry-level driving training with a registered training provider before taking the CDL exam, per the FMCSA’s federal minimum requirements. You can visit the Training Provider Registry to find a training provider. Be advised that the FMCSA sets minimum training requirements but that many states have more stringent procedures in place, so always check your state’s particular regulations and procedures.
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Once you’ve obtained your CDL license, you can start your new career! When you’re ready, join the team at BLC Transportation. We have opportunities for both company drivers and lease-purchase drivers. With our lease-purchase program, you can make 90 percent of the line haul while driving new trucks that provide comfort, fuel efficiency, and reliability. Plus, we offer bonuses and incentives, a health insurance subsidy, a friendly passenger/pet policy, assistance registering for an LLC, and more. Contact us to learn how to join our team today!