Are you considering a career as a truck driver? Trucking is a reliable and growing field, with 260,000 new trucking jobs predicted annually for at least the next decade. In other words, if the independence and freedom of the open road appeals to you, there’s never been a better time to consider changing careers. What do you need to be a trucker? Find out if you have what it takes to enter this exciting and rewarding line of work.
Trucker Requirements
What do you need to be a trucker? Some requirements will vary depending on the state you live in, the trucking company you work for, and the type of vehicle you want to operate. To begin, federal law dictates some of the minimum requirements for truck drivers, while other requirements are specific to your state or company.
What Do You Need to Be a Trucker in the United States?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the administrative arm of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) that develops and enforces safety rules and regulations for large trucks and buses. Minimum federal standards for truck drivers are described in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). The FMCSRs include a description of basic federal requirements for anyone who wants to be a truck driver in the United States.
Driver’s License
All truck drivers must have a valid, standard, non-commercial driver’s license (CDL) to get started. You’ll also need a clean driving record.
Minimum Age Requirement
Federal law requires interstate truck drivers to be at least 21 years old unless they are in the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program, or SDAPP.
Proof of Citizenship
To be a licensed commercial truck driver in the United States, you’ll need to supply either proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency.
Minimum Education Requirements
While you’ll need to take training classes to apply for and obtain your CDL, the only other minimum educational requirement is having either your high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED).
Valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate
You’ll need to pass a minimum health standard (dictated by DOT) in order to be a trucker. Your health and medical history will be officially confirmed as part of the process of becoming a licensed truck driver. According to federal law, medical conditions that may disqualify you from becoming a trucker include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Having a seizure within three months of applying for a CDL
- Having a seizure within 24 months of getting a CDL
- Having a medical condition that impairs your ability to drive or that could cause you to have an accident
- Having a medical condition that impairs vision or safety
- Having an addiction to drugs or alcohol
- Having a medical condition that affects speech or hearing
- Medical conditions involving diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain respiratory ailments
Certain medical conditions, like diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, do not automatically disqualify you from being able to obtain your CDL. Depending on the condition you’re diagnosed with, you may be able to apply for a DOT exemption. The final determination will be made by a medical examiner who may order additional tests or procedures as part of the process of determining your medical fitness to work as a trucker.
No Disqualifying Criminal Offenses
Certain criminal felonies may disqualify you from applying for or receiving your CDL, or will at least delay the process. Disqualifying offenses often vary depending on the state or the trucking company you hope to work for.
CDL Requirements
The most important thing you need to be a trucker is a valid CDL. Along with meeting the requirements above, to obtain your CDL, you’ll need the following:
- Enroll in a CDL training program
- Secure your commercial learner’s permit (CLP) after completing the classroom portion of your CDL class
- Complete at least two weeks of practice with your CLP
- Get a medical examiner’s certificate to confirm that you are physically capable of safely operating a truck
- Pass the written and driving portion of the CDL exam
Are you hoping to start a new career as a truck driver? BLC Transportation can help. 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 today!