How to Become a Truck Driver

If it seems as if more and more big and small rigs fill the highways every year, it's not just your imagination - over 3 million Americans drive trucks for a living. If you'd like to be one of them, here's how.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Caffeinated Beverages
• Caffeine Pills

1. Complete high school or obtain your GED. Although not a formal requirement, most trucking companies (with about one-third of all jobs in this field) strongly prefer to hire high school graduates.

2. Maintain a clean driving record. Excessive moving violations and/or any Driving Under the Influence (DUI) convictions can disqualify you from trucking.

3. Obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to drive trucks over 26,000 lbs. or any size truck that transports hazardous materials. Getting a CDL requires applicants to pass both a written and driving exam to prove their ability to operate a commercial truck.

4. Prepare for and pass the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) exam of the U.S. Department of Transportation. In addition to a written test, truck drivers must pass a physical exam, including vision and hearing screenings.

5. Pass the FMCSR physical exam every two years to maintain your qualification as a commercial trucker.

Tips & Warnings

• Many private schools offer training to prepare potential truckers for the CDL exam, which includes a period of driving under the direction of a licensed truck driver.
• Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles for specific instructions on how to apply for a commercial driver's license where you live.
• Keep in mind that the life of a truck driver can be lonely, with countless hours spent on the highway for long stretches of time.
• All employers must now conduct pre-employment and periodic drug testing of truck drivers. Failing a drug test can result in immediate termination.

[xmallory]

on 10/14/2009 I,ve only had my regular driving license for 7 months, are there any programs that would train me for acquiring my c.d.l. license w/out the standard 1 yr.

[semiwife]

on 9/10/2009 As a trucker for 21 yrs you shouldn't need pills nor bull drinks to stay up, you drive 11 hrs and the rest is birth time really if you need those then you shouldn't be driving, also you can't drive truck inless 8 yrs later for the dui to be off your record and the inc company will touch you then.and you forgot about the log books that need to be kept up at all times. there is more but i wish you would of put better info on here and make sure you know what you are talking about.

[gregioso]

on 6/22/2009 Can I get A CDL with DUI 5 years ago?

[rj789]

on 6/13/2009 will a trucking company hire you without a diploma.

[eljefe11]

on 6/9/2009 Here's an article with more details:http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1167482/the_process_of_becoming_a_long_haul.html