How to Get Commerical Driver Training

With the recession causing everyone to reconsider their employment opportunities, there are a number of people interested in learning how to get commercial driver training.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. To be a commercial driver in the United States, federal law requires that you must have a commercial driver's license (CDL) from your state of residence. Because of the added responsibility involved in operating a commercial motor vehicle, you must be at least 18 years of age to receive a CDL. If your position involves interstate commerce, you will need to be at least 21 years of age.

2. There are three different classes of licenses that are available for commercial drivers. Additionally, there are endorsements that are required to be able to operate a school bus, haul passengers on a public transit system, or transport hazardous materials. If you are interested in commercial driver training, it's a good idea to spend some time thinking about what type of job you hope to obtain before you enroll in any classes.

3. In most cases, people interested in training to become a commercial driver get their education from community colleges or vocational schools. Admission requirements and tuition for these types of programs can vary, so it's best to contact several schools in your area before deciding which program you wish to attend. Forms of available financial assistance may include grants, loans, and scholarships, depending upon your age and income.

4. Commercial driver training courses cover the information you need to know to pass the written CDL exam. This may include topics such as basic driving safety, conducting a pre-trip vehicle inspection, operating air brakes, driving combination vehicles, transporting passengers, transporting cargo, and transporting hazardous materials. While it's true that every state offers a free CDL study guide to anyone interested in training to be a commercial driver, many people find it helpful to have an experienced teacher available to answer the questions that they might have.

5. Commercial driver training programs will also cover the skills you need to be able to pass the driving tests. This includes basic driving concepts such as steering, turning, parking, and backing your vehicle as well as special tips for driving a commercial vehicle in adverse weather conditions or coping with an emergency on the road. You will need to follow your state's rules for obtaining a CDL learner's permit before you are allowed to practice driving, however.

Tips & Warnings

• To select the best commercial driver training program, it's a good idea to ask to speak to former students. They will be able to tell you what they learned from the classes and if they think their training was helpful in obtaining their CDL. In many cases, former students may also be able to offer tips for landing your first full-time job after you finish your commercial driver training.

Resources

• DMV.org