How to Become a Truck Driver in Orlando, FL
Many truck drivers in Florida and around the United States are members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. It is an organization that works to protect and gain employment protection for truckers. In most cases, truck drivers must have a commercial driver's license, also known as a CDL, to drive large trucks (carrying at least 26,001 lbs.) or trucks that transport hazardous items. Becoming a truck driver in Orlando will require hands-on training from a local education provider.
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Instructions
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Find the best truck driving school that meets your schedule and budget. Consider the fact that costs will vary per school and time behind the wheel will too. Orlando education provider options include Mid Florida Tech, Roadmaster Drivers School or C & L Solutions, to name a few. Ask former students and schools for details on what to expect. Online classroom training is fine, but hands-on experience is necessary. Contact several education providers before making a final decision and learn about the instructor's background qualifications.
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Prepare for the requirements to pass the commercial driver's license exam. Obtain the hands-on training and make sure that you meet the age requirement (e.g., 18 to drive in-state only). Truck drivers have to pass physical exams every two years to test hearing and sight. Also, there are random drug tests given to ensure that truck drivers will not be a danger to other drivers. Therefore, obtaining truck driving privileges means more than having good reflexes behind the wheel.
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Complete and pass the commercial driver's license test. Be ready to demonstrate driving skills in various conditions with hazards involved (e.g., slick roads). Also, you must be able to complete the written portion, which covers the rules of the road applicable to truck drivers in Florida. Pay for the test and license at the local Department of Motor Vehicles driving center. The skills test will be administered by a DMV employee with a CDL. Expect to earn per mile or by the hour for compensation once you pass the test and secure employment.
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Provide your credentials and background check information to ensure that you will be eligible for plenty of work opportunities. As of May 2008, the median hourly wages of heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers were $17.92. Trucking jobs will most likely require some cross country trips, so be prepared to accept work beyond the Orlando city limits. You can work for local companies, like Publix or national companies such as Wal-mart. To learn more about this profession, refer to a long-time truck driver.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider joining an association to gain employment opportunities.
Make sure that you don't have another driver's license from any other state.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Trucking image by JASON WINTER from Fotolia.com
