| Driving a truck is one of the best careers for someone | | | | but the pay will be considerably less than a driver with |
| who wants to get into the work force quickly without | | | | a clean record. |
| spending a lot of time in school. Truck driving is a | | | | 3) You will need to enroll in a local truck driving school. |
| demanding job, which can require a lot of time away | | | | There are many schools available all over the country. |
| from friends and family if you choose an "over the | | | | The best place to start would be at your local |
| road" career path. There are also opportunities as a | | | | community college, which may have a program for |
| local driver, but the way can be less due to not | | | | you to join. Driving a truck, especially an 18-wheeler is |
| requiring as much time on the job. The best part about | | | | not something that you can just begin to do. You do |
| a career in truck driving is that the career is growing. | | | | need practice, and the school will help you with that |
| The demand for commercial and residential shipping | | | | process. The school will also get you ready to sit for |
| has never been as high as it is now, which requires | | | | your CDL or commercial driver's license exam. School |
| more and more people to haul the loads across the | | | | is not required to receive your CDL, but the test is |
| North American continent. | | | | much easier if you have had the training a good school |
| As stated before, truck driving is a way to get into | | | | can provide. |
| your career quickly, but there are some steps that you | | | | 4) Test and receive your CDL. The CDL is required |
| need to take before embarking on your truck driving | | | | for anyone who wants to drive tractor trailers, buses, |
| career. Below are five basic steps to take before your | | | | tow trucks, and other trucks which way at least |
| career can begin: | | | | 26,000 pounds. Most states require the future driver to |
| 1) You should at least try to finish high school or your | | | | be at least 21, although there are states that will issue |
| GED (even though not usually required). Almost all | | | | a CDL to ages as low as 18. The CDL's are only good |
| employers like their new hires to show some level of | | | | for the driver's residence, but if you want to get |
| competence in the education field, and trucking | | | | started early, hopefully you reside in one of these |
| companies are no exception. A high school diploma or | | | | states. There are several endorsements that you can |
| even a GED will show your future employer that you | | | | apply for once you receive your CDL, including |
| are able to finish at least a basic education. The last | | | | Hazardous Materials and Tank Trucks, but those are |
| thing you want your supervisor to think is that you are | | | | for later in your career. There may also be additional |
| not competent. This isn't to say that not finishing school | | | | tests that your state and the Federal Government |
| makes you a less intelligent person, but you do not | | | | require you to pass. For those requirements, please |
| want to fall into that stereotype if at all possible. | | | | contact your local DMV office for more information. |
| 2) Make certain that your driving record is clean and | | | | 5) Stay clear of all illicit drugs. Trucking companies |
| free from violations. Nothing can scare off a good | | | | WILL conduct drug testing prior to employment and |
| employer quicker than a record full of DUI's and other | | | | during employment. Nothing will ruin a great career |
| major driving violations. If you do have problems with | | | | more than becoming involved in drugs that impair your |
| your driving record, there may be employers who | | | | decision-making skills, and behind the wheel of a truck |
| would be willing to give you a chance at truck driving, | | | | is not the place to be when using drugs. |