| A truck-driving career is one unlike any other. The | | | | particular vehicles and carrying those particular |
| working conditions can be rigorous and because of the | | | | materials. The endorsement is stamped onto your |
| very nature of the job, one of the primary | | | | permit. |
| requirements of the profession is a fierce sense of | | | | Even after a permit is issued, a student driver is |
| independence and absolute self-reliance. As a truck | | | | allowed to drive a tractor-trailer only when |
| driver, there will be many times during your career, | | | | accompanied by a CDL-licensed driver in the |
| when you are miles away from home and your base | | | | passenger's seat. This permit is usually valid for six |
| station that you will come across instances when you | | | | months and only allows you to learn how to drive a |
| will have to deal with things yourself, with nobody else | | | | truck, for which you will need to attend a truck driving |
| to help or support you. If you can handle that, great! | | | | school. |
| Welcome to the world of truck driving. | | | | Truck Driving School |
| Age Factor | | | | The primary objective of a school is to ensure that |
| Age is the primary factor in truck driving. You can start | | | | you can successfully maneuver an 18-wheeler and |
| at 18 if you are planning on trucking only within your | | | | clear the driving skills exam. |
| own state but if you intend to drive cross-country | | | | There are several different types of truck driving |
| across state lines you must be over 21 years of age. | | | | schools. Given that the classroom instruction is the |
| Remember however that severe age restrictions | | | | basis upon which your career will be built, it is important |
| amongst insurance companies mean that most | | | | to locate a school that offers solid basic CDL |
| carriers prefer hiring individuals who are over 23 years | | | | preparatory classes. Certified schools are most widely |
| of age. | | | | recognized and accepted. In this school industry, |
| CDL Training is Only the Beginning | | | | certification implies that the school is 'certified' to meet |
| If you've set your heart on becoming one, the first thing | | | | the training standard of the trucking industry. |
| you need to do is obtain a CDL or Commercial Driving | | | | Truck Driving Skills Exam |
| License, which qualifies you to drive 18-wheeler | | | | When you have completed the necessary tenure in |
| vehicles. | | | | the driving school you will have to undergo a driving |
| Obtaining a CDL entails first sitting for written exams | | | | skills exam where you will be required to demonstrate |
| held by the concerned authority of that particular state. | | | | your knowledge on how to conduct an inspection of |
| This written exam covers a whole range of tests | | | | the vehicle prior to operating it and how to carry out |
| including an Air Brakes test, the Combination Vehicle | | | | an air brake test. Then you will need to demonstrate |
| test and a General Knowledge test. | | | | your driving skills, which includes reversing and basic |
| Taking the optional endorsement tests for Tankers, | | | | parking. This driving skills test is conducted first on a |
| Double and Triple Trailers ("Doubles/Triples") and | | | | secluded, private driving range and then on the public |
| Hazardous Materials certifies you for operating those | | | | roads. |