| There are two ways to become a truck driver. By | | | | you will be able to drive. However, nearly all major |
| truck driver, I mean driving a big rig, 18-wheeler for | | | | companies will require you to go through a period of |
| money. In most states, you must go through an | | | | driving under the supervision of their trainer. |
| approved truck driving school. This will be required by | | | | Another advantage to going it on your own is you can |
| nearly all of the major carriers. You can (1) go on your | | | | walk away at any time. If you find that truck driving is |
| own or you can (2) go through a company-sponsored | | | | not for you, you can simply cut your losses and quit. |
| school. These are the two ways. There are | | | | That is if you haven't made any other obligations. This |
| advantages and disadvantages to both. For this | | | | will be more expensive but will give you more options if |
| reason I will discuss both. | | | | you can afford it. |
| Find An Approved Truck Driving School | | | | The disadvantage of self-pay is it will not guarantee |
| Finding an approved truck driving school is not too hard | | | | you a job upon completion of school. |
| to find. You can look | | | | Advantage of Company Pay |
| - Them up on the web, | | | | The second way is almost the same, but with a little |
| - Contact your state department of transportation | | | | twist. You will still have to pass a physical since federal |
| (DoT) or | | | | law requires this. |
| - Simply ask the better business bureau if they can | | | | Major companies will give you a stipend, while going |
| recommend one. | | | | through school. Essentially, the company will pay for |
| Once you find one: | | | | your driving school. There is one catch. You will have |
| - You will have to fill out an application just as you | | | | to work for that company for at least six month to |
| would in any other technical school or community | | | | one year. After completing your training program and |
| college. | | | | after you have fulfilled your required payback time, you |
| - You will be required to take a physical to see if you | | | | will be able to go to any other company that will hire |
| meet the driving requirements. | | | | you. |
| - If you are eligible, you will have to pay for your school | | | | The advantage of going to a company school is they |
| yourself or get a grant. Usually grants are given out | | | | pay for the schooling and will guarantee you a job |
| through the state employment agency, if they have | | | | once you complete the requirements. Many find that |
| one. In any case, you are required to pay for the | | | | this is the least expensive and most desirable way to |
| school in some way. | | | | get a job and a commercial driver's license. |
| Advantage of Self-Pay | | | | The draw back is if you don't or can't complete your |
| The advantage of paying for school yourself is your | | | | obligation, you will have to reimburse the company for |
| freedom to choose whom you will work. Most | | | | your schooling. You are or will be under a contract, |
| acceptable schools will have a list of clients | | | | which you must fulfill. |
| (companies that accept their school). Upon completion, | | | | |