The trucking industry is responsible for transporting the majority of freight across the country, creating consistent demand for qualified drivers. For those seeking a profession that offers autonomy without a four-year college degree, truck driving is a viable opportunity. The path to operating a commercial vehicle is a structured process governed by federal and state regulations.
Meet the Basic Requirements
Prospective drivers must meet several foundational prerequisites. The minimum age to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is 18; however, drivers must be 21 to operate across state lines (interstate driving). This age restriction limits drivers under 21 to hauling freight within a single state, which can affect initial employment options.
A valid, non-commercial driver’s license is also a requirement, and aspiring truckers must have experience driving a personal vehicle. Most trucking companies and long-haul employers prefer candidates who possess a high school diploma or a GED.
Complete a Truck Driving School
Attending a professional truck driving school is a practical step for most aspiring drivers. While it is possible to take the licensing exam without formal training, graduating from an accredited program increases the likelihood of passing the tests and securing a job. These schools provide the education needed to safely operate a large commercial vehicle.
The curriculum is divided between classroom instruction and hands-on training. In the classroom, students learn about traffic laws, documenting hours of service, and procedures for transporting cargo. The practical portion involves pre-trip vehicle inspections, maneuvering skills, and driving on public roads with an instructor.
Prospective students should look for state-licensed programs with a strong industry reputation. Program lengths can vary from a few weeks for full-time courses to several months for part-time options. Many schools also offer job placement assistance, providing a link to employers upon graduation.
Obtain Your Commercial Driver’s License
After training, the next step is to acquire a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which begins with obtaining a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). The CLP allows a student to operate a commercial vehicle on public roads with a qualified CDL holder present. To get a CLP, an applicant must pass written knowledge tests based on their state’s CDL manual.
After logging sufficient practice with a CLP, the driver can schedule the three-part CDL skills test. This exam includes a vehicle inspection test, a basic controls test for maneuvers like backing, and a road test to evaluate driving skills in traffic. The class of CDL obtained determines the type of vehicle a driver can legally operate.
Class A
A Class A CDL is required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the towed vehicle is heavier than 10,000 pounds. This license covers the classic tractor-trailer setup and is the most versatile for long-haul trucking, including flatbeds, livestock carriers, and tanker trucks.
Class B
A Class B CDL permits operating a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or such a vehicle towing another vehicle not exceeding 10,000 pounds. This category includes straight trucks, large buses, and dump trucks, where the cab and cargo area are a single unit.
Class C
A Class C CDL is for vehicles that do not meet Class A or B criteria but are designed to transport 16 or more passengers or transport placarded hazardous materials. This license class applies to drivers of shuttle buses or large vans and is less common in the freight industry.
Add Endorsements to Your CDL
Drivers can pursue endorsements to qualify for more specialized and often higher-paying jobs. An endorsement is an additional certification on the CDL signifying the driver has passed specialized tests. These endorsements permit the transport of specific cargo or the operation of particular vehicle configurations.
Common endorsements include:
- H for hazardous materials (HazMat), which requires a Transportation Security Administration background check.
- N for operating a tank vehicle used for transporting liquids or gases.
- T for hauling double and triple trailers.
- S for school bus drivers, which opens different career avenues.
Pass Required Medical and Background Screenings
All prospective truck drivers must clear mandatory health and background checks. The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires a physical examination to ensure a driver is medically fit. This exam, conducted by a certified medical examiner, assesses vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall physical health, resulting in a medical card that must be renewed every two years.
Drivers must also undergo drug and alcohol screenings, including a pre-employment drug test and random testing throughout their careers. Companies conduct thorough criminal background checks and review an applicant’s driving record. These screenings ensure that only safe and reliable individuals operate large commercial vehicles.
Find Your First Truck Driving Job
Many truck driving schools have relationships with trucking companies and provide job placement services to their graduates. These partnerships can be a direct pipeline to a first job, simplifying the search for newly licensed drivers.
Entry-level positions often involve over-the-road (OTR) routes, requiring drivers to be away from home for extended periods. Other options include regional jobs covering a smaller area or local routes that allow the driver to be home daily. A new driver’s salary builds with experience and a safe driving record.