Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver

• To become a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver requires a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as specialized training and a Commercial Driver’s License

Commercial Driver’s License:

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is essential, with truck driving training programs available at many community colleges, private driving schools, or trucking company training contractors

• The three main types of CDL are:

1. Class A: Allows the operation 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. Ideal for driving tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, tankers, livestock carriers, and flatbeds.
2. Class B: For driving vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more, without the towing requirement of Class A licenses. Suitable for driving straight trucks, large buses, etc.
3. Class C: For driving vehicles that transport 16 or more passengers or transporting hazardous materials in quantities requiring placards.

• Drivers will need at least one license endorsement. Class A CDL endorsements include:

1. H (Hazardous Materials)
2. N (Tanker Vehicles)
3. P (Passenger Vehicles)
4. S (School Bus Transport)
5. T (Double and Triples)
6. X (covering both Tanker and Hazardous Materials)

• CDLs may come with restrictions, such as:

1. E - Manual Transmission Restriction: Applied if the skills test was taken in a vehicle with an automatic transmission. The driver is not allowed to operate a Class A vehicle with a manual transmission.
2. L - Air Brakes Restriction: Issued to drivers who have not passed the air brake component of the general knowledge test or the skills test in a vehicle equipped with air brakes. They are not permitted to operate a Class A vehicle with air brakes.
3. M - Restriction: Placed on Class A CDLs when the holder passes the passenger (P) or school bus (S) endorsements using a Class B or C vehicle, restricting them from operating Class A passenger vehicles.
4. O - Tractor-Trailer Restriction: Applies if the skills test was taken in a vehicle that is not a tractor-trailer, thereby restricting the driver from operating tractor-trailers.
5. P - Passenger Restriction: Indicates that the driver has not passed the passenger endorsement test and cannot carry passengers in a passenger vehicle.
6. V Restriction: Indicates a medical variance on the CDL, based on conditions reported to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which might include diabetes, hearing issues, seizures, or eyesight impairments.
7. Z Restriction: Imposed on drivers who are not authorized to operate a CMV with full air brakes, typically because they took the road test in a vehicle with air over hydraulic brakes.

Commercial Learner’s Permit:

• Note, drivers may apply for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) first

1. A CLP is often required before a student can begin behind-the-wheel training in a truck driving program
2. The CLP allows the student to practice driving on public roads under the supervision of a qualified instructor
3. Obtaining a CLP involves passing a written knowledge test covering general trucking knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles, depending on the specific class of commercial driver's license (CDL) the student is pursuing
4. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles for details on preparing for and taking the written exam

Truck Driver Training Programs:

• Truck driver training programs may last several weeks and cover the essentials of driving large vehicles, such as:

1. Starting, controlling, and stopping the vehicle
2. Driving on various road types, including highways and smaller roads in towns and cities where traffic may be congested and turns may be very tight
3. Driving in inclement weather conditions and at night
4. Emergency procedures and defensive driving
5. Navigation and trip planning
6. Cargo handling and security, including hazardous materials handling
7. Safety regulations
8. Basic vehicle maintenance and inspection procedures
9. Logistics and supply chain management
10. Health and wellness

Age Limits:

• Drivers must be at least 21 to operate commercial motor vehicles that will cross state borders (i.e. interstate), per federal regulations
• Some states allow drivers who are at least 18 to operate heavy trucks within state borders (i.e., intrastate)

Required Physical Exams and Drug/Alcohol Tests:

• Drivers must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam and drug and alcohol tests

1. Note, that there are certain medical conditions and other factors that could potentially disqualify an applicant from getting a DOT medical clearance to drive

           * Examples include certain heart conditions, epilepsy, inner ear disorders, and uncorrectable vision problems. Applicants who are turned down may submit an exemption package to be considered for a waiver

2. Drug and alcohol testing is also a serious part of the application for a Commercial Driver’s License. Drivers can review DOT’s website to learn more

Paying for Training:

• There are several methods to finance the cost of truck driver training. Some companies offer apprenticeship programs for students who will later drive for them
• As TruckInfo.net explains, trucking companies may offer different types of “paid training,” so it is important to understand the details of any offer. For instance, three popular options include:

1. “Drivers receive free training but the company is reimbursed for the cost of training by deducting a portion of the driver’s paycheck afterward;
2. “Drivers receive free training but the driver is required to work for the company afterward for a set period of time (usually 6-24 months);
3. “Drivers receive free training and are also paid during training but are required to work for the company afterward for a set period of time (usually 6-24 months).”

• Driver students can also apply for federal student aid, Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act funding, scholarships, or personal loans. Veterans can apply to use Veteran Affairs education benefits

Additional Information:

• Many trucking companies offer additional training focusing on their specific operations, safety practices, and procedures

• Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers don’t have to go to college, but they do need training. Training programs should ideally be approved or accredited by one of the following organizations:

1. Professional Truck Driver Institute
2. Commercial Vehicle Training Association
3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
4. Council on Occupational Education
5. The state's Department of Education or professional/vocational licensing division

• Consider the cost of tuition and carefully review the options for payment. Many trucking companies advertise “paid training,” but it’s important to learn the details of such offers.

1. If using financial assistance, be mindful that not all schools qualify for students to use federal aid or Veterans Affairs educational benefits!
2. Beware of scams or misleading ads. If you see a program you’re interested in, check its reviews with the Better Business Bureau and other sites. Ask around and do your research before you sign any sort of financially binding contract.
3. Note, that some trucking companies have agreements with training programs, and these companies will reimburse students under certain conditions. However, if a student doesn’t pass the training, they are usually liable to pay all the tuition expenses.

• Programs should offer significant behind-the-wheel training to build practical skills, as well as feature a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of truck operation, including safety, regulations, and emergency procedures!
• Look at the instructor bios to make sure they have plenty of experience. Also, check out the condition and modernity of the vehicles you’ll be training in.
• Many schools help graduates find their first job, which can be crucial in the competitive job market. Check out the program’s success rate in terms of job placement.

• It can be useful to earn your regular driver’s license as early as possible to get experience behind the wheel
• Maintain a clean driving record!
• High school courses in math and geography may help with route planning and understanding logistics
• Take auto repair courses in school or community college to gain a basic understanding of vehicle maintenance
• Decide what type of truck you want to drive so you can tailor your training accordingly
• Be aware of age limits, physical exams, drug and alcohol test policies, and other requirements necessary to earn and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License
• Get your vision tested to make sure you’re eligible for a CDL
• Talk with truck drivers to get a feel for their day-to-day routines. Ask how they got trained and if they have recommendations
• Read online forums about trucking life and truck driver training. Ask questions and do your research before making any decisions
• Try to start a physical fitness program that builds stamina, which is required for driving long distances