Truck drivers of every type are in demand. Whether driving a delivery truck in a local area, a tractor-trailer truck across country, or transporting biohazard materials, drivers are needed. Getting a commercial driving license (CDL) opens up several opportunities. Travel, job security, and excellent pay are all possible with a CDL.
Minimum Requirements
There is no degree needed to drive a truck. A clean driving record, a clear background check, and the ability to pass a Department of Transportation physical are basic requirements for enrollment. Courses vary in length, but most people are on the road in a matter of months. Those able to attend classes full-time can be driving in as little as three months. Where part-time classes are offered, students can continue to work as they learn skills to better their earning potential and change jobs.
What to Look for in a School
All truck driver schools are not the same in terms of costs, courses offered, and curriculum. Researching them before enrolling is wise. Some, for example, do not offer part-time classes. This is a problem for individuals who need to remain working or have family obligations. Look for a school that is flexible and can accommodate schedules.
Real Hands-On Practice
Driving on a simulated course set up in a huge lot provides students the opportunity to become familiar and comfortable with how a truck operates. Turning, backing up, entering traffic, and safety checks are vital to learning about the truck. This does nothing to teach students about driving on the roads. Hands-on practice on the streets, the highway, and at a real truck dock are ways students discover how to be successful drivers. Find out which truck driver school place an emphasis on real driving experience and cross the others off the list.
Types of Commercial Driving Licenses
CDLs are available in different types to reflect the level of skill and the truck mastered. A class A license allows the driver to operate tractor-trailer trucks. A class B license limits the holders to driving straight trucks.
Someone interested in driving a delivery truck within city limits will not need the same level of training as someone hauling produce across the country. Look for a school, such as NextGen Driver Training LLC, that offers a wide variety of Defensive Driving School Jacksonville to suit your needs and preferences for driving.
