How Do You Become a Truck Driver?
Congratulations! You have just decided you want to pursue a career in truck driving. Truck driving can be rewarding as you’ll enjoy independence, good pay, stability, the opportunity to travel, and other exciting benefits. But you may be asking yourself, “How do you become a truck driver exactly?”
There are several things you must know before committing to this new, exciting career! Learning this valuable information will help you determine if you want to become a truck driver and the next steps in how to become a truck driver. Before becoming a truck driver, you must meet the proper requirements, have the correct education, and seek out the right employers.
Coastal Truck Driving School offers comprehensive CDL training to those who want to become truck drivers. If you want to start a new career in trucking, contact Coastal Truck Driving School and learn how to get your CDL in just a few weeks!
[Related: Is Truck Driving A Good Career?]
How Do You Become a Truck Driver? – Do Your Research
After asking yourself, “How do you become a truck driver,” the first thing you want to do is your homework. Truck driving is a thriving industry! If you want to become a truck driver, there are many exciting job opportunities for you – even if you are just starting out. But if you don’t think truck driving is for you, it is best to find out before getting behind the wheel.
A great way to gather information when you decide to become a truck driver is by researching online. Reading this blog is an excellent first step when researching how to become a truck driver, but you can also gather information from other sources. There are YouTube videos and podcasts for you to check out, read reviews from truck drivers, and ask for personal experience or stories from seasoned truck drivers. Coastal also has more blogs that will help you better understand how to become a truck driver and what it’s like as a truck driver.
When you are sure about your decision to become a truck driver, look at job listings. You want to do this to learn about the job requirements and whether you meet them.
How Do You Become a Truck Driver? – Make Sure You Meet Basic Requirements
When you decide to become a truck driver, you need to make sure you meet all the requirements that many companies demand of truck drivers. First, you must have a valid driver’s license. It is currently a requirement for truck drivers to be 21 years or older to drive across state lines, but that could change sometime soon. A bill is being proposed to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to change the driver age so drivers as young as 18 can start pursuing a career in truck driving.
Becoming a truck driver is generally easier if you have a clean driving record. If you have a history of reckless driving or have been charged with a DUI, your chances of going to a driving school or being employed will be slim, but not impossible. Talk to Coastal today to discuss your options.
When reviewing your credentials, determine whether the truck driving school you want to apply to requires a high school diploma or GED. Many schools, like Coastal Truck Driving School, don’t have that requirement, but it is good to double-check when finding the right truck driving school for you.
How Do You Become a Truck Driver? – Select the Right Truck Driving School
An important step during your journey to becoming a truck driver is getting your commercial driver’s license (CDL). If you choose the right truck driving school, you can earn your CDL in as little as four weeks, receive proper training, and learn basic and advanced techniques with hands-on experience.
Also, consider the benefits of the truck driving school you are considering enrolling in. Does the truck driving school offer free housing to students so they can easily commute to campus? Do they have a job placement program that will assist with employment after you graduate? How about financial assistance?
Coastal Truck Driving School offers free housing, various financial assistance programs and in-house financing, and a job placement assistance program that has aided thousands of students in securing a job. Learn more about what Coastal offers when you contact a representative today.
How Do You Become a Truck Driver? – Apply for Open Positions
Once you complete your training and graduate with your certification, it is time to start applying to jobs. This part of becoming a truck driver requires patience, as finding a job may take some time. However, the industry is growing exponentially, so the wait might not take too long.
Luckily, some programs can help students find employment right out of school. Once hired, complete any additional training and their orientation, and you’ll be set to drive on the open roads.
[Related: The State of the Trucking Industry]
How Do You Become a Truck Driver? – Start By Applying to Coastal Today!
Choosing a truck driving school is one of the most essential parts of becoming a truck driver. Receive an education that will prepare you for the open road when applying to Coastal Truck Driving School today. We’ll get you road-ready in as little as four weeks and help you start your journey as a truck driver with our job placement program! Contact Coastal Truck Driving School today when you have questions like, “How do you become a truck driver,” or when you are ready to enroll!