We have all heard the news stories outlining the need among trucking companies to hire new drivers. With the industry currently short tens of thousands of drivers, trucking companies are looking for candidates to spend a few weeks in CDL school to get a license. So the question is, are you that candidate? If so, there is a road to CDL school that, if followed, will enable you to embark on your trucking career as quickly and prepared as possible.
Get Your Diploma or GED
The first stop on the road to CDL school is that of getting your high school diploma or GED. Neither is necessarily a requirement for every CDL school, but it is for some. Having a high school diploma or GED also makes you more hireable once you have your license. Employers like to see that their drivers put forth the effort to complete their high school educations one way or the other.
Also bear in mind that truck driving requires at least a basic level of reading and math skills. Both reading and math are part of the trucking job on a daily basis. Completing your high school education will provide the kind of proficiency you need to be a good driver.
Practice Responsible Driving
You are likely to have a standard car license for several years before going to CDL school. During that time, make a point of being a responsible driver whenever you get behind the wheel. Being a responsible driver reduces your risk of accidents and the likelihood that you will be convicted of certain kinds of violations that could jeopardize a future driving career. A simple rule to remember is that any employer is going to check your driving record before sending you to CDL school. Make sure that your record stays clean.
Stay Away from Alcohol and Drugs
Federal regulations require that truck drivers pass routine drug and alcohol tests. Your best bet, if you want to be a successful truck driver, is to simply avoid alcohol and drugs altogether. You will never have a problem with either if you do not start using them. If you do use drugs and alcohol, get the help you need to stop using.
Start Learning the Basics
Before you can attend CDL school, you will at least need a learner’s permit. You can greatly help your cause by getting a CDL manual from your local Department of Motor Vehicles and studying up on the basics. A rudimentary understanding of trucking mechanics and regulations will prepare you to take and pass the CDL permit exam on the first try. As an added benefit, studying for your permit will also help prepare you for your final CDL test at the conclusion of training.
The road to CDL school is not necessarily a difficult one. If you are willing to apply yourself and make an effort to be the best you can be, you can go from high school right into CDL training and then job hunting. If this is something that sounds interesting to you, please do not hesitate to contact us at C.R. England. We are always looking for new drivers we can help put through school.
