What You Need To Know About Truck Driving Schools And Your CDL
Are you ready to start a new career as a professional CDL driver? Before you explore truck driving schools, take a look at the top CDL questions answered.
What Is a CDL?
The acronym CDL stands for commercial driver's license. Even though you may already have a driver's license, you'll need a CDL to work as a professional driver.
There are three classes of commercial driver's licenses — A, B, and C. A Class A CDL allows you to operate a combination of vehicles with a total gross weight of 26,001 pounds. These could include semis, tankers, livestock carriers, and flatbeds.
A Class B designation includes the operation of single vehicles (cab and cargo area) that aren't hitched to a trailer and weigh more than 26,000 pounds. These may include trucks, buses, segmented buses, and dump trucks. The Class C license also allows you to operate single vehicles. But this designation only permits the driver to operate trucks, buses, and other vehicles weighing under 26,001 pounds.
Can You Get a Job with a CDL?
A CDL is the first step towards your career as a professional truck driver. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the heavy and tractor-trailer truck driving industry is projected to add 99,700 jobs between 2018 and 2028. This is on top of the existing 1,958,800 jobs in the United States.
If you want to work in a specialized trucking field, you may need an endorsement to your CDL. These include H (hazardous materials), P (passenger), T (tank), and S (school bus). You'll need to apply for the individual endorsements and pass extra/specialized exams.
How Can You Get a CDL?
Truck driving schools provide the basic knowledge and training you'll need to earn a CDL and drive a truck professionally. A quality driving school will guide you through the CDL training process.
Along with training, you need to follow your state's licensing guidelines. These may include age restrictions and testing requirements. Specific CDL tests vary by state. These typically include a practical driving skills test and written exam.
Do You Need a Permit?
Months before you got your driver's license you got your learner's permit. Like your existing driver's license, you also need to get a Commercial Learner's Permit (or CLP) before you get a CDL. This type of commercial permit allows you to practice large or commercial vehicle operation as you train to become a professional driver.
For more information, contact a CDL training service.