The idea of driving a great big shiny truck and trailer down the highway is an appealing one to many young men and women. After all, being a professional truck driver is a great way to see the country. The only thing better than seeing the country is getting paid to do it. However, there is a little more to being a driver than just hopping in the truck and taking off.
The first step is to acquire your Commercial Driver’s License, or CDL. A CDL is required to operate several different categories of vehicles within the United States. For this article we will be looking at Class A CDL’s, which is the most expansive type of the licenses available.
Class A CDL
The Class A CDL will allow the holder to operate any type of vehicle that requires a CDL license. However, the driver must also have the correct endorsements for the vehicle. For instance, a Class B CDL is all that is required to operate a school bus. But, the driver must have a passenger endorsement. Therefore, a Class A license holder with a passenger endorsement could operate the bus legally.
Class A CDLs are required to operate combination vehicles, or trucks with trailers, that are over 26,000 pounds gross weight. These vehicles are considered to be commercial vehicles when the weight extends beyond 26,000 pounds.
You also may be considering becoming a hot shot truck driver, more of a freelance truck driver. Even a hot shot trucker, you’ll need to get your CDL.
Testing
When a truck driver applies for a Class A CDL there are several tests he may be given. The first test will be the combination vehicle test. This test is aimed at checking the knowledge of the future truck driver in regards to trailers and their operation. It will contain questions regarding how a trailer should be inspected and what it might do in certain situations. There will be other tests as well, in addition to the combination vehicle test.
Airbrakes
Another common test for Class A CDL drivers is the airbrakes endorsement test. This one is popular because most big rigs are equipped with air brakes, and it is important that a truck driver knows how the system works. The questions on this test involve inspecting the brake system and preventing the failure of components by knowing when to replace them.
HAZMAT
If a Class A CDL truck driver is going to be required to haul hazardous materials in his rig, then he will need to complete the haz-mat tests. These tests will be aimed at examining truck driver knowledge on proper handling of hazardous materials. It will also contain questions regarding how they should be stored and hauled. On top of taking a written or computer based test, the driver will also have to undergo a federal background check. It is important to note that certain criminal histories can disqualify you from hauling haz-mat.
So, before you make up your mind to become a professional truck driver, be sure to study the license requirements for the job you want to do. Knowing ahead of time what tests your state will require you to take could save you time and money.
[…] hauled from one place to another. There’s a lot of money to be made after getting your CDL license. Therefore, the truck driver can make a viable career out of their truck and their favorite routes. […]
[…] Setting Up A New Life Around Trucking on So You Want To Be A Truck Driver: Class A CDL […]
[…] of predictability and comfort. While trucking requires the driver to be out of the house, CDL training could begin a long career in trucking that gives the driver options that are far beyond what are […]
[…] the completion of CDL training, you are finally free to enter the exciting world of trucking. That is until you discover that […]
[…] on the subject, take some practice tests and even go down to the DMV and pickup your state’s CDL study guide, they are […]
[…] you have obtained your CDL and made sure you drove safely and responsibly, you’ll never be hurting for good truck […]
[…] this might seem like a viable alternative to paying for the CDL school yourself, most of the companies who offer packages like this pay less than the industry standard […]
[…] truck driver, there’s never a shortage of work available to you. Once you have obtained your CDLs and begun your driving career there is an unlimited number of doors that are open to you. Because of […]
[…] no tickets or accidents? I can say that for my husband. Not a ticket nor an accident in his entire truck driving career, quite […]
[…] demand for truck drivers is growing at a rapid rate. As of November of 2013, the number of truck driving job available […]
[…] have spent a few years in the area of new truck driver training. Working with these new drivers coming into the business gives you some good insight into what they […]
[…] even get some road condition updates from my company from other drivers in the area as well. A good professional driver will be well informed about the conditions he or she is going to encounter. This way they are able […]
[…] you’re a new truck driver and just completed your truck driving school training, afterward, you’re going to need to get some time and experience under your belt. If […]
[…] you looking to score your first truck driving job? Are you a current driver looking to make a switch? Are you not sure what you should be looking for […]
[…] must admit, I am one of those truck drivers who thought flatbed trucking is too much work. I always figured it would be easier to hook to a van trailer, shut the doors and […]
[…] So You Want To Be A Truck Driver: Class A CDL […]
[…] So You Want To Be A Truck Driver: Class A CDL […]
[…] So You Want To Be A Truck Driver: Class A CDL […]
[…] driving combination vehicles, such as a semi with a trailer. A truck driver is required to have a Class A CDL when the vehicle he is towing is in excess of 10,000 […]
Comments are closed.