Truck driving is certainly an exhilarating and satisfying profession, information and training is a pre-requisite in this field. Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL) can be a formal endorsement that hones those pertinent skills needed for you to hit the road safely and make a living as a professional driver. This article seeks to explore the basic components of a CDL training program and the most important guidelines that any future truck driver should know before starting his new work position.
What is CDL Training?
CDL training is a comprehensive education plan prepared for the would-be drivers oriented to large transport vehicles such as trucks and buses. The course includes provisions of both theoretical and practical problems dedicated for contents of the CDL examination and abiding by both dot and state laws.
Types of CDL Licenses: Class A, B, and C
It is significant to comprehend the distinct classes of CDL since each one enables you to drive certain categories of vehicles: – The Class A DMV driving licence ‘CDL’ driver’s qualification – It gives permission to a driver to drive a vehicle with 26001 GVWgen or more, and also allows towing any trailer with more than 10000 lbs. Required for a tractor trailer driver and long-haul trucker.
Class B CDL: It allows individuals to drive vehicles over 26000 pounds of actual plasma weight and tow behind a trailer of under 10000 pounds. This type of drivers’ license involves the driving of buses or delivery vehicles only. Class C CDL: This is essential for a person to be qualified to operate vehicles such as heavy duty passenger vans or lightweight toxic material carrying trucks.
How Do You Prepare Yourself For The Knowledge Test After CDL Training?(Rule No. 5)
CDL training programs include both theoretical and practical components. The theories are aimed at preparing the students for taking the CDL exam while the practical components include training on the actual CDL. Key training sections are as follows:
Classroom Instruction
A driver of a commercial vehicle is obliged to be aware of state laws and federal laws, road rules, logbooks, hazardous materials and other theoretical knowledge of trucking. This knowledge is necessary because it involves passing the written test of the CDL.
Vehicle Inspection Training
Performing a pre-trip inspection is one of the most intelligent measures of securing safety as well as regulatory compliance. CDL training covers how to examine engine parts, brake systems, lights, and the general condition of the truck as a part of vehicle inspection training.
Behind-the-Wheel Training
CDL training still involves learning driver’s skills. This practical phase entails elementary tasks such as reversing, parking and turning the truck. As well more advanced practices such as driving on highways, changing lanes or carrying out emergency stops.
CDL Training Requirements
Before going through a CDL complying training program, the following requirements have to fulfilled:
Age Requirement: You should be 18 years old and above to be eligible to receive a CDL for intrastate driving while 21 years of age is a necessity for interstate driving.
Driver’s License: Prior to filing for a CDL, it is needed to possess a complete and lawful driver’s license.
Medical Examination: It is a stipulated procedure to undergo a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical to determine if a person is in good physical shape to carry out duties that entail driving commercial vehicles.
Background Check: A background check is sometimes ordered especially when you are going to be transporting hazardous materials.
How to Choose the Right CDL Training Program
Each of these CDL training institutions have unique approaches in their training policies and thus the need applies even more. The following are some of the factors to consider:
Accreditation: Check whether the school is accredited by the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI) or other similar organizations.
Program Length: On average, a typical CDL program will fall in the range of 3-7 weeks. This depends on whether it is a full time program or part time. A program that best accommodates your time must be picked up.
Pass Rates: Seek for institutions with better passing rates for the CDL examinations.
Job Placement: A few institutions will assist students with job placement services immediately they acquire their CDL.
What to Expect from the CDL Exam
The general structure of the CDL examination is in two aspects:
Written Test: This multiple-choice examination tests the participant on such areas as road safety, traffic rules, and the operation of vehicles. Learning guides are common courtesy of the training program.
Skills Test: This is a functional examination, which consists of pre-trip vehicle inspection, vehicle manoeuvering, and a driving test, aimed at testing a candidate’s ability to drive a commercial vehicle.
Cost of CDL Training
A CDL training program can cost anywhere between three thousand and eight thousand dollars and such prices are mostly determined by the institution’s set costs and the type of license you are applying for. The good news is that a number of trucking companies come up with tuition reimbursement programs or train you at their expense but you have to work for them for a certain period after you finish the training.
Job Opportunities After CDL Training
After the training and examination for the CDL is completed, there are several career options available. Among which you may work as:
Long-haul or over-the-road truck driver
Short-dispatcher or local truck delivery driver
School or city bus driver
Truck driver of dangerous goods
A good number of these firms have varied opportunities for drivers and even offer decent salaries, medical cover and sign on bonuses especially for those working on more demanding areas.
After such programs, it will be possible to successfully work in the trucking industry, as CDL training is its basis, allowing for legal operation of commercial vehicles on public roads. Understanding the importance of these qualifications, getting the CDL means getting through the program that you chose, passing these examinations on this training that you’re on, and being ready to work with a trucking company.