As I stated earlier, in 1992 I became an over-the-road truck driver. In the fall of that year, my father passed away. When you're driving down the road in a big truck, you have the opportunity to do lots of thinking. One day, as I recall, my JD Truck Training Centre was out in the great northwest, Montana to be exact. Thinking of my past, my dad, and where I was, I started to create a poem. I call it This Great Land Of Ours.
4) Test and receive your CDL. The CDL is required for anyone who wants to drive tractor trailers, buses, tow trucks, and other trucks which way at least 26,000 pounds. Most states require the future driver to be at least 21, although there are states that will issue a CDL to ages as low as 18. The CDL's are only good for the driver's residence, but if you want to get started early, hopefully you reside in one of these states. There are several endorsements that you can apply for once you receive your CDL, including Hazardous Materials and Tank Trucks, but those are for later in your career. There may also be additional tests that your state and the Federal Government require you to pass. For those requirements, please contact your local DMV office for more information.
This is very possible. I have met a lot of truckers that didn't go to a Truck driving school. They learned it right at home growing up. They either grew up on a farm, or their dad took them on the road trucking. These guys who grew up on trucking really have the advantage with the experience they learned through the years.
For example Chicago is a big city to get through. From 6:00 am in the morning to about 8:00 pm at night you will have a lot of traffic. 3:00 pm rush hour begins and doesn't settle down until 8:00 pm; most big cities are like this. If you are going to be going through at rush hour you're best bet is to wait at a truck stop for a few hours and take a nap.
The schooling began with nothing but classroom study for the first week or two. If you decide to attend driving school at a HR Truck Licence company....let the propaganda begin! They won't waste any chance at promoting themselves, believe me. They will also make you feel like it is your privilege to be working for them. Get used to that. Now here's your first piece of raw truth about the industry... companies are completely and totally desperate for truck drivers. I mean DESPERATE!
"One of these days, Buddy" "You're going to cripple me in your enthusiasm," he rasped. Buddy merely looked back, with his tongue hanging out, (go now), "Yes, we're going" and turned the key in the ignition.
Go to an accredited truck training center or driving school! Learn the whole bases of pro trucking! And make sure you choose a school Truck licence or training center which is officially certified by the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI).