{"id":18426,"date":"2023-08-07T05:45:53","date_gmt":"2023-08-07T12:45:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/resources\/?post_type=resources&#038;p=18426"},"modified":"2025-09-23T10:41:28","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T17:41:28","slug":"how-to-become-a-truck-driver","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/resources\/how-to-become-a-truck-driver","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Truck Driver"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you enjoy driving and freedom, becoming a truck driver is a great way to get out on the open road and take control of your daily life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So what goes into becoming a truck driver and finding CDL jobs? Read on for everything you need to know about what to expect from life on the road, how to get a CDL license, and how to choose the commercial driver career that\u2019s right for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>1. Understand your options<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many different types of truck driver jobs. And each of these different CDL jobs require different skills, temperaments, and time commitments. For example, taking on local truck driving jobs is very different compared to becoming an over the road (OTR) truck driver. Likewise, getting a spot as a tanker trucker (one of the most coveted jobs in the industry) requires a different skill set from becoming a dry van trucker. That\u2019s because tanker truckers transport liquids, a very difficult task that\u2019s generally left to the most seasoned drivers and which also often requires special permits. On the other hand, dry van drivers transport less-complicated, non-perishable products. That makes it a great option for those just starting their careers hauling goods on a large single trailer vehicle since they are unlikely to require additional permits to get started.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because the types of CDL jobs available to truck drivers are so varied, salaries and time commitments can also vary greatly. Finding the right truck driving jobs depends on understanding which area best suits your interests when it comes to your work. While some drivers thrive on the time-sensitive nature of <a href=\"\/solutions\/hot-shot-trucking\">hot shot trucking<\/a>, others prefer the stability of a day-cab job with a reputable trucking company. For those hoping to become a commercial driver, knowing the different types of CDL truck driver jobs that are available and having a goal in mind when you start your training is key to not only getting hired as a truck driver, but to actually enjoying the career you\u2019ve chosen.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3>2. Do your research<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While meeting prerequisites, passing exams, and obtaining a truck driver license are all critical steps to becoming a truck driver, understanding whether or not you\u2019re actually cut out for the job and preparing for life on the road are vital \u2014 and often overlooked \u2014 first steps that should come before all of that. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you\u2019ve researched the different types of truck driver jobs and picked a few that seem appealing to you, the next step is to talk to a truck driver. Even better, try to talk to multiple truck drivers who perform a variety of CDL truck driver jobs in order to get a more accurate picture of many different aspects of the job. Becoming a commercial driver takes a lot of time and commitment. And while it has many elements that make it appealing, it\u2019s not for everyone. It\u2019s better to understand it\u2019s not the right fit before you take on the challenge of school and testing \u2014 not after.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few good questions to ask a truck driver before diving into the process of becoming one yourself:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>How did you become a truck driver?<\/li>\n<li>What do you like about the job?<\/li>\n<li>What don\u2019t you like about the job?<\/li>\n<li>How do you handle time alone on the road?<\/li>\n<li>What types of driving have you done, and what are the benefits\/drawbacks of each?<\/li>\n<li>What advice would you give to someone just starting out?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to speaking with a truck driver, you can also find information about becoming a commercial driver at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV can provide you with a commercial driver\u2019s manual (which is also available online) that will give you information about how to get a CDL license and exactly what you\u2019ll be expected to know to obtain each class of CDL license.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3>3. Know the requirements<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you get started training to become a CDL truck driver, you\u2019ll have to meet a few basic requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, in the United States, you\u2019ll need to be at least 18 years old to be a truck driver of any kind. However, federal law requires drivers to be at least 21 years old to transport goods interstate. If you\u2019re younger than 21 but still want to get started as a truck driver, you can still complete truck driver school and start finding work, but you\u2019ll have to spend your first few years driving locally. But that can be a great way to get experience and gain a better sense of the industry as a whole.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beyond your age, you\u2019ll likely need a couple additional things on hand to attend truck driving school, including a birth certificate, Social Security card, current, valid driver\u2019s license, and proof you live in the state where you\u2019re attending school, such as a utility bill. There are also medical examinations you\u2019re required to pass in order to become a CDL truck driver. These include checking for certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea, high blood pressure, physical handicaps, and checking for some prescription medications. The good news is that if you do have a medical condition that could prevent you from getting a CDL, in certain cases you can obtain a written statement from a physician that says these conditions will not prevent you from driving safely. That statement could give you clearance to complete training and take the CDL exams.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, you need a clean driving record to become a commercial driver. Most schools and trucking companies will overlook one or two small infractions, such as minor speeding tickets or parking violations. But larger violations, like reckless driving or a DUI, will probably end your trucking career before it begins.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, to become a truck driver, you will likely need to have a GED or high school diploma. There are some schools and companies that don\u2019t require these certifications, but many will want to make sure you have a high school education before getting started as a truck driver.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3>4. Get training<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After you understand the requirements, the next step to becoming a CDL truck driver is to choose a driving school. When you\u2019re picking a school, there are a few things to consider. First is the cost. Truck driving schools can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000, though many companies and schools offer tuition assistance or programs where you can earn money as you train to become a CDL driver in order to help offset the cost. Beyond cost, here are a few things to consider when looking for a truck driving school:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Length of the program.<\/b> Some schools claim to complete training in as little as two weeks, but speed isn\u2019t everything and a reputable school will want to ensure you have the proper training to start your career as a truck driver afterwards, even if that means you spend a bit more time in school before getting on the road. Make sure you understand exactly what sort of training you\u2019ll be getting during your time in school and if the training period is long enough. Having a quick course on your resume might actually scare away potential employers rather than giving you a leg up since they may believe that a short course does not adequately prepare students for the realities of the job.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Ratio of students to trainers.<\/b> Ideally, your training should be as close to one-on-one as possible. Too many students per trainer may be frustrating as you won\u2019t get the attention you deserve. Look for programs that offer courses with no more than four students per trainer.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Manual versus automatic.<\/b> It is pretty crucial that you understand how manual transmissions work, even if you plan on operating trucks with automatic transmissions. Many employers won\u2019t consider a candidate that cannot operate a manual transmission, so it\u2019s important to go to a school that covers both.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Trainer qualifications.<\/b> It helps to learn from the best! Ask about your trainers\u2019 experience level before you begin a truck driver training program.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Testing.<\/b> Ask your school what happens if you don\u2019t pass your test the first time. Obviously everyone wants to nail the CDL test on the first shot, but if you don\u2019t, can you repeat the licensing exam? How many times? Knowing this beforehand helps you avoid unpleasant surprises later on.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to making sure you\u2019re attending a reputable truck driver training program, you also need to understand the different classes of commercial driver license to ensure you\u2019re getting the right training for the class you want. There are three classes of commercial driver license: A, B, and C. The type of license you\u2019ll get depends largely on what type of truck driver you would like to be. Here are the distinctions:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Class A:<\/b> This is the type of license most truck drivers have. It gives you the freedom to drive almost every type of heavy duty vehicle, from commercial trucks to flatbed and tractor trailers, even tankers. You\u2019ll be a highly employable CDL driver with a Class A license.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Class B:<\/b> This is the license for the type of operator who drives everything from city buses to school buses or handles trash collection for construction sites.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Class C:<\/b> A Class C driver handles passenger transportation or cargo in a smaller vehicle than other drivers.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No matter what type of commercial driver you\u2019d like to be or which class of CDL you get, there are a few main components to your CDL program and exam that will remain the same.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the beginning of truck driving school, you\u2019ll need to pass the Department of Transportation physical exam (which is where those doctor\u2019s notes for certain conditions will be needed), then you\u2019ll need to go to the DMV to take a written exam. The written exams will qualify you for your CDL permit. This permit will allow you to practice driving on public roads with a certified instructor during your training. After that, you\u2019ll learn the ins and outs of being a commercial driver, from backing up and driving to conducting thorough pre-trip inspections to ensure you\u2019re always driving safely. After this training, you\u2019ll take a final driving exam and a test on your pre-trip inspection skills. When you pass these tests, you\u2019ll get your certification and you\u2019ll be ready to look for CDL jobs as a fully qualified truck driver.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3>5. Get hired<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of course, after learning about the process for how to become a truck driver, you\u2019re probably wondering how much money you\u2019ll make \u2014 and how you\u2019ll make it. In your first few years, you can expect to make about $40,000 a year, depending on what type of driving you\u2019re doing. After that, your salary can jump to as much as $80,000 a year and beyond, especially if you\u2019re interested in buying your own truck and becoming an <a href=\"\/solutions\/load-board-for-owner-operators\">owner-operator<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The good news is that there\u2019s a high demand for qualified drivers and, no matter where you are, there are likely to be a lot of great CDL truck driver jobs to choose from. Understanding what you want out of your job in terms of hours, distance, and salary can help you choose the right CDL jobs for you. When it comes to actually finding job opportunities, you can start by doing basic searches for \u201ctruck driver jobs near me\u201d or by reaching out to that same network of truck drivers you tapped into when doing your research and chatting with drivers. Truck drivers are often happy to help each other out and you never know which connection could lead to your next great opportunity!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to get started with your own trucking business as an owner-operator, the experts at the <a href=\"\/authority\">DAT Copilot\u2122 Authority Program<\/a> can help you get your permits and cut down on paperwork all while helping you grow your business on the road. Even better, the industry-leading <a href=\"\/load-boards\">DAT One Load Board<\/a> offers access to millions of new loads posted daily so you can always find the best freight opportunities to keep your business thriving.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re just starting out as a truck driver or looking to build your trucking business, DAT has the tools to help you get where you need to be.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Let DAT take care of your paperwork!<\/h4>\n<p>Becoming a truck driver takes time and effort \u2014 and it comes with a mountain of paperwork! It can feel overwhelming fast, but the DAT Copilot\u2122 Authority Program is here to help. With expert support and a streamlined process, your business will be up and running before you know it!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019ve ever found yourself wondering how to become a truck driver with no experience, we have you covered.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":18443,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18426","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":{"contentType":"2","enable_arrow_icon":"no_button","featured":"0","releaseDate":"August 7, 2023","solutionProduct":[],"segment":"carrier","segment_copy":["carrier"],"topics":[],"keywords":"","video_link":"","audio_link":"","header_button_shortcode":"[resource_assets_header_btn]","button_label":"Get Owner-Operator Authority","internalUrl":"https:\/\/cloud.comms.dat.com\/authority","button_target":"_blank","secondary_optional_buttonheader":null,"button_label__detail_page_optional":"","button_link_detailsub_page_bottom_section":"","featured_image_detailsub_page_optional":"","pricing_box":[{"header_title":"DAT Copilot\u2122 <br\/>Authority Bundle","price_prefix":"$","price":"[AUTHORITY_BASIC]","price_suffix":" ","features":"<p style=\"text-align: left; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 20px;\">Federal MC Authority ($300)<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 20px;\">BOC-3 MC Authority ($30)<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 20px;\">50% off DAT One for 6 months (from $150)<\/p>","button_text":"Get Started","button_link":"https:\/\/cloud.comms.dat.com\/authority","additional_info":"","target":"_blank"}],"disclaimer":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Become a Truck Driver - DAT<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Want to become a truck driver? Here\u2019s what you need to know to get your business off the ground.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18426\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Become a Truck Driver - DAT\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Want to become a truck driver? Here\u2019s what you need to know to get your business off the ground.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/resources\/how-to-become-a-truck-driver\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"DAT Freight &amp; Analytics - Resource Center\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-08-07T12:45:53+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-09-23T17:41:28+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/a-truck-driver-pulls-out-of-a-parking-lot-with-a-smile-on-his-face-min.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"583\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"457\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"DAT\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"DAT\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/resources\/how-to-become-a-truck-driver#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/resources\/how-to-become-a-truck-driver\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"DAT\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/resources\/#\/schema\/person\/225846e6dbbcef6f2b3806b7004b7161\"},\"headline\":\"How to Become a Truck Driver\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-08-07T12:45:53+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-23T17:41:28+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/resources\/how-to-become-a-truck-driver\"},\"wordCount\":2130,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/resources\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/resources\/how-to-become-a-truck-driver#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/a-truck-driver-pulls-out-of-a-parking-lot-with-a-smile-on-his-face-min.jpg\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/resources\/how-to-become-a-truck-driver\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/resources\/how-to-become-a-truck-driver\",\"name\":\"How to Become a Truck Driver - DAT\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/resources\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/resources\/how-to-become-a-truck-driver#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/resources\/how-to-become-a-truck-driver#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/a-truck-driver-pulls-out-of-a-parking-lot-with-a-smile-on-his-face-min.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-08-07T12:45:53+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-23T17:41:28+00:00\",\"description\":\"Want to become a truck driver? 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