If your goal is to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), it is essential to understand the federal government’s specific requirements and steps to becoming a truck driver. These requirements apply to all states, and there are also expectations outlined by each state.
Step 1: Review and meet Basic Requirements
Before applying for a commercial learner’s permit (CDP), you need to have a standard state driver’s license and two years of experience behind the wheel with no suspensions or revocations of license in any state.
You also must be 18 to drive a truck within a state. If you are driving hazardous materials through more than one state, you must be 21.
A background check is necessary, and you must prove you are a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States.
Getting Medical Clearance
A Medical Examiner’s Certificate is required to obtain a CDL or a CDP. This document is your certification that you can meet the physical requirements of the job. These requirements include being able to handle long-distance driving, odd sleep schedules, and the unique stressors being on a long-haul trip and away from friends and family for extended periods.
Medical Clearance Expectations
Requirements of the required medical clearance include the following:
- Your vision should be 20/40, even with correction. There should be at least 70 degrees of peripheral vision in each eye. Wearing contacts or glasses is fine; this just needs notation in the certificate.
- Unless there is an exemption, you cannot have diabetes and need injected insulin.
- Your hearing ability must be standard.
- Sleep apnea may disqualify you from obtaining a CDL.
Step 2: Training Schools
Once the basic requirements are met, you can work with a truck driving school to help prepare for the exams required to become a truck driver.
Earn a Commercial Drivers Permit
The permit requires you to pass a set of written tests. These tests include covering general knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles. The topics may vary state by state, but CDL handbooks are easy to find online. You can get a permit before attending a training school if you prefer to get ahead.
Deciding on Endorsements
Endorsements vary by state, but endorsements are additional certifications to allow you to operate certain types of vehicles outside of the usual CDL requirements. For instance, to operate a vehicle with hazardous materials, you need an H endorsement. To have this endorsement, you need to pass a written test.
Taking the CDL Exams
Each state has its own skills and knowledge test, but all the states have to meet the same federal standards. The CDL exam is a three-part exam, including basic knowledge and an air-brake exam, as well as a skills test.
Step 3: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Requirements
The goal of the FMCSA is to keep the roads safe, so it has additional qualifications in place. You cannot hold a CDL in more than one state. Having a CDL in only one state eliminates the chance of any driver hiding a bad driving record from a different state. Also, new requirements from the FMCSA prohibit texting while driving. Lastly, you must self-certify your medical background with someone on the National Medical Registry.
Step 4: Finding a Job
As soon as you have the necessary licenses, endorsements, and certifications, finding a job is the next step. Many truck-driving schools offer career counseling and will give you access to job placement boards. After finding a job, you typically will complete in-house training tailored to the specific truck-driving company to introduce you to the vehicles and equipment relevant to the job.
FCC has a wide range of transportation services, including medium to long-haul van, midwest regional, southwest regional, southeast regional, local van capacity, and flatbed. We have been voted a Top 20 Best Fleet for eight consecutive years and won Best Overall Fleet in 2009, 2011, and 2015. In addition to our award-winning fleet and two cutting-edge maintenance facilities, FCC has an administrative team that works around the clock to ensure the safe, organized, and timely arrival of drivers and goods to their destination. Does FCC sound like a good fit for you? Talk to one of our recruiting team members today to find out how you can become part of the FCC family.