This page updated:June 16, 2010
How to become a truck driver.
How to get a CDL on your own.
You can attain a CDL on your own! It is not my purpose to tell you "how" to drive a truck, but to help you think about becoming a truck driver. There are more reasons why you shouldn't become a truck driver than there is to become one. However, if you are sure that's what you want to do then I hope this information will help you become a truck driver.
First, here is some information about myself to certify my credentials as a truck driver--from 1955 to 1995 my experience covered many different trucks and equipment over the years with the last 10 years as hazardous hauling including, 40' dumps, flats, vans and tankers.
At the present time,(September 2007)I still carry all my credentials of certifications, including tankers and (dropped Hazmat 2-21-04) plus bus credentials.
UPDATE:--In February of 2008 time to renew my CDL the state of Illinois would not Grandfather class "A" (semi) as it is required to bring the equipment that you are currently driving to be tested in. It has been over ten years since I drove a big truck and I now have a Class C license for a CDL.
I drive a small bus part time and do a lot of limousine service to Chicago O'Hare / Midway Airport and downtown Chicago plus St. Louis. I don't do this full time any longer, however, enough to keep busy and stay active.
I still travel the highways staying active in the transportation industry. I hope you gain some kind of insight or information you can take away with you which will be useful for you to become a truck driver.
I understand how many of you wish to have the driving experience to go along with your CDL. However this all depends just what kind of truck driver you want to become! If you want to become a semi-driver and truck all over the country or even within you local state then find some one willing to teach you as a co-driver or what ever means and if all fails then go to a truck school. Even this won't prepare you for the experience you are looking for. Experience is in the doing! So, go slow and take your time and be sure what you are doing. Main thing you want a job, you want to support your family. There are a lot of jobs out there and they don't require you to travel all over the country and be away from home so long. So be careful what you do and who you sign with. Take short runs to get a feel of the highways you will be traveling. Main thing is get a job and be safe. driver.
TEN STEPS TO BECOME A TRUCK DRIVER.
Step #1--First, you need a license to drive trucks which is called a "CDL"--Commercial Drivers License. I would suggest you check with your local college to see if they have a truck driver training program there. You could qualify for a student loan or, if a veteran, the government will pay the cost.
Step #2--Use local resources--Doing it this way you have some control over your future compared to going off to some training program for a company in which you will be compelled to work for and probably sign on for a year, then they may pay your schooling. However, while at the trucking school, companies will come visit looking for recruits to join their company.
Step #3--Those of you who live out and away from any place to get training from, except through a company program, then you don't have a choice.However, all of this sounds like a great idea, but when the day comes to catch the bus and leave this idea can turn sour real fast.
Step #4--Here are types of jobs and a partial list to choose from!. Which would you like to be--can you choose one?
1. Freight hauler.
2. Construction hauler
3. Hazardous hauler
4. Tank hauler
5. Flat bed hauler
6. Local hauler (city & state)
7. Road driver (gone week at time)
8. Long haul driver (gone 3 weeks or more each trip)
9. Low boy hauler
10. Small doubles
11. Large doubles
12. Triples Small
13. Straight trucks
14. Other specialized hauling
Step #5--As you see, there are various types of equipment and occupations that you might want to consider. Each one has its own specifications you must become familiar with. Just to say, "I want to become a truck driver" is only a beginning to many years of experience.
Step #6--First decision should be; "Why do you want to become a truck driver?" Have this question answered in your mind because it will come back to haunt you if you are not sure.
Step #7--Family life--If you are a family man then you don't want a road job because you would lose your family life as you know it. If you are under 30 years old and married then be sure you don't take a road job. You may get your "walking" papers if you persist going on the road. A lot of women are not going to stay home alone while you truck around the country. You would need a very good understanding with your spouse to allow you to be gone like that. I can't say anything good about being separated for long periods of time from your family or spouse.
Step #8--Understand your spouse--For many there is a worry from the spouse that is left at home and that is about how their loved one is behaving on the road. Are they cheating? Are they being true? What will they do when they become lonely? Will they look for someone to be with?
Step #9--Stay focused--The only thing I can say for either spouse is to worry about yourself and not the other. You be concerned about how you are behaving in your life because if the other person is not true to your marriage--it is their problem--not yours. That may be difficult to understand, but think about it--if you have a clean conscious and are being true to yourself, then you can't control how your mate is behaving. If your mate does something they should be ashamed of, then it is their guilt--not yours.
Know yourself--Otherwise, Driver, you worry about what you do while you are gone because that is a big enough job right there. One doesn't need to worry if their wife is running around while they are at work. However, on the same level, the wife needs not worry about her mate out on the road, rather keep her balance at home and not fall to some slick talking phony that would take advantage of her situation.
Step #10--Know what you are doing--As far as deciding what you may do or not do is something that must be answered before any type of situation comes up. know what your decision is before hand. Do not get yourself involved in any improper relationship with any one. This advice is for men and women! Knowing yourself will strengthen your confidence helping you build a brighter future no matter what you are doing.
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To illustrate the meaning of knowing yourself, I once had someone try explain to me, "Nobody will know so what have you got to lose?"
I hope these words have been useful to you and will help you on your way into the trucking industry in a good way.
At Layover.com ask him anything you want! Women here is a good place to check out trucking! This is a valuable service provided free to whom ever whishes to use it. This service is not for just new drivers but can serve the experienced driver as well. Got a Question--just ask.
Also for the person just begining there is the "Newbies site for the "new" driver with information you will find very helpful. The following link will take you directly to the "Recruiter" at Layover..
I want to dedicate this page to the memory of my wife for 53 years. She endured the hardships of what driving a truck offered women but she allowed me to continue my life as a driver. She was the mother of 8 children and now many grandchildren will remember her for all the love she left behind. It was November 7th, 2003 my best friend and wife passed away giving up her battle with cancer.
HOW TO GET A CDL WITH OUT GOING TO A TRUCK SCHOOL.
Find out how you can get your CDL on your own.
