This is a commercial drivers license book, this is your first step in retaining a CDL. Although this picture was taken 5 years ago it still illustrates the first step a person needs to take toward getting a commercial drivers license.
This is a commercial drivers license book, this is your first step in retaining a CDL. Although this picture was taken 5 years ago it still illustrates the first step a person needs to take toward getting a commercial drivers license.
When ever one thinks about a commercial drivers license, they think of driving an Semi truck. There are hundreds of jobs out there that you can achieve if you have a CDL but you don't have to drive over the road in an tractor trailer. The CDL easiest to achieve is the weight class of 16,000 or 24,000 lbs vehicle and that is without air brakes. The next step up is the air brake class of heavier weight class such as a dump truck or small delivery truck of some kind. Then you go up to the heavier classes and on to tractor trailers.
With time you will become an experienced driver however you never will learn it, "all". New products, new laws and more regulations will keep you forever in the learning mode. What I have described here for you can work if you choose to do it this way, of course most people like to go to a school for the "hands on" learning experience so they hope they will be more prepared.
End of steps;_________________________________________________
Read on to learn more about these steps to achieve your CDL as explained below in detail.
Step #1
From what ever state you are from go to your drivers license office (Secretary of State) and get one of these "Commercial Drivers License" books. Nobody says you cannot do this on your own, you can and that is why they are there for you to use anytime you wish.
Step #2
This book will be the first thing you will study if you go to a truck school. You will read it word for word--answer each question in the work examples provided in the book. Read this book out loud to yourself so you won't miss anything, by reading out loud you will use more of your learning senses and in fact some schools do just that--they have you take turns reading the book. And after reading the book, studying the questions, getting the correct answers go over the questions with someone until you get them all right. The answers are even provided so you may check yourself until you do get them right.
Step #3
After you have assured yourself that you can answer all the sample questions in the book it is time for you to take your test for your CDL permit. If you can answer all the questions in the CDL book you will have no problem getting your CDL permit which will allow you to drive with an instructor or a person with a CDL license whom will guide you through your road training. You will be required to prove who you are by showing some kind of identification. A social security card is one form and or birth certificate, or even your present driving license. A utility bill may even work for you but you must prove who you are.(this may sound silly to you but not to the state) The cost may vary from $50 to $60.
Step #4
There is another thing to think about right now and that is what kind of truck are you going to drive? You can drive a straight truck to start out with or a small bus! The best is to start out at 16000 lb axle weight. If you go higher then air brakes will be needed and you must take the air brake testing. At least you get your CDL this way and you can work your way into tractor trailers later on. Think of this--just take your basic CDL test and forget the tankers, hazmat, doubles and triples--just take the basic test so you can achieve your CDL license. Most anyone can drive a straight truck or a small bus. It is easier to acquire the use of a smaller vehicle for the test--from then on all you do is upgrade your license.
Step 5
However when you are ready you must get the use of a truck or the equipment you need to take your road test in. It must be made clear at this point you need someone who has a CDL who will go with you to rent the vehicle you need or are going to use. You just can't drive up to the Motor Vehicle testing office in a truck you want to be tested in. You only have a permit at this point and no one will "rent" you anything without a CDL therefore you need someone with a CDL license to help you. Maybe you can work a deal with a company you want to work for. After that depending on the company you are working for or will work for, your training will continue however you will have saved yourself $3000 or $4000 in school expense.
Each of us are different and it is possible that you don't need all that or it it could be a person just can't afford the school for one reason or another, so here is another way you can get your CDL(Commercial Driver's License) on your own.
In today's world of 2008, with prices going out of sight it will be difficult to earn a good living. Therefore, the World of the Truck Driver hopes that these words will assist you in your journey in life to achieve
satisfaction of hope for a good way of life.
Dick Lower, AKA--Old-timer
World of the Truck Driver--page updated August 20, 2008