Negosentro.com | What To Think About Before Getting Your CDL | Are you considering truck driving but don’t know if it’s the right fit for you? Getting a CDL is well worth your time if you intend to utilize it as your regular employment. However, you have to go through a lot of loopholes before you can obtain this license. If you have a good driving record, a clear criminal record and a clean bill of health, you are already well on your way. You must also be willing to invest time and money in schooling and testing. Read on to decide if pursuing a CDL is a good choice for you.
Employee or Boss
You can either drive for a company or be your own boss. If you don’t mind driving for long periods at a time, you can make anywhere from $35,000 to $70,000. However, you can earn quite a bit more if you decide to start your own business. If you intend to be a business owner, you may want to look into purchasing Fleet GPS trackers to see where your crew is at as well as to monitor their overall driving.
Requirements
Before you can get your CDL, there are several qualifications you must meet, which may differ according to your state’s standards. To apply for your permit, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. If you’re planning on driving across state lines, however, you must be 21. You need to be an experienced driver with one or two years of experience, and you must be able to prove citizenship.
Most businesses are looking for employees whose driving records have been clean for at least three years. The severity of the infraction, whether a speeding ticket or the lack of insurance, doesn’t matter. They are both a reflection of a careless attitude.
Having committed crimes or engaged in drug use, even if they occurred twenty years prior, can hold you back from getting a CDL. Employers are weary when it comes to hiring felons. It all depends on what the employer is comfortable with. If the felony was violent, it is likely that the employer won’t want you on his team.
In order to drive a large vehicle, you must be in good health as there is more risk involved. A DOT physical is part of the process. This involves a physician checking your vision, hearing and blood pressure. The doctor may also perform other tests to make sure you’re healthy enough to drive a commercial vehicle. A Medical Examiner’s Certificate is presented upon passing this exam.
Training and Tests
You can complete CDL license training through a trade school. This course generally takes about seven weeks if attending full-time. You will also have to take written and skills exams in the state in which you reside. The written portion is composed of multiple-choice questions, and the skills test, which is made up of three parts, is scored by an examiner who oversees your performance. You must pass all of these tests to be eligible for a CDL.
Expectations
The truck driving lifestyle is different from your typical shift work. You usually leave for days to weeks at a time before being able to return home. Before taking the steps to get your CDL, you have to decide whether your responsibilities will allow for these long trips on the road and whether you’re willing to sacrifice time away from your family.
On the other hand, this can be a perfect fit for you if you enjoy traveling and yearn to see what the country roads have to offer. You get freedom that other jobs generally don’t provide since you are on your own. The best part is the job security. Most industries need drivers to deliver their products. The demand for drivers is high, so you could get a job easily if this lifestyle suits you.
Truck driving is a good career choice as long as you’re informed about what it will take to earn your CDL, and you’re prepared to work hard to get it. If your desire is to gain road time rather than home time, getting your CDL might just be the best option for you.
