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Truck Driver Training Programs
Today there are many truck driver training programs offered to individuals looking to start a career driving a truck. If you are researching your options to be a truck driver one of the things you’ll want to consider is if you can pass the DOT (Department of Transportation) Physical.
You most likely don’t need to worry about the actual physical until you are instructed to do so. If you have all your fingers and toes and you don’t have any major health issues, chances are good you could pass. However if you do have any medical issues or concerns, you may want to read the DOT Physical requirements or talk to a school advisor to see if you could pass the exam before signing up for a training program. If you can’t pass the physical, then no need to waste your time or money on a truck driving school. There are medical waivers and conditions, so even if you are not perfectly healthy, you may still be able to become a professional truck driver.
As all schools are different therefore you will need to research each one you are considering attending as each truck driver training program will vary from school to school. For example, some may only be 3 weeks long while others could be 5 weeks or longer. Do your home work to make sure you understand exactly what you will be getting for your money.
Truck driving schools may also prepare you to take the CDL Exam and you may even be able to take the CDL test onsite. Unless you already have over the road experience driving a tractor trailer, make sure that is not all they do. You will want to find programs that offer classroom instruction plus hands on truck driver training. You will want to be behind the wheel as much as possible so you learn how to properly handle the tractor and trailer in order to be a safe driver.
If you have little or no experience behind the wheel you’ll want to find a truck driver training school who realizes each person will differ in their ability and will have developed a program specifically for a new or novice driver. On the other hand, if you do have experience driving a truck you may want to find a training program that offers training for intermediate or experienced drivers. These types of driver training programs may have less extensive training requirements.
Yes you do want to learn the theory of being a truck driver, but you also want practical hands on, getting your fingers dirty experience while in a training program. You want to become a professional who is proficient in your driving and learn the skills needed for entry level employment. Once you have completed your training, chances are you’ll still get on the job training with an experienced driver. However you want the school offering the truck driver training program to teach you the basic skills needed to operate heavy trucks professionally and safely.
Therefore, comprehensive training is what you are looking for. What does that mean? You want plenty of behind the wheel driving time in addition to learning the regulations and techniques from classroom instruction.
You also want to be trained to inspect and operate a tractor trailer, learn what your responsibilities will be to be a safe driver while on the road and while you’re at the pickup and delivery points. Getting trained in proper vehicle inspection, hook and trailer drops, and training with both loaded and empty trailers is important.
The instructors play a key role, so you’ll probably want instructors with real life experience behind the wheel. In addition to receiving training on what is important and what to do, you will also want to get trained on what to avoid (which can only come from an experienced driver).
Safety can not be stressed enough. It is dangerous on the road for all people when a poorly trained driver is operating a large and loaded big rig. So make sure you ask questions and get your fair share of time spent driving during your training and later during on the job training. If you are uncomfortable with something make it known. If you do not understand something then ask questions. Your safety and the safety of others depend on it.
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CDL Study Guide
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