Do you enjoy travelling to new places and earning money while doing so? If yes, then it is highly likely that you will do well in lorry driving. Depending on the area, the United States has a stable trucking industry which has a high demand for lorry drivers and promises great financial opportunities. That’s where truck driving schools Sacramento CA come in!
Why Choose a Truck Driving Career?
Driving lorries is more than just an occupation; it is a way to live. If you love adventures, going outside, and don’t want to be sitting in an office, then this job will be a good fit for you. Here are great reasons why you should consider this occupation:
- Job Security: There is always a high demand for lorry drivers. Businesses want to be able to transport their goods and services within the country and its territories.
- Good Pay: For a starter, the average salary ranges at approximately $50,000, while others pay far more. Also, there is a lucrative pay waiting for experienced drivers.
- Travel Opportunities: You get to explore different cities in the country and international landscapes, while earning an income.
- Quick Training: You can become certified in weeks, not years, unlike other professions. When you get your certification, you can immediately start working.
What Do You Need to Become a Truck Driver?
Before starting their journey, students must fulfil the following prerequisites:
- Minimum of 18 years of age (21 for cross-state driving).
- Possession of a valid driver’s licence.
- Completion of a physical examination and drug screening.
- Completion of a lorry driving course and receipt of a Commercial Driver’s Licence (CDL).
Finding the Right Truck Driving School
Choosing a driving school is the first major decision to make. Not all driving schools for lorries are the same, so it is prudent to identify the one that meets your requirements. The following are the considerations:
- Accreditation: Is the institution recognised and authorised by the relevant state education authority?
- Practical Skills Sessions: The institution should guarantee a lot of actual driving time.
- Qualified Trainers: You want to be taught by industry veterans in order to get the best lessons.
- Job Placement Services: Some institutions assist graduates in seeking employment opportunities.
What to Expect in Truck Driving School
Driving a lorry is very different from ‘regular’ driving school. The students are not stuck in a classroom for the entire day. Rather, they get some time in living quarters as classwork, with real-life experience driving lorries. This is how programmes are developed:
- Lessons in the Classroom: Some subjects include basics of lorry driving, maintaining and operating a lorry, mileage rules, lorry control, travel tactics, driving strategies, etc.
- Training in Actual Equipment: During this module, students will drive actual lorries. Concentration will be placed on turning, easy and complex parking, and driving on the motorway.
- Preparation for US CDL Examination: Instruction teaching and pre-testing by the institution will enable you to pass all the prerequisites needed to meet requirements for becoming a school licensed driver (CDL).
The CDL Examination – Everything You Need to Know
Having the driving licence of a lorry (CDL) is the ‘goal’ and getting to it requires some effort in the form of supplementary examinations.
Two mandatory tests required are driving tests and skill verification:
- A written test: questions on motor vehicle law, safety, and driving and regional law.
- Practical test: Driving during supervision and tasked with parking, reversing and iterating the previously mentioned steps.
Most lorry schools will strive to make things less daunting for students by providing thorough preparatory training. Thus, having these programmes in place greatly assists students and ensures that they successfully clear the tests.
What Happens After You Get Your CDL?
You can begin your job search as soon as you pass your exam and receive your CDL. Many companies are willing to hire novice drivers immediately. Some schools even partner with trucking firms, which can be advantageous for students seeking employment.
- Some entry level positions include:
- Driving for local deliveries
- Long-haul trucking
- Specialised trucking (refrigerated transport or hazardous materials)
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a safe truck driving job with a decent salary and good pay, then this is your opportunity. With the right training from truck driving schools in Sacramento, CA, you will be set in just a few weeks. Truck driving is one of those careers that you will not regret choosing. So, what are you waiting for? Grab this opportunity and start your training today!
