Let’s Go For A Drive Things To Know About Truck Driving

In the United States, transportation is important. Automobiles take Americans from place to place. They take them to work, to school, to stores, to vacation destinations, and to visit family and friends. Many individuals cannot arrive to places by walking or biking because it’s too far. Automobiles come in handy for all of these situations. It is accurate to say that automobiles are essential to the lives of all Americans. However, there’s another creation essential to the lives of all Americans. That creation is a truck. By definition, a truck is a large, heavy motor vehicle used for transporting goods and materials. In fact, trucking transported about 15 billion tons of cargo six years ago. To add to that, this number is expected to increase to 18.79 billion tons. So, trucks are essential, that’s for certain.

In simpler terms, trucks do not take people from place to place. Instead, they take the materials they purchase from place to place. In order for individuals to receive their belongings or purchases, trucks need to exist. Then, in order for trucks to exist, someone needs to drive them. If you’re interested in becoming a truck driver, here’s what you need to know.

Truck Driving School

There are many different types of truck driving schools. However, many adhere to similar processes. Some classes at truck driving school only last about three to four weeks. You won’t begin in a truck, however. You’ll begin in the classroom. These are cdl classes, and are considered a portion of your cdl training. Let’s start with the actual process of truck driving school.

In the classroom, you’ll typically receive instructions on four main topics: CDL knowledge and permit testing, keeping efficient and accurate log books, map reading and the trucker atlas, and trip planning an routing. Essentially, you’ll gain the knowledge on all things truck driving. Also, you may think being in the classroom is boring, but instructors make the process enjoyable and worthwhile. Are you ready to become a truck driver, yet?

After the classroom, you’ll receive behind the wheel training. You’re now putting your learner’s permit (that you earned in the classroom) to use! Your instructor will demonstrate each skill, and then it’s your turn. You’ll start slowly by mastering some skills behind the driver’s seat. First, you’ll practice left turns, shifting techniques, straight line backing, offset backing, and parallel parking. This is all done of a driving range or course.

Once you finish practicing your skills on a closed course, it’s time for street training! You’ll practice on roads and highways to build your confidence and skills as a truck driver. Street training combined with course training, and classroom knowledge will ensure that you pass your test and become the best certified truck driver around!

Defensive Driving Training

It is imperative that all truck drivers have defensive driving skills. Defensive driving skills are defined as driving to save lives, time, and money, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others. In order to become a truck driver, you need defensive driving training. Professional truck driving schools can offer defensive driving training. This ensures that you understand how to be safe on the road, and you will be safe on the road. In terms of defensive driving training, there are defensive driving courses you can utilize to practice your safety skills.

Benefits Of Becoming A Truck Driver

Some individuals do not realize this, but are some benefits of becoming a truck driver! First, you get to travel for work! You’ll see new scenery with an open road life. As a truck driver, you’ll typically start working within 4-6 weeks, and you’ll earn a great living! This is an advantage over college graduates who begin work in four years (after earning their Bachelor’s degree) and they have student loans to pay back. Benefits is the next benefit of becoming a truck driver. If you become a truck driver you’ll have guaranteed medical benefits! Lastly, depending on the company you work for, you can earn bonuses as a truck driver. These bonuses can be earned for things such as maintaining a certain fuel economy, taking more difficult jobs, and safety records.