Truck Driving Training Programs

By Author: Courses is designed to assist the existing CDL Class A driver refresh their skills to be able to ent
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Truck drivers load and transport goods, hazardous materials and freight from one location to another for local, regional and long-haul deliveries. Some truck drivers also perform stocking, unloading and inventory duties. Most truck driving positions require drivers to have a commercial driver's license (CDL) and several years of truck driving experience.

Essential Information
Program Levels: Commercial driver's license (CDL)
Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED certificate, clean driving record
Program Specializations: Several classes of CDLs available, based on truck weight and cargo materials. Hazardous material certification available
Other Requirements: Good eyesight and driving judgment, must be able to tolerate hours of driving, should be in good physical strength and at least one year of truck driving experience.
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
Truck drivers who operate trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more are required to have a CDL. Truck drivers must also obtain a CDL if they drive smaller trucks that carry hazardous materials.

Most ...
... truck drivers enroll in a Professional Truck Driving Institute (PTDI)-certified truck driving course or training program. Upon completion of a PTDI-certified course, drivers must demonstrate adequate truck operation abilities and pass a CDL written exam. Truck drivers who transport hazardous materials must obtain additional hazmat credential (which require truckers to submit fingerprints and pass an extensive background check through the U.S. Transportation Security Administration).

Career Options
With experience and extensive trucking knowledge, truck drivers can obtain high-level jobs that require long-haul, nationwide deliveries. Truck driving positions that require regional or nationwide travel may require three to five years of truck driving experience.

Continuing Education
Newly hired truck drivers typically participate in workshops and seminars sponsored by their employers, that cover transportation regulations, safety procedures and federal trucking ordinances. In addition, American Trucking Associations (ATA) holds online workshops for truck drivers in all areas of business. Workshops address legal, financial and operational areas of truck driving.