Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become a Truck Driver

Step 1: Understand the Job

  • Research what truck driving involves (long hours, time away from home, safety responsibilities, and different freight types).

  • Decide what type of trucking appeals to you:

    • Local (home daily)

    • Regional (home every few days)

    • Over-the-Road (OTR) (long-haul, weeks out)

Step 2: Meet the Basic Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years old to drive within your state (intrastate).

  • Be 21 years old to drive across state lines (interstate) or haul hazardous materials.

  • Have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.

  • Pass a DOT physical exam and drug screening.

Step 3: Get a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

  • Study your state’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) manual.

  • Take the written knowledge tests at your local DMV.

  • With a CLP, you can practice driving a commercial vehicle under the supervision of a CDL holder.

Step 4: Complete Truck Driving School or Training

  • Enroll in a CDL training program (community colleges, private schools, or company-sponsored programs).

  • Training covers classroom lessons (rules, safety, logbooks) and behind-the-wheel practice.

  • Typical duration: 3–8 weeks.

Step 5: Earn Your CDL

  • Schedule and pass the CDL skills test, which includes:

    • Pre-trip inspection

    • Basic vehicle control (backing, turning, etc.)

    • Road test

  • Your CDL will be classified:

    • Class A – tractor-trailers, most long-haul jobs

    • Class B – straight trucks, buses, dump trucks

    • Class C – smaller vehicles with passengers/hazmat

Step 6: Add Endorsements (Optional but Recommended)

  • Depending on your career goals, you can take extra tests for endorsements:

    • T – Double/Triple Trailers

    • N – Tank Vehicles

    • H – Hazardous Materials

    • X – Tank + Hazmat Combination

    • P – Passenger

Step 7: Get Entry-Level Driving Experience

  • Many new drivers start with company-sponsored training programs or entry-level OTR positions.

  • Expect to drive with a trainer for several weeks before going solo.

  • First year is about building experience, not chasing the highest pay.

Step 8: Maintain a Clean Record

  • Follow DOT hours-of-service rules.

  • Avoid accidents, tickets, and logbook violations.

  • Keep your medical card and CDL valid.

Step 9: Explore Career Options

  • After gaining experience, you can branch into:

    • Local delivery jobs (home daily)

    • Specialized freight (tanker, flatbed, oversized loads)

    • Owner-operator (running your own truck)

    • LTL carriers (more structured schedules and benefits)

Step 10: Continue Growing in the Industry

  • Take refresher courses when needed.

  • Build a professional network.

  • Consider additional training (dispatch, safety management, or moving into fleet management later in your career).