NATIONAL TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL

NATIONAL EXCELLENCE, LOCAL TRAINING

A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a CDL and Becoming a Truck Driver

If you’re interested in a trucking career, obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is your first big step.
This blog post serves as your comprehensive guide, providing actionable tips and advice on how to navigate the journey from newbie to licensed truck driver.

  1. Start by getting your CDL permit

Online Resources: CDL PREP:

The CDL PREP app provides users with the essential knowledge required for the CDL test, provides practice questions and tests to ensure proficiency and safe driving skills.

You must learn these 3 categories to obtain your Class A CDL:

  • General Knowledge: basics of driving commercial vehicles, including topics like road signs, weight limits, and navigating different road situations.
  • Air Brakes: Dive into the workings of air brake systems, understanding components like the compressor, brake pedal functions, and the importance of brake checks.
  • Combination Vehicles: Grasp the essentials of operating vehicles that combine multiple sections, how to couple and uncouple trailers and handle their unique turning dynamics.

Visit Your Local DMV:
Once you feel confident in your knowledge head to your local DMV to take the permit test.
Remember, adequate preparation increases your chances of success

  1. Enroll in a CDL SChool

A quality institution goes beyond just providing top-notch training; it ensures you’re armed with the essential skills and insights pivotal for success in the commercial driving sector.

Here’s a glimpse into the skills you’ll acquire at a reputable truck school:

2.1. Theory Training
Before getting behind the wheel, it’s essential to understand the core theoretical components:

  • Rules and Regulations: Beyond just knowing the speed limits, commercial drivers should be aware of specifics, like weight restrictions on bridges or tunnels.
  • Management Skills: Skills such as maintaining logbooks, managing rest breaks or how to appropriately distribute cargo for balanced weight

2.2. Skills (Yard Training)
Transition from paper to pavement:

  • Vehicle Mastery: Performing a thorough pre-trip inspection and understanding the importance of correct tire pressure for a fully-loaded vehicle.
  • Precision Maneuvers: Sharpen your skills by practicing offset parking or positioning your truck for a 90-degree alley dock, or a parallel park.

2.3. Public (Road Training)
Experience the actual roads:

  • Driving Techniques: Making a sweeping right turn at an intersection without encroaching onto other lanes or integrating a loaded truck onto a busy highway seamlessly.
  • Navigational Mastery: Refine skills like changing lanes while accounting for extended blind spots and efficiently maneuvering a large truck through a bustling roundabout.
  1. DMV Examination

The final step; to secure your Commercial Driver’s License from the DMV:

  • Schedule: Book your test slot in advance via the DMV website.
  • Prepare: Master the pre-trip inspection, air brake systems, driving skills, and public drives.
  • Arrive and Check-in: Bring necessary materials to the DMV, check in yourself and the drive equipment.
  • Examination: Take the examination, showcasing your skills and knowledge.

Setting up the DMV exam can be a tedious task, but it doesn’t have to be.
At National Truck Driving School, we’ve simplified the process.
Just show up at our facility, and we will handle the rest
Your success is our mission. Join us, and let’s hit the road together

Starting a career in trucking is a significant step.
With the right guidance and training, like what’s offered at National Truck Driving School, the journey to obtaining a CDL can be straightforward and rewarding.
Your success today paves the way for a promising tomorrow.
Let’s drive forward together