Just when you thought you had left exams and certificates behind in your school days, here come more exams. Yes, you need training to obtain a CDL or HGV license. The size and capacity of the vehicle you intend to drive will determine what type of license you need to legally drive your truck. The manufacturer’s specification will have details of the vehicle’s categorization.
A UK heavy vehicle license may be required; In the US, this is called a CDL or commercial driver’s license. In general, in order to legally drive large trucks you will need an HGV or CDL. Smaller vehicles can be legally driven by standard license holders.
So where can you train? And what is it about? Did you know that some high schools and universities offer courses in mechanics and driving, particularly where there is a vocational link? Regardless of where you take your trucking training, the required tests to qualify you for your license will be governed by the area in which you live and the specific set of laws adhered to by the Department of Transportation. Those who wish to train to drive commercial vehicles in order to sit down and pass the necessary exams can do so at private or public driving schools. In both cases, the training and testing procedures are oriented, in the case of truck driving, to prepare the student for the qualification. Some employers may even conduct on-site apprenticeship training whereby the new recruit can be taught the basics while on the job, so to speak.
Novice truck drivers must take crowded courses or intensive training, in which the learning process is condensed into a shorter period of time than usual.
Long hours. Long term. Is for you? While some would find a career as a truck driver exhausting (‘truckers’ notoriously work long and hostile hours), many find the way of life to suit them and report that the monetary benefits far outweigh the disadvantages of life on the road. road.
If you always wanted to be a truck driver when you were older, you will need to have grown up to be at least 21 years old to work commercially as a truck driver in the U.S. He or she must also undergo a fairly strict physical exam every two years and be according to the alcohol and drug test. Sometimes these tests can be done randomly. Any convictions related to drug abuse and alcohol-related offenses, including traffic offenses, can result in the loss of your driver’s license and, indeed, your livelihood.
Cargo trucks with a total gross weight of more than 26,000 pounds and truck drivers loading hazardous materials are required by law to clearly display warning notices with a CDI commercial driver’s license.
So how much does it cost to take a test? Taking a driving test costs around £ 30.00 in the UK, the USD equivalent would be around $ 60.00. Although the lessons are charged by the hour, so your total expense will depend on the amount of tuition you need to get to the test level.
