Have you ever dreamed about quitting your 9-5 job and trying something completely different? If you have, then truck driving might be an excellent option for you. It is a job that allows you to spend time on the open roads, listening to your favorite tunes and enjoying your own company. If you like the sound of this and want to know how to get started, you can find out more below:
1. Understand the Minimum Requirements
Before starting truck driver training, you must meet the minimum requirements. To drive a truck in the US, you must have a valid driver’s license, a social security number, and be a minimum of 18 years of age. However, while this may be true, many trucking businesses will not employ people until they are 21, so be aware of this before you start your training.
2. Apply for a Driving License
If you do not currently have a US driving license, you will need to apply for one and pass your test before you can start your training. One of the best ways to do this quickly is to join a driving school.
3. Choose Which Lorry License You Want to Apply For
Once you have met the minimum requirements, the next step is to decide which type of lorry license you want to apply for. Here are some of the different options available to you:
- Class A – this is the perfect option for people wanting to drive heavy-duty vehicles. This includes tanks,livestock vehicles, commercial trucks, and tractors. The Class A license is considered the most comprehensive.
- Class B – this license type is for people who want to drive buses and public transport vehicles.
- Class C – if you want to operate a smaller vehicle, then this might be the option for you.
4. Apply for an HGV License
Before starting your lorry driver training, you must apply for a Commercial Learners Permit and one of the licenses listed above. The provisional license you receive will allow you to drive an HGV under the direct supervision of an instructor or another licensed HGV driver. It allows you to drive on normal roads, as well as on dual carriageways and highways.
5. Start Your Training
You should start looking for an HGV training company as soon as your license arrives. These companies will take you out on the roads and teach you how to drive an HGV safely.
6. Pass Your Test
After you’ve completed sufficient training, you can apply to take your driver’s test. The HGV drivers test is in two parts. The first part involves sitting a theory examination. This test ensures you understand the rules of the road and the traffic signs. It is usually a multiple-choice questionnaire,and you can take some mock tests to help you prepare for it.
The second stage is the practical exam. This part involves getting into the HGV with an examiner and showing them that you know how to drive the vehicle carefully. The training you have completed alongside your HGV trainer will help you with this. Just remember to stay calm, and you’ll be fine.
7. Get a Certificate of Professional Competency
You may think you can start working as a lorry driver as soon as you’ve passed your HGV test and obtained a CDL license, but this isn’t the case. Before you can work as anHGV driver, you must first get a certificate of professional competency. To get this certificate, you will be required to sit four tests:
- A theoretical assessment
- A driving ability assessment
- A case study
- A practical assessment
If you pass all these things, you can work as a lorry driver in the US. That doesn’t mean you don’t have to be wary of accidents on the road, however. With that being said, if you are ever in an accident, you can just hire a truck accident lawyer.
8. Gather Your Application Materials
Having your HGV license and your Certificate of Professional Competency (CPC) is a great start, but you need to prepare some other documents before you apply for jobs. This includes a resume explaining who you are, what roles you have done in the past, what qualities you have, and a cover letter relevant to the job you are applying for.
9. Start Applying for HGV Jobs
Your next step is applying for HGV jobs in your local area. HGV drivers are in high demand, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. No matter whether you’re looking for class A driver jobs Kansas City or class C jobs in Florida, there will be options available to you.
10. Pass the Road Test
The final thing you need to do before you can get the benefits of being a fully-fledged truck driver is to pass the organization’s road test. This might include learning about the products they transport and taking a medical examination.
If you’re interested in driving and enjoy spending time on the open roads, then a career as a truck driver might be right up your street. The great news is that it can take as little as 8-10 weeks to be fully qualified. Simply follow the steps above, and you’ll get your license in no time.