Month: May 2019

Updated October 2024

If you’re thinking about a career in truck driving, you probably have some questions about what you’re getting into. From types of career opportunities to training options, there’s much to know before getting started in the exciting world of trucking! Join us as we highlight some trucking industry facts and answer some common questions about truck driving careers!

What is the Job Market Like for Truck Drivers?

The job market for truck drivers is consistently strong and continues to grow. Right now, there are over 240,000 job openings in the U.S., and the industry is expected to grow by about 5% through 2033. This means there are many opportunities for new drivers!

What Types of Truck Driving Jobs Are Available?

Truck driving jobs generally fall into three categories:

  • Over-the-Road (OTR): OTR drivers travel long distances across the country. They usually spend weeks on the road before getting a few days off at home. This is often where new drivers start.
  • Regional: Regional drivers work within specific areas of the country, driving between a few states. They typically have weekends off, but their schedules can vary.
  • Local: Local drivers work in a specific city or town and usually have regular daytime hours, going home each night.

How Much Can Truck Drivers Expect to Earn?

New truck drivers can start out with a salary above $50,000 per year. With experience, drivers can increase their salary and even move into higher positions such as management. long with different responsibilities and higher pay, many of these rolls come with benefits like healthcare and retirement plans.

How Can I Get Started in Truck Driving?

To start your truck driving career, you need to earn a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). You can enroll in a high-quality driving school like DriveCo CDL Learning Center, and receive the training you need. Along with classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, you will have access to resources such as tuition assistance options and job placement services!

What Does an Average Day Look Like for a Truck Driver?

An average day for a driver depends on the type of truck driving career you pursue! OTR drivers usually drive for 8 to 10 hours each day, with a maximum of 11 hours of driving time in a 14-hour work period. After that, they need at least 10 hours of rest. During their downtime, many drivers spend time enjoying hobbies, getting physical exercise, or catching up with loved ones on the phone. Although long-haul trucking can entail long hours, drivers can prioritize a healthy work-life balance and have a fulfilling truck driving career!

Getting the Facts Straight About Trucking

These important answers will get you started, but looking at more commonly asked questions will help you make an informed decision about your truck driving career! When doing research, think about questions to ask truck driving recruiters: what do you want your career to look like? After you complete training, you’ll be hitting the road – make sure you’re headed in the right direction for your future!

Are you ready to begin a truck driving career? Earn your Class A CDL at DriveCo – give us a call at 800-330-3984 to get started!

Updated July 2022

Maybe you’ve always dreamed of driving a truck or just simply wanted to travel the world.  Maybe you’re looking for a new career and truck driving seems like it could be a good fit.  Whatever your reasons for wanting to become a truck driver, you’ll need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to do it.  It’s not difficult to get a CDL, as long as you have proper training. Located in Northern Indiana, DriveCo CDL Learning Center prides itself on it’s hands-on Class A CDL Training. If you’re interested in getting a CDL, there are training programs at our DriveCo campuses, no matter what kind of experience you have driving. Are you ready to get started? We’ve laid out the steps to getting a CDL, which you can read about below.

Get Financing: Know Your Options

A CDL is a good investment.  Considering drivers who have a CDL can earn around $1,000 a week according to Indeed, the price of training shouldn’t scare anyone off.  Especially since there are multiple ways to pay for training.  DriveCo CDL Learning Center offers the following types of tuition assistance:

  • Indiana Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
  • Indiana Trade Adjustment Agreement
  • Military Benefits
  • Sponsorship Training
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Financing Through DriveCo

With all these options for payment, anyone can get a CDL.

Get Ready to Learn

In Indiana, you need to have a driver’s license and be 21 years old before you obtain your CDL and drive across state lines.  If you have a valid driver’s license and over 21, then you can get your CDL learner’s permit.  With that in hand, you’re ready to start practicing.

ELDT Certified Schooling

If you’re looking to obtain your CDL any time after February 7, 2022, you will need to attend an ELDT-certified school. The ELDT driving mandate was established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) to create a uniform set of requirements for CDL training programs. To qualify, a school must provide an acceptable mix of classroom education and behind-the-wheel training. If you do not attend an ELDT-certified school, such as DriveCo CDL Learning Center, you will not be eligible to take the CDL test at the DMV.

CDL Training

Once your financing is straightened out, you’re ready to start the course.  In the DriveCo Class A CDL Training Course, you’ll learn what you need to know to take the test.  The test has a written component and a driving component, so the training course does too.  You’ll get the hands-on experience you need to pass the test.

Taking the CDL Exam

CDL exams have written and practical components, and you’ll need to pass both. DriveCo courses are licensed by the state, so if you took the training course before your test, you’ll definitely be prepared.  There’s also a physical exam to pass before the State will approve a CDL, so make sure you’re in the clear with your health before it’s too late!

Get a Job

DriveCo offers job placement assistance.  Once you pass the test, you’ll be ready to start working right away.  It doesn’t matter where you are in Indiana, either. DriveCo has multiple locations, check them out here.  For more information about getting a CDL, contact us.

Updated August 2023

Attending CDL training classes is just one step to earning your license. After training, you’ll need to pass the exam to officially start your trucking career. Oftentimes, the idea of studying for this exam can feel daunting, as the manual alone is almost 200 pages long, and test questions can come from any part of it. Although passing is important, staying calm and following these study tips can help to ensure you ace the exam on the first try!

Remember Studying Basics

As with many other tests, cramming right before is not an optimal plan. To avoid this, be sure to plan ahead and schedule times to prepare and study. Study guides and flashcards are simple ways of learning and recalling the knowledge you’ve gained over the course of your training. The DMV has a free study guide as well as an online glossary of terms that may be on the test.

Studying in a distraction-free environment and taking breaks can also be helpful, keeping you from getting burned out too quickly. You may also want to keep yourself motivated by creating checkpoints and earning small rewards for reaching them.

Use the CDL Manual

Get your study materials straight from the source: the CDL manual. Exam questions will come straight from there, so using it to create your own study guides can only help. Reading through it during your downtime will also help to solidify what you’ve learned during training.

Take Practice CDL Exams

Find your weak spots by taking practice exams as soon as you start studying. This will save you time, figuring out where you need to focus your energy rather than studying things you already know.

Thankfully, there are multiple sites that have practice exams available. Driving-tests.org offers a free general knowledge practice exam that can be customized to your state. Another available resource is UnionTestPrep, which contains practice quizzes on many different topics, including:

  • Air Brakes
  • Combination Vehicles
  • Doubles/Triples
  • Hazardous Materials
  • Passenger Transport
  • Tankers

When in Doubt, Trust your Instincts

Your first instinct is usually the best. If you’re stuck on a question, go with your gut. Second-guessing yourself has been shown to result in more incorrect answers and lower test scores.

For more studying tips or to get started with your Class A CDL training, give us a call at 800-330-3984 and we’ll have you driving toward your future in no time!