How To Become a Truck Driver: A Step-by-Step Guide

For many people, a career as a truck driver is appealing because it offers the chance to travel, work independently, and have new experiences on a daily basis. It's also an in-demand profession that's essential to the economy, which generally means that it comes with a high level of job security. When you also consider truck driving's impressive earning potential, great benefits, and the opportunities for professional advancement that the industry offers, it's no wonder that there are more than 3.5 million truck drivers currently hauling cargo on America's highways.

If you love life on the open road and seeing the country through a windshield, you've probably thought about a career in truck driving. But unlike some professions, you might not have a clear understanding of how to become a truck driver. You may also have questions about what the job entails, the specific requirements to get started, and the opportunities it provides.

This article is your guide to all of that. From what it takes to break into the business to what you can expect from life behind the wheel, let's take an in-depth look at everything you should know about life as a truck driver.

Understanding the Truck Driving Profession

In many ways, truck drivers are the unsung heroes of the American economy. As the people responsible for transporting goods to all corners of the country, truck drivers are an essential component of operations for practically every business that exists.

For example, grocery stores and supermarkets rely on truck drivers to deliver the food that stocks their shelves, while non-food retailers depend on them for the merchandise they sell. In manufacturing, truck drivers deliver the raw materials and supplies that become the products they make. In healthcare, doctors, nurses, and other professionals depend on truck drivers for the life-saving equipment, medicine, and protective gear they need to treat patients and keep themselves safe on the job. Even the nation's schools, libraries, and other institutions would be unable to operate without the dedicated truck drivers who travel long distances to deliver food, books, and other necessary supplies.

Because they play such a vital role, truck drivers enjoy relative career security. But not all truck driving jobs are the same. Across the industry, truckers travel different distances, follow unique routes, and haul unique freight. Each of those factors impacts drivers' day-to-day responsibilities. They also affect the necessary steps you must take to become a truck driver.

In general, truck driving jobs can be classified in one of three ways:

Dedicated route trucking: These drivers haul cargo for a single customer, such as an individual supplier or manufacturer. They generally follow the same trucking route, stick to a stable schedule, and interact with the same people day in and day out.
Short-haul trucking: Truck drivers who drive short-haul have delivery routes of around 150 miles or less. They rarely drive overnight, but it isn't uncommon for them to cover multiple routes per day.
Over-the-road trucking (OTR): Long-distance truck drivers haul freight over 250 miles. In some cases, these drivers spend several days or weeks driving a single shipment, and they frequently cross state and even national borders.

There can be some variations in terms of specific job duties and responsibilities depending on whether a driver drives a dedicated route, short-haul, or OTR trucking. However, truck driver jobs require individuals to perform a range of physical tasks, such as loading and unloading cargo, as well as administrative tasks, like logging hours spent working, and driving and filling out paperwork for pickups and deliveries. Securing cargo on truckbeds, vehicle inspections, and repair and maintenance may also be requirements of specific truck driver jobs.

Truck Driver Salary and Benefits

The salary that a truck driver earns and the benefits that come with vary widely. There are several factors that influence the average truck driver salary, including whether they drive dedicated routes, short-haul, or OTR. Likewise, the freight a driver transports plays a part, as does the experience level of a given driver, whether they work for a trucking company or on their own, along with their location of residence.

Drivers who work for themselves as owner-operator can earn between $150,000 and $312,000 per year for OTR trucking. For owner-operator drivers who truck short-haul routes, the average salary can start at around $60,000 and go as high as $220,000 or more. However, according to recent data from ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for truck drivers is $90,312.

It's important to note that truck driver jobs can vary in terms of how drivers are paid. In some cases, drivers are paid hourly, as they are in many professions. However, other drivers are salaried employees, meaning they earn a set amount per year regardless of actual hours worked. Still, other truck drivers are paid a specific sum per mile they cover on the road.

Of course, as with any profession, salary is only one-half of the equation when it comes to compensation. The other half? Benefits — things like health insurance, paid time off, sick leave, and the like. Again, truck driver benefits can vary depending on a range of factors, but generally, truckers who are employed by a trucking company receive the following benefits:

Health insurance package, including vision and dental
Life insurance
Vacation time
Paid holiday time
Referral bonuses

It's also worth considering the non-compensatory benefits of trucker driver jobs. For many people who are drawn to the profession, such benefits include the independent nature of the job, flexible scheduling, and the opportunity to travel while earning a living.

Common Questions About Truck Warranties

Truck warranties can vary, but here are some common questions answered. What is covered by my warranty? Typically, your truck warranty covers major components like the engine and transmission. How long does my warranty last? Warranties usually last for a specific number of years or miles, whichever comes first. Do I have to service my truck at a specific location? Some warranties require service at authorized dealerships to remain valid. Can I transfer my warranty if I sell my truck? Some warranties can be transferred to a new owner, increasing resale value.

How To Become a Truck Driver in 5 Steps

Truck warranties often cover components like the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. They typically include repairs or replacements for defective parts due to faulty workmanship or materials. Maintenance services might also be part of the warranty, such as oil changes or tire rotations. Additionally, warranties usually have a time period or a set number of miles, whichever comes first. It’s essential to read the warranty details to understand what exactly is included to ensure you get the most out of your coverage.

Step 1: Fulfill the Basic Requirements

There are a few baseline requirements that everyone must meet to qualify for a career as a truck driver. Keep in mind that the basic requirements vary across states. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for dictating the minimum requirements, which include:

Requirements for obtaining a Commercial Driver's Licence (CDL) and/or Commerical Learner's Permit (CLP)
Testing and licensing requirements that states must abide by
Required medical certifications

That said, individual states are responsible for administering CDL programs and issuing commercial permits and licenses. It's a good idea to find out the protocol in your state regarding the process of applying for a CDL, related CDL fees, and age requirements. Depending on where you live, to obtain a CDL and become a truck driver, you may need to meet basic requirements for:

Age thresholds: Most states won't issue a CDL to drivers under the age of 18. In some states, you'll need to be at least 21 years of age to obtain a CDL that permits out-of-state driving.
Driving record: Some states require CDL carriers to have pretty flawless driving records. That means no suspensions and a minimum of traffic violations, such as speeding tickets, DUIs, and other infractions. In some cases, blemishes on your driving record won't entirely disqualify you as long as they occurred outside of a certain time frame.
Citizenship status: Obtaining a CDL is likely to require proof of legal U.S. citizenship or, for non-citizens, proof of legal right to work in the U.S.

Step 2: Obtain a Medical Examiner's Certificate

Many states have strict requirements regarding the physical health of truck drivers. Truck driver jobs come with a few unique challenges, including heavy lifting and carrying, and spending long hours behind the wheel. They can also entail emotional challenges, such as stress. For that reason, you'll need to take a physical exam from your state's Medical Examiner (ME) to obtain a CDL, and it will need to be renewed every two years. The health requirements may include:

Adequate hearing
20/40 or better vision (with or without glasses)
No clinical conditions, such as sleep apnea, hypertension, or diabetes requiring insulin injections

Step 3: Complete a Truck Driver Training Program

Completing a truck driver training program is a less common requirement, but some states do impose it. However, it's worth considering even if your state doesn't require it, as it can boost your chances of performing well on exams.

Truck driving training is similar to the driver's education course you may have taken in high school. The training you receive is geared toward preparing you for completing practical skills tests as well as the written tests you'll need to take to obtain a CDL.

Step 4: Apply for a CDL

The CDL application process is another aspect of how to become a truck driver that is highly dependent on state law. Some states allow prospective drivers to apply for the CDL outright, while others require prospective drivers to hold a CLP for a given period of time. If your state requires you to obtain a permit first, there's a good chance that you'll need to pass a skills test and a written exam to get it.

Whether or not your state requires a CLP, there are a few pieces of documentation that most require along with the official application. Those include:

Proof of residence
ME certificate
Driving record

Your driving record will need to cover a certain number of years. This too can vary from state to state. It will also need to include your driving activity from all states you've driven in, not just your own.

Step 5: Pass the CDL Test

Getting your CDL is a necessary step of how to become a truck driver, regardless of state. Remember, if your state's CDL requirements include holding a commercial permit, there may be a waiting period before you can take the test for a CDL.

Additionally, there are a few different types of CDL tests depending on the class of license you're going for. Truck drivers can obtain one of three different CDLs:

Class A: This license permits drivers to drive a combination of vehicles weighing up to 26,001 pounds when the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds.
Class B: This license class allows drivers to drive a combination of vehicles that weigh more than 26,001 if the towed vehicle is 10,000 pounds or less. It allows for driving a single vehicle weighing 26,001 pounds or more.
Class C: Drivers with a Class C CDL are permitted to drive single vehicles that weigh between 16,001 and 26,001 pounds.

The CDL test features a written exam, known as the vehicle inspection test, a skills test, and a road test. The vehicle inspection test consists of 20 questions that are taken from the CDL manual, although the exact questions change regularly. You must score at least 80% to pass the written test.

The controls skills test happens behind the wheel but on a test course instead of the actual road. It includes a series of timed tests that require you to show that you have certain truck driving abilities, like backing up in a straight line and docking within set boundaries. You'll have to perform all test tasks within the time limit without violating the boundaries to pass.

Finally, the road test is when you put your skills and knowledge to use in real-world traffic. In addition to proving your ability to operate a truck and trailer on the road, you'll need to know and obey all local traffic laws to pass the road test.

Protect Your Truck With America's Trucking Warranty

Understanding how to become a truck driver is the first step toward a fulfilling and important career on the road. Once you've satisfied the necessary requirements, undergone training, and obtained your CDL, you'll need to decide whether you want to work for a trucking company or venture on your own as an owner-operator. If you do decide to work for yourself, purchasing a trailer and truckbed will be among your biggest investments. Protecting them will be your biggest objective.

At America's Trucking Warranty, we're committed to helping the country's truck drivers manage the expenses that are bound to come up. Our warranties cover your medium and heavy-duty trucks, from the engine to the transmission and all the necessary components in between. Our warranties offer reliable, coast-to-coast protection with repairs accepted from any licensed shop in the U.S. or Canada, plus full-cost coverage on parts even when they're marked up.

With over 50 years of experience in warranty, we have plans for every truck owner. Get your free quote today and find out how partnering with America's Trucking Warranty can keep you on the road.