Is there a difference between performing basic control skills in a big truck and the road test? Virtually every state has three steps to the skills test. Performing basic skills, such as backing up to a loading dock, is one of the steps. The skills test usually starts with a vehicle inspection and ends with the road test.
Obtaining a CDL (Commercial Driver's License) involves passing a series of different tests. First, the student receives classroom education towards a written test so they can get a CDL permit. A CDL permit lets them practice their driving skills with a CDL driver or instructor.
In addition to being alert of what is in front of you, you should keep an eye out for truckers behind you. If you see a truck that is creeping up on you and it is safe to do so, let them pass. It is safer to do this than risk a collision.
Semi trucks are larger and a lot heavier than passenger cars, which means they need around 40% more time to come to a complete stop, even with their powerful air brakes. A truck driving school makes sure you know what to do to safely bring a truck to a stop.
Moving heavy commercial cargo from point A to point B safely and in a reasonable amount of time takes skill. At truck driving school, you will learn everything you need to know while using the latest equipment to develop those skills.
A “dock lock” is a safety device that hooks to your truck trailer’s bumper when you’re backed to a loading dock. This device is controlled from inside the facility and basically prevents the trailer from being able to move away from the dock.
One of your best resources is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Not only are they the main source for trucking rules and regulations, they also monitor employers so you can check out a company before you sign with them. Sort of a reverse background check.
A semi truck has an engine that's up to 6 times the size of a car's engine, and can deliver around 10 times the amount of torque. That's a lot of power to keep under control, which is why truck drivers are highly trained professional drivers.
When it seems like every industry you’re qualified to work in is downsizing and laying off workers, you may wonder if there are any industries that still need good people. There is! Let’s talk about how you can get started in an exciting career as a commercial truck driver.
Unfortunately, your ability to drive a personal vehicle has very little bearing on your ability to get a commercial drivers license. Rest assured that our team is always ready to help you learn what you’ll need to know to pass the test.
Commercial truck driving school can give you the skills you need to be quite successful in the trucking industry. Drivers with strong fundamental skills and experience are well paid for their abilities.
Did you know there are limits on daily and weekly driving hours for most commercial truck drivers? In July 2013, the maximum work week was set at 70 hours. Drivers are required to take at least a 30-minute break during their initial eight hours on a shift.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets the rules for when drivers can drive and when they must rest. Current regulations restrict driving time for drivers carrying property loads to 11 hours following 10 consecutive off-duty hours. Drivers with passenger loads can only drive 10 hours.
More and more married couples are forming husband and wife driving teams to increase their earnings potential and to have more time together. If you or your spouse (or both of you) want to try the open road, a truck driving school is just the thing.
The most common CDL gotten from a truck driving school is a Class A CDL. Any type of vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating (or GVWR) over 26,001 pounds (11,793 kg) used for commercial use is classified as a Class A truck.
While driving an 18-wheeler is vastly different than being behind the wheel of a passenger vehicle, it’s still a crucial first step. Making sure you’re comfortable with passenger vehicles before truck driving school will better help you to develop your instincts and shorten your reaction time.
Although driving a large truck can be very different from your friend’s sedan, developing your skills behind the wheel can often start in a smaller vehicle. Once you’ve mastered driving car, you may be ready for truck driving school.
Federal officials first estimated in the 1950s that the national interstate system would cost $25 billion and take at least 12 years to complete. The system eventually cost $114 billion - which is $425 billion when adjusted for inflation - and took 35 years to complete.
If you are applying to drive hazardous materials, the Patriot Act requires that you be fingerprinted and pass a drug test, physical exam, and background check. Your tuition will cover the costs of the drug and physical examination, but you must cover the costs of the background check if the hiring company does not.
With big trucks, the GAWR (or gross axle weight rating) is the maximum weight an axle is rated to carry by the manufacture. Keep in mind that this metric includes both the weight of the axle and the portion of the vehicle’s weight carried by the axle.
Remember, commercial truck driving is largely a solitary activity. It's important that you carefully consider whether you're really OK taking a job where you'll spend most days of the week in complete solitude, dealing with traffic.
Why is there a different license required for 18-wheelers and big trucks than for passenger vehicles? As highways in the U.S. became more crowded in the 1970s and 1980s, there was an increase in serious accidents between big rigs and cars. Congress passed the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 to try to ensure only qualified drivers drive large trucks.
