Being a truck driver isn’t for everyone, but for those who love the open road and want to play a vital role in keeping the U.S. economy moving, it’s a career full of opportunity. According to the American Trucking Association, the trucking industry employed 8.5 million people in 2023, including 3.55 million professional drivers. With continued demand for carriers, there’s never been a better time to join the industry.
This guide will walk you through the key steps for how to become a commercial truck driver—from meeting basic requirements and earning your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to exploring job opportunities and building a successful career on the road. Whether you’re looking for freedom on the highway or the security of a growing profession, trucking offers both. Ready to start your journey? Let’s hit the road!
Steps to become a commercial truck driver
If the idea of joining the trucking industry intrigues you, and you’re ready to learn how to become a commercial truck driver, let’s dive into the step-by-step process:
Check if you meet the basic requirements
To start your journey as a commercial truck driver, you’ll need to meet a few foundational criteria:
- Education: Not every company will require you to have your GED or high school diploma, but many will. Keep this in mind as you begin job hunting.
- Age: To get a CDL, you must be at least 18 years old to drive within your state (intrastate) and 21 years old to drive across state lines (interstate).
- Driving record: Since driving is the name of the gig, you must have a clean driving record to be eligible to receive your CDL.
- Drug tests & background checks: Drug testing and background checks are not necessary to obtain your CDL. However, most companies will require you to undergo a drug test and background check if you want to drive for them. Some businesses may request periodic drug testing or additional once-off testing if you are involved in an accident or after a long vacation.
- Non-commercial driver’s license: Before you can begin training to get your CDL, you must already have a valid non-commercial driver’s license.
- Proof of identity & residency: Much like a regular driver’s license, getting a CDL requires several proofs of identity. This includes proof of residency, which involves providing documents such as utility bills or mortgage payments, your social security number, and a copy of your birth certificate. Check locally to see what documents you’ll need.
Obtain your CDL
The next major step in learning how to become a commercial truck driver is earning your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which typically takes around seven weeks. Here’s how to go about getting one:
- Obtain your US DOT medical card: A big part of keeping your CDL valid is passing a physical exam to ensure you can handle the pressures of driving on the road. You must have your physical performed by a medical examiner approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can view the FMCSA registry here.
- Attend a driving training program: There are a variety of ways you can gain the proper training to obtain your CDL. Look in your local area and see which companies may offer company-sponsored CDL training. These programs typically take between four to six weeks to complete and tend to cost between $3K–$7K. If you train with a company, they may offer financing options or reimbursement. Be sure to look at community colleges and private driving schools for additional FMCSA-approved choices that can help you get started with your commercial truck driving.
- Pass a general knowledge test: Passing this test will allow you to get your CDL learner’s permit, which you’ll need before you can start driving behind the wheel of a rig. Areas you’ll need to study for the knowledge test include driving safety, vehicle inspections, air brakes, and much, much more. Check your local DMV for a copy of the CDL manual for you to study.
- Prepare for and take your CDL exam: Before you’re authorized to take the final CDL test, you must have held your learner’s permit for at least two weeks. This ensures you’ve spent enough time practicing the skills needed to be a safe driver. Depending on where you’re testing and what program you’re part of, you’ll need to complete a certain amount of supervised driving hours before taking the final test. The final exam will require you to take various tests, such as a pre-trip inspection and road test. If you’re planning to handle any specialty cargo such as hazmat, this is when you’ll also test for additional endorsements.
Develop helpful skills
While these certainly aren’t necessary for working in the trucking industry, these skills and personal traits can help you make the most out of a career in commercial truck driving and help you stand out from the competition:
- Basic automotive knowledge: Understand your rig’s mechanics for quick troubleshooting.
- Self-starter attitude: Independent work is essential when you’re on the road for long stretches.
- Attention to detail: Careful driving and vehicle inspections can prevent accidents and delays.
- Safety-oriented mindset: Staying vigilant ensures compliance and protects everyone on the road.
- Confident navigation: Mastering GPS tools and routes keeps deliveries on schedule.
- Effective communication: Good communication with dispatch and clients improves operations.
- Eager to learn: Staying updated on regulations and industry changes helps you stay competitive.
Why be a commercial truck driver?
Everyone has their own reasons for becoming a commercial truck driver. Maybe you enjoy the freedom of the open road, or perhaps you’re seeking a stable career with steady demand. If you’re considering a career in trucking, here are some of the top reasons why others have chosen this path. As a commercial driver, you can:
Earn a good salary
The typical commercial truck driver salary ranges between $55,990 and $72,290 yearly, averaging around $63,490 in the U.S. Depending on your experience, location, the freight you haul, and the company you work with, those numbers can go as high as the $70K–$80K range. Even better, many companies offer opportunities to earn bonuses if you tackle more difficult hauls, such as hazardous loads, or if you provide loading/unloading services to customers. Since you can become a driver without a college degree, this is a well-paying career choice for those who want to make a good living without necessarily accruing debt in school.
Have comprehensive benefits
One of the biggest advantages of working with a commercial trucking company is that they typically offer many benefits. While each business may differ in what options they have available, truck drivers can potentially receive coverage ranging from health and life insurance to paid time off and retirement plans. Other benefits may include dental, vision, paid holidays, and even referral bonuses.
Get opportunities to travel
One of the first things that come to mind when people think of being a truck driver is the chance to get paid to travel all over the country. Being a truck driver allows you to visit different cities across the U.S. as you haul your loads. For some companies, you’ll even be able to travel outside of the country into Canada and Mexico.
Be independent
The independence and flexibility that come with truck driving are drastically different from the work typical of office jobs. While many jobs follow a rigid routine that rarely differs day to day, truck driving allows drivers to visit new places, meet new people, and even drive different rigs depending on the load. Of course, drivers must adhere to their schedule to ensure timely delivery, but what you do during your time on the open road is up to you.
Have access to training
Companies want to ensure their drivers are safe, experienced, and reliable. As the trucking industry grows, companies are beginning to offer different perks to entice new talent, such as training reimbursements. A commercial driver’s license, or CDL, is the main requirement for driving a rig, and many companies out there will even offer to pay for your commercial truck training and then give you a job after you finish. Additionally, if you already have a CDL but want to drive special equipment or handle more sensitive goods, you may need extra endorsements that a company may be willing to provide training for.
That means that even if you hope to run your own business as an owner-operator at some point, commercial truck driving can be a great way to get started in the field and get the training you need for free.
The road ahead: Final thoughts on how to become a commercial truck driver
Becoming a commercial truck driver is a great way to build a stable career while enjoying the freedom of the open road. Once you meet the basic requirements, earn your CDL, and pick up a few key skills, you’ll be ready to roll. Now that you know how to become a commercial truck driver, the next step is up to you—get behind the wheel and start your journey!
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Becoming a commercial truck driver is one thing—running your own motor carrier business is another. If you’re ready to take that next step and operate under your own authority, DAT Authority can help you navigate the paperwork and regulatory requirements. From securing your MC and DOT numbers to appointing BOC-3 process agents, we make the setup process fast and hassle-free.
Let DAT Authority handle the details so you can focus on hitting the road and building a successful operation.