Month: July 2019

For many truck driving students, the biggest obstacle is not the things they have to learn in the classroom setting in order to pass their CDL test. Instead, it’s their own ego. The first time they get behind the wheel of a big truck, they assume that they know it all. After all, they can drive a car; how much different is it to get behind the wheel of a big truck, especially after you’ve been through all the necessary classes?

The reality, however, is that driving a big truck isn’t as easy as it sounds–and it’s important to take advantage of your time at an Indiana CDL school like DriveCoow TO to soak up as much knowledge and information as possible.

The Responsibility

Driving a big truck is an equally big responsibility. You can’t afford to zone out behind the wheel or to miss important safety details. Instead, it’s critical that you remain aware of those important elements of truck driving responsibility:

You’re driving a much larger vehicle than others on the road. When you drive a large vehicle, you create the potential for greater accidents and, therefore, more substantial injuries to other vehicles involved in the accident.

You’re responsible for getting goods and services to their destinations. Truck drivers bear a heavy burden of responsibility when it comes to meeting deadlines. Stores rely on their shipments arriving in a timely manner. Failure to deliver those goods could cause problems for the associated businesses.

You must follow stricter regulations than traditional passenger vehicles. You may need to follow different speed limits or check-in at weigh stations. You may need to follow specific regulations when transporting hazardous materials.

Paying Attention Makes a Difference

When you take your CDL classes, it’s important to pay as much attention as possible. During your classes, you’ll get vital information that will help make you a more effective driver. Ready to get started with your classes? Contact us today to learn more about our classes or see what events are coming up that you can attend.

Once you complete your CDL training, then you will have to take the CDL you will have to take the actual CDL test. The CDL test will generally consist of two parts: the written test and the driving test. Once you pass these tests, then you will be allowed to begin the actual driving on the road.

The following would be steps to take when you are have finished your CDL training and are looking to get a job with a carrier once you get done getting your CDL:

Start Studying Ahead of Time:

Cramming for your CDL test a few days beforehand can make the experience even more stressful than it already is. However, if you begin to study while you are in CDL training and plan to put 30-60 minutes into studying each day, it will be a lot less of a stressful experience.

The week before taking a few practice tests online can help you finish preparing for the written part of the exam.

Understand the Fees You Will Have to Pay to Get Your CDL:

Beyond what you paid to go to school for your CDL training, you will be responsible for several other fees that you have to pay when you take your actual CDL test. The following are some of those fees that you should prepare to pay:

  • $10 application fee (approximately) to get your learner’s permit for your CDL
  • $40 (approximately) to take the CDL road portion of the test (paid every time you take it)
  • $5 (approximately) to take the written portion of your CDL exam
  • $75 to $100 (varies by state) for the actual CDL (must renew every 8 years in most states)
  • $5 to $15 additional (varies by state) for each endorsement you get on your CDL

*fees vary by state these are approximate estimates of fees charged by most states – other fees not listed may apply

These fees will be required for you to complete your CDL training with a learner’s permit and then later to take and pass your CDL test, which is usually required for full-time employment by a carrier.

The Actual CDL Test:

The CDL test is divided into 2 separate parts:

The Written Part:

The written part of your CDL exam will consist of a total of 50 written questions. You will have a time limit of 60 minutes in which to answer these 50 questions. All questions are multiple-choice and have 4 options for each question given. The best way to prepare for the written part of your CDL exam is to take practice exams online to see if you successfully answer enough questions in time to pass the actual written test when you go to take it.

The Driving Part:

When taking the driving test, you will get given one of 3 versions of this test depending on the class CDL you wish to receive. The CDL test that you get given will be determined by whether you are going for your Class A, B, or C license. The road test in total will take about 2 hours and will include you two sections. One section is displaying knowledge both about how the vehicle operates (i.e., how to turn the car on as well as how to use things like emergency signals, turn signals, etc.). The other part will focus on how to maneuver and drive the vehicle as you will on the roadway.

Only once both portions of the CDL test are passed will you get your CDL and be allowed to begin driving for the truck carrier that hired you (if you were already hired on the condition that you got your license).

Complete Additional Training:

If you have any additional CDL training or coursework that is required after you will be required to complete that coursework before you can start driving with the carrier that you have gotten signed on to.

Company Orientation/Company Required Training:

Most companies will likely have an entire orientation program or extensive training that you will have to undergo before you go out on the road on your own as a truck driver. Each carrier is different in terms of how much training they require and how long you will have to go before you complete it. However, completing this training will be required before you start driving on your own.

Conclusions:

Preparing for your CDL and completing any training that is required to start taking your job on the road (literally) are the next steps to ensuring that you can obtain your CDL after you finish your education. If you would like to complete your CDL but would like more information on what exactly will be required, please feel free to contact us at the DriveCo CDL Learning Center. We will be happy to provide you with additional information and get you started on the path to a new career today.

A career in trucking comes with a lot of great benefits. However, if you have never been involved in the trucking industry before, you may not know where to start. Here at DriveCo, we want to get you started on the road to your trucking career as quickly as possible. Here’s what you need to become a successful truck driver.

The Right Training

DriveCo offers a 160-hour state-licensed CDL A training program. We offer classes weekdays, weeknights, and weekends so we have a class schedule that will work for everyone. Our curriculum covers:

  • Truck Parts and Terminology
  • CDL Written Test Material
  • Department of Transportation Rules and Regulations
  • Use of Maps and Reference Materials
  • Principles of Safe Driving
  • Pre-Trip Inspection
  • Hooking and Unhooking
  • CDL Basic Control Skills
  • Shifting/Double Clutching
  • CDL Driving
  • Logging

We even offer tuition assistance so contact us today about getting your career in trucking started.

Start Studying Early

Too many people wait until the last minute to begin studying for their exam. It is actually a lot easier to spread out your studying while you are training. You will retain the information better and you will be better prepared for your exam when the time comes.

Take the Test

After completing a training program you are ready to take the CDL test. This test consists of both a written and driving portion of the test. Our training program offers both classroom instruction and behind the wheel training so you will be ready to ace both parts of the exam. Once you pass both portions of the test you will be able to receive your CDL license. This license will give you access to entry-level trucking careers.

Choose a Trucking Company

With license in hand, you are ready to choose a trucking company to work for. DriveCo offers job placement assistance to help you with your search. We will help you with resume writing and interview techniques as well as networking and career planning. This service is something we offer our students not just right after they graduate but throughout their trucking career.

Company Orientation

Trucking companies will have additional training involved in their orientation. This may include both behind-the-wheel training and classroom-style training. You will need to complete the company’s orientation before you can drive solo.

If you’re looking for a career in trucking it’s as simple as these three steps: get the proper training, pass the test, and find the right company for you. For more information on how DriveCo can help you achieve your goals contact us today.