Tractor-trailer drivers, also known as semi-trailers and semi trucks, transport goods to businesses, warehouses, and manufacturing plants. Many drivers, such as in-town and in-state drivers, travel relatively short distances to deliver shipments, while others travel across the country. Many people are interested in semi truck driving jobs because the education and training requirements can be completed in as little as four weeks, job openings are typically plentiful, and life on the road provides independence and the opportunity to visit interesting places. A person interested in becoming a semi truck driver should ensure that he or she meets the physical requirements established his or her country, complete training at an accredited driving school, and obtain a commercial driver’s license.
To ensure that truck drivers are safe and capable of handling the various tasks associated with transporting goods, most countries impose strict physical requirements on them. Interstate semi truck drivers in the United States must be at least 21 years old, have 20/40 vision with or without corrective lenses, and have good hearing, according to the Department of Transportation. Individuals must be in good physical health overall, with no potentially dangerous health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Some states have special regulations that allow 18-year-old drivers to operate trucks within their borders.
If you meet the physical requirements, you can look for accredited semi truck driving schools in your area. Prospective truck drivers can conduct Internet searches, look through phone books, and contact local trucking companies to find schools that meet state and national accreditation requirements. Most vocational school programs and private facilities provide both classroom and practical training and last three to eight weeks. New drivers learn about safety regulations, laws governing goods transportation, the fundamentals of diesel engine operation and repair, and defensive driving strategies in the classroom. They are frequently required to pass a series of written exams to demonstrate that they have grasped the material in class.
A semi truck driving school’s practical training includes several hours spent as a passenger and a driver in realistic situations. Individuals are taught how to start trucks, check fuel levels, and drive them safely. Students are usually given the opportunity to get behind the wheel after observing an instructor’s skills on city streets and highways. Students who complete the program will receive a certificate of completion and will be able to apply for commercial driver’s licenses.
To obtain a driver’s license in the United States, a driver must typically pass a written and practical test administered Department of Transportation officials. After obtaining a commercial license, a person can begin applying to various semi truck driving companies. A new driver usually rides alongside an experienced professional for a few weeks or months to get more familiar with the job before working alone, depending on company regulations.