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Professional truck drivers earn a buck pay as salary and this can be you – are you planning to become a truck driver in the city of Virginia? do you enjoy open-road driving and hauling goods?
So, if you are planning to earn your CDL and become a truck driver in Virginia as your career pursuit and searched for how to become a truck driver in the state, Read On!
In this article, we at College Reporters have taken the responsibility to help you discover how you can become a professional truck driver in the city of Virginia and some information you will need.
Having over thousands of trucking companies with many reputable trucking schools. Virginia has been a shipping hub over the years due to its available ports and in-ways. And it is no doubt there are demand increases for truck drivers and this could be you.
Why Become a Truck Driver
If you do love to stay on the open road, drive long distances or haul goods – it’s certain your dream of truck driver is not far from reality.
Truck driving is a career that is beneficial if you enjoy driving or hauling good around the city or country. And there are so many benefits to becoming a truck driver.
Once you complete your training and receive your license, you will be ready to drive trucks and get a job placement.
And as a truck driver, you be equipped with the driving skillsets to stir the wheels and earn a living. Also, you have the opportunity to travel to places -cities and countries.
Responsibilities of a Truck Driver
The role of a truck driver can vary from long-distance driving, hauling goods and communicating with dispatcher.
Here are some of the responsibilities of a truck driver;
- Drive long distances to deliver goods to customers.
- Inspect trucks and record issues.
- Load and unload cargo.
- Record cargo deliveries.
- Report mechanical problems to maintenance personnel.
- Refuel and clean vehicle.
- Follow traffic laws.
- Report road incidents to the dispatcher.
- Follow accident procedures.
- Keep an activities log and log hours.
Is Truck Driving in Virginia Worth It?
Yes, becoming a truck driver can be worth it, if you have been planning to become a truck driver in the city and it also can be a lucrative career that rewards hard work and commitment, if you enjoy travelling the open road, driving distances and hauling goods from place to place.
Due to the need to haul all essentials within the country, there is need for qualified truck drivers and the demand has been increasing.
Driving one of the heavy vehicles can be much fun alongside the buck pay as a professional truck driver in Virginia.
And if you do graduate from any of the leading truck driving schools in Virginia, there are lots of fantastic opportunities that are available to explore as a commercial truck driver.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Truck Driver in Virginia?
Truck driving school costs and CDL training fees do vary base on selected training (type of license) and choice of truck driving school.
But the total cost typically ranges between $5,000 to $10,000. Also, this cost can be based on other training courses like Hamzat.
So, do check with your selected CDL training school for the offered CDL license and cost including any financial supports/options.
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How Long Does it Take to Become Truck Driver in Virginia?
Getting your CDL and becoming a truck driver can take from 3 weeks to a few months. The actual duration to complete a CDL training vary by school.
So, if you are currently about enrolling in a truck driving school to become a truck driver, you will receive and complete training and eventually take a CDL test all within the given period.
Job Placement Opportunities as Truck Driver
If you are concerned about available job placement for truck drivers. Many companies offer job opportunities for new graduates from truck driving schools.
There has been an increase in the demand for truck drivers by trucking companies.
On successful completion of your training, the truck driving school provides students with assistance for job placement.
Do make inquiries with selected schools for job placement assistance before enrolling.
READ ALSO
Here Are Steps to Become a Truck Driver in Virginia – Everything You Need to Know
Be at Least Age 18 Above
For you to become a truck driver in Virginia, you need to be at least age 18 to obtain your CDL permit or above to obtain your CDL.
And for a CDL applicant to legally drive and operate heavy vehicles, you must be at least 21 years old.
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7 Best Truck Driving Schools in Tampa for CDL Training & License
Get a CDL Permit
To successfully become a truck driver and earn a commercial driver’s license (CDL), you must have a current driver’s license in your state before earning a CDL.
And you must meet the requirements and be provided with a CDL permit in the state before earning a CDL.
At age 18, you can obtain a CDL permit which allows you to drive vehicles. You can obtain a commercial learner’s permit to allow intrastate driving when you present documents such as proof of legal presence – Virginia residency.
Attend a CDL Training School
Going to a trucking school is a great way to go about becoming a professional and commercial truck driver.
And to get a CDL license you must complete a commercial driver’s license training from a truck driving school.
A truck driving school will provide you with needed classroom knowledge, information and hands-on truck driving training to help you succeed in this profession.
To get started, you can enroll in the top truck driving schools in Virginia with affordable training costs for students who want to become truck drivers.
The benefits of attending trucking school is the ease to kickstart your profession and a reputable truck driving school will provide you with job placement with leading carriers/trucking companies.
Complete CDL Training
Enrolling for a CDL training is a fantastic step to begin your truck career. Be sure you meet all the necessary requirements to earn a CDL in Virginia.
You can take your driver’s training program with truck driving schools or trucking companies providing truck driver training programs.
Commercial driver’s license training can take 3 weeks upto a few months and the cost of training varies by schools and selected CDL training.
There are different CDL training – Class A, Class B and Class C CDL training program.
Students need to successfully complete truck driver’s training from a program conducted by truck driving schools that is approved by the state and intended for commercial motor.
To get started, you can enroll to private truck driving schools, and trucking companies that host truck driver training programs that qualify you to take the CDL exam
Take and Pass Exams
After completion of your CDL training, you are expected to take and pass the CDL exam.
You can get a CDL by passing a series of written exams – complete a 3-part exam that includes a knowledge test, endorsement knowledge test and skills test.
Earn a Commercial Driver’s License
You need a commercial driver’s license for you to become a truck driver in Virginia.
For you to earn a commercial driver’s license (CDL) you must be above the age of 21 to be eligible to apply for your CDL, have a valid driver’s license in the state, completed training and have successfully passed the exam.
There are 3 classes of CDLs – Class A, Class B, and Class C. Students who hold a CDL can drive trucks and earn a living.
A Class A CDL is the most versatile for drivers of large freight and allows you to drive tractor-trailers, livestock carriers, or tankers, while Class B CDL allows you to drive box trucks – a school bus, or dump trucks. And a Class C CDL license allows you to drive vehicles containing hazardous materials which offers you the chance to work for companies with HAZMAT unit
Find Job Placement as Truck Driver
After earning a commercial driver’s license, then you become legible to apply for job placement – truck positions either in the national levels, regional level or local regions.
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How to Become a Truck Driver in the United State – Requirements
Best Truck Driving Schools in Virginia to Enroll for CDL Training
If you are planning to enroll for your truck driver’s training with a trucking school in Virginia, Here are a list of the best trucking schools in Virginia to enroll in;
1. TJ and Friends Smith System CDL Training School
2. CDS Tractor Trailer Training School
4. Paul D. Camp Community College
See complete list of top truck driving schools in Virginia with affordable Class A CDL training
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Do Truck Driver Earn?
The average salary of a truck driver is $35,000 per annum and truck drivers who drive heavy vehicles, or work with specialized cargo will attract a higher income.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $43,680 as of May 2018.
What are The Top Trucking Companies in Virginia?
Looking for the right trucking company to work as a truck driver? Here is a list of top trucking companies in Virginia to help you land your entry-level or experience truck driver job.
- Real Trucking
- COX Transportation
- Owens & Minor
- Atlantic Bulk Carrier
- Abilene Motor Express
How Much Does a CDL Training Cost in Virginia?
The cost of CDL training does vary from school and the selected license. A typical commercial driver’s license cost and training ranges from $3000 to $9000
Conclusion
With the thousands of truck driving schools around, it’s critical to make a reputable choice of school offering CDL training to help you become a professional truck driver. By following these steps provided by experts, you will in no time achieve your dream of becoming professional truck driver with a commercial drivers license and possible become an instructor to train others.
What else can you do to become a truck driver in Virginia? Share your thoughts in the comment
Source
College Reporters
Referrence
Advanced Technology Institute
ROEHL Transport
RCS Trucking & Fright
