How to Prepare for a Career
in Commercial Driving
See also: Self-Motivation
Commercial driving offers freedom on the highways, financial stability, and an array of job opportunities. To become one of the best commercial drivers, however, involves more than you might envision sitting behind wheels.
A career in commercial driving requires acquiring the right skills and continuous learning over the years. Whether to drive a truck, make deliveries, or drive a bus, proper preparation is particularly critical to succeed in a commercial driving career.
We explain some of the fundamental steps to becoming a commercial driver.
Understanding the Commercial Driving Requirements
Commercial driving can be defined as driving long distances while carrying goods, hazardous materials, or passengers. Professionalism and responsibility are an important part of this job. You will need to know all the protocols pertaining to safety, driving regulations, and rules forwarded by the Department of Transport or other national and local authorities.
Also, many commercial driving jobs require physical stamina since you will be on the road driving for many hours. For larger vehicles, such as trucks and buses, having to load goods or luggage may indeed be physically demanding and require much endurance on your part.
Explore Various Types of Commercial Driving License
The most common classes of commercial driving license (CDL) include Class A, Class B, and Class C, and each license type suits different kinds of vehicles and jobs. A Class A CDL authorizes you to drive combination vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more, making it applicable in tractor-trailers and long-haul trucking.
Class B includes driving buses, dump trucks, and other large vehicles, while Class C generally includes those vehicles designed and used to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, and those transporting hazardous materials.
You have to choose which type of CDL suits you, depending on your aspiration in this field. If you are interested in being a long haul truck driver, then Class A license is what you need to get. You can also check job postings within your location about what license is in demand so that you will know which to aim for.
Enroll in a Comprehensive CDL Training Program
Once you identify the license type that best suits your needs, then it is time to get the best programs. Popular and highly rated CDL driver training, will put you through both the education and hands-on experience that you need to succeed. The program will train you in how to maneuver giant commercial vehicles, and get you through the road regulations.
It also gives you practical exposure to driving experiences which will largely enable your success in the CDL test.
Look for those schools that both meet the bare necessities but also provide job placement and additional support to prepare you for exams. A good CDL program or school sets a person up for success; it equips one with knowledge so that they can be confident and take on real-world challenges once they hit the road.
Focus on Developing Key Driving Skills
Along with large vehicle operations, you get to learn some essential driving skills: situational awareness, defensive driving techniques, and practices when responding to various kinds of weather. These are important skills to be exercised for personal and social safety on the roads.
Equally important is learning to manage your time effectively. Commercial driving is often done on tight schedules, and unknown delays may result in companies losing money and reputations being harmed. Learning how to plan routes, deal with unexpected traffic situations, and manage driving hours are essential for a successful driving career.
Prioritize Physical and Mental Fitness
The job requires one to spend long hours on the road, which will prove to be physically demanding. Good health is a very important factor. Regular exercises, healthy diet, and correct sleeping are necessary for you to up your endurance and make those long drives more manageable.
Another key factor is mental fitness. Driving commercially often means extensive periods of time spent in solitude and mental exhaustion. The capability to keep focus and alertness for long periods is critical to your safety and the safety of others. You must also work on your mind with mindfulness practices and stress management techniques to stay sharp while on the job.
Familiarize Yourself with Safety Regulations and Protocols
Safety in commercial driving is key, and among the things that each driver should remember are the regulations and how these ensure safety. The DOT has set specific rules governing hours of service a driver is allowed to spend behind the wheel without resting. Knowing such laws and observing them will keep you compliant and free from possible penalties.
Besides knowledge of regulations, you need to know how to best care for your vehicle. Pre-trip inspections and understanding the early signs of mechanical problems can help you get needed repairs before a trip.
Gain Experience with Different Vehicle Types
While your training for getting your CDL will provide you with real-life, on-the-job experience with commercial vehicles, the more diversified your skill set is with various types of commercial vehicles, the more employable you become. For instance, even if your desired goal is long-haul trucking, having experience in driving buses or smaller delivery trucks could help you find other jobs in those areas if needed.
At the same time, a flexible set of skills gives you the possibility to change and work in other types of driving jobs once the market conditions fluctuate. Such diversification of experience makes you competitive as a driver and opens wider opportunities to get a job in an increasing number of industries.
Build a Professional Network
Talking to other drivers, business professionals, and recruiters may lead to job opportunities, as well as inside information on the best employment opportunities. Consider joining local truck driving associations or attending industry events and online forums or groups relevant to commercial driving.
Another way to build your professional network is to keep in touch with the instructors and fellow students of your CDL school. Many schools extend their networks into employers in search of new drivers. A good word from any instructor or recommendation from a fellow driver will serve as a way to get that first job.
Prepare for Life on the Road
A career in commercial driving often means being on the road for long periods, especially if you focus on long-haul trucking. Life on the road can be psychologically demanding at times. Learn how to fight loneliness, balance work and life, and feel more connected with your loved ones when you are away from home.
Technology such as video calling, and social media can keep you close to your family and friends. You will also want to prepare for the practical challenges. Know how you will be managing your meals, handle your road finances, and find safe rest stops.
Endnote
While being highly rewarding, a career in commercial driving requires one to be fully prepared and committed. You need to understand what is entailed in terms of licensing, physical fitness, building a network, and other steps necessary for your success. It is especially important to find quality training which will allow you to excel behind the wheel.