How Long Does it Take to Become a Truck Driver?
The time it takes to become a truck driver depends on the type of program, you, and the school you go into.
With All-State Career School, you can get your Class A CDL with 194 hours over 5 weeks and your Class B CDL in 72 hours over three weeks.
With Arbuckle Truck Driving School, you can get your Class A CDL in 2 months.
When you go to the Pro Skills Institute, you can take advanced CDL Class A training and be finished in as little as 18 weeks.
When you go to CDL XPress, you can get a 3-4 week CDL fast-track training program.
So how long does it take to become a truck driver? As you can see, the lengthiness of the program varies between schools. However, CDL B training, which is useful for driving heavier vehicles, will usually be shorter than CDL-A training and has lower pay.
How Much Does it Cost to Become a Truck Driver?
The cost is subject to the type of CDL program you choose. Generally, the more schooling you take, the more tuition you will pay. The average cost of the full tuition ranges from $3,000 to $7,000. This may seem like a lot, but if you compare it to going to school for a few semesters and paying thousands each, the price is far less. However, after you complete your schooling, you will need to pay $52 to get your license.
Financial Aid
There are many schools you can look into that offer Financial Aid for half your tuition or in many cases, even all of it. When you apply for CTC trucking, they will pay for your CDL schooling and a job guarantee after you complete your training and pass a driving test.
If you are not qualified for financial aid, you can apply for a loan to postpone your payment until 6 months after you completed your schooling. However, you will also need to renew your Class A, B, or C license costing $78 if you live in the state of Utah.
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver?
How to Become a Truck Driver: Requirements
How old do you have to be to be a truck driver?
According to the state requirements to be a truck driver, you must be at least 18 years old to be a CDL truck driver and at least 21 years old to transport passengers, carry hazardous materials, and drive the vehicle across Utah state lines. So how old do you have to be to be a truck driver? Some schools have extra requirements, like requiring you to be 26 years old and a few years of experience, but it’s usually 18 or 21 years old.
Other requirements
- You need to have held a driver’s license for at least a year.
- You would need a Department of Transportation Medical Certificate (DOT card.)
- You need to complete the Utah self-certification form as you apply for the CDL.
- The school you are going into needs proof of your identity, legal presence, and Utah residency.
- You need to show your social security number.
- Finally, complete training provided by an authorized instructor.
CDL Options
Before you complete your training, you need to first choose what kind of CDL you want to get. There are three options you can choose from, from which the CDL A is most common. CDL Class A is used for long haul trucking, trailers, and livestock carriers. If you choose to get a CDL Class B, they will be registered to drive heavier trucks, like large buses, dump trucks, and straight trucks. People who want to get a CDL Class C are those that want to be eligible to drive small HAZMAT vehicles with hazardous materials. If you choose to get a CDL Class C, you will need to pay $9 extra for an endorsement.
During or after your training you will need to pass a vision and colors test. You will need to pass a skills exam, also.
You may be disqualified for a minimum of one year as a trucker if you drive the vehicle while on drugs and if you fail to provide assistance when involved in an accident that results in death or injury.
As you can see, getting a CDL is faster and simpler than one may think. It may only take up to a few weeks to a few months. Once you get a real-time job as a trucker, that's where the challenge starts.
Thank you for reading this article. If you are interested in working for a trucking company with your best interest at heart C.T.C Trucking is the place for you. We do our best to give you time with your family and happiness in your workspace. To apply for a job you can call us at (801) 461-9746 or contact us online.
