The coronavirus pandemic has taught the world a lot of interesting lessons and has put certain things into focus in new ways.
One industry that got a lot of attention for just how essential it is, is the truck driving industry.
There have been concerns about shortages of truck drivers and pushes to get more people in these careers. For example, a lot of companies focus on hiring more women truck drivers.
Since 2015, there’s been a shortage of truck drivers across all the niches that make up the field. The demand for truck drivers keeps going up, however, particularly as more people shop online so there’s a constant movement of goods at all times.
During the covid-19 crisis, truck drivers got attention for keeping the supply chain moving and ensuring people around the country had what they needed at a challenging and scary time.
With some industries slashing jobs, the trucking industry is still hiring, and you may be wondering what it takes to work in the field.
One of the main requirements is having a commercial driver’s license. If you have your regular driver’s license, the following are some of the main differences between the two.
What is a CDL?
A commercial driver’s license or CDL is required to operate large or heavy vehicles for commercial use.
The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act established minimum requirements that have to be met when a state gives someone a CDL. There are three types of CDL licenses.
These are:
- Class A
- Class B
- Class C
The differences in the three types of CDL licenses relate primarily to the weight of the vehicle. For example, a Class A license would allow you to operate a vehicle of 26,001 or more pounds as well as the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating/Gross Vehicle Weight is more than 10,000 pounds.
A Class B license is similar, and a Class C license is for operating a vehicle not meeting the requirements of a Class A or B but one that’s meant to transport 16 or more passengers or is transporting hazardous materials.
The differences between these licenses are important to understand because if you hope to drive a bus, you’re going to need a different license than if you’re going to drive a tractor-trailer. Although, with a Class A license, you could technically do both.
Differences by States
In the U.S., the specific requirements to apply for and obtain a CDL vary by state.
For the most part, unless you live in New York or Hawaii, the minimum age to apply is 18.
In Hawaii, you can apply for Class B and C CDLs if you’re at least 18, but you have to be 21 to apply for Class A.
In Hawaii, you have to be at least 21.
How Do You Get a CDL?
The general steps to get your CDL are somewhat similar to getting your regular driver’s license.
You’ll need to decide the type of vehicle you’re hoping to drive, and then you’ll get a copy of the manual for your state.
You will usually need to get your Commercial Learners Permit. Your driving record will be checked before you are eligible to get this, and it will look at the past ten years. Your record will be checked from all 50 states and D.C.
You’ll also have to show you’re medically qualified, meaning you’ll need to get a Department of Transportation physical.
Your state may want additional documentation before you get the permit, showing your proof of residency.
As far as getting a CDL itself, you need to have your Commercial Learner’s Permit for at least 14 days, and then you’ll take a skills test.
You may also need to do an official CDL program, which, again, depends on your state.
You have to pass three parts of the CDL skills test, which include a Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Controls Test, and Road Test.
Then, if you pass the Skills Test, your documents are processed, and sometimes you get your CDL the same day, and in other states it may come in the mail.
The coronavirus pandemic has led a lot of people to rethink their current careers, whether by choice or because they were forced to. Trucking could be a compelling career, particularly with such a demand in the industry.
However, you do have to learn new skills that are different from your everyday driving skills, and ensure you meet national and state regulations.
