Driving commercially can be a great way to make money while getting to travel across the country. Once you have a truck, all you have to do is find loads to haul and you can start a business from the ground up. Before you can start driving for money, however, you have to meet some requirements, such as being at least 21 years old.
CDL License
To drive commercially, you need a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Just like a regular driver’s license, there is a mandatory class you must pass to be eligible to obtain a CDL. These classes can sometimes be expensive, but many offer payment plans or loans to cover the initial cost. The second part of obtaining the CDL is passing a drug and alcohol test, as well as a physical. These tests need to be administered and approved by a doctor before you can receive your license. Passing these tests can ensure your dependability and can help employers trust you to do the job right the first time.
Clean Record and History
It is no surprise that to become a professional commercial driver, your personal driving record needs to be clean. This shows employers that you are likely a careful and conscientious driver. It is also important to maintain a clean record after receiving your CDL, as major infractions could lead to your license being revoked. You also need to have a strong work history that demonstrates your reliability as an employee. Delivering products to customers is often a time-sensitive task, so work experience that shows you are punctual is typically desirable.
Though it may seem complex, these are the basic steps to meeting the requirements to be a commercial driver. Once you complete them all, you can receive your CDL license and hit the road as your own boss.
