Do you love driving and want to see more of Texas while also making a comfortable living? If your answer is yes, a career as a commercial truck driver may be a great fit. You’ll be responsible for safely transporting goods. You may even be able to choose routes that let you see a little more of the Lone Star state.
However, you can’t flash your standard driver’s license and hop behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler. You must meet all Texas truck driver requirements. Don’t worry; you shouldn’t run into any issues, and within a few months, you can start your career as a commercial truck driver.
Apply For and Get Your Commercial Learner’s Permit
To apply for and receive your commercial learner’s permit in Texas, you need to meet a few requirements. You must be over 18 years of age and hold a valid driver’s license. This is the license allowing you to legally operate vehicles like SUVs, passenger cars, and pickup trucks.
If you’re wondering where to apply for a commercial learner’s permit, head to your nearest DMV facility. Bring along your current driver’s license, your social security card, a utility bill or bank statement for proof of residency, and your medical documentation.
Don’t worry—you don’t need copies of your complete medical file. The DMV only wants you to bring the results from your physical exam; you must get and pass a physical exam before applying for a commercial learner’s permit.
After providing the necessary documentation, get ready to take and pass some written exams. Don’t worry, the tests focus primarily on Texas commercial driving laws. Since you passed the exam necessary for obtaining a standard driver’s license, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Go Back to School
Okay, you’re not enrolling in college but your truck driving classes may be held on a school campus. With your CPL (commercial learner’s permit) in hand, enroll in a truck driver training program.
In the classes, you’ll learn how to safely operate a commercial vehicle both on and off the road. No, you’re not going to learn how to go off-roading in a semi. Off-road refers to parking and moving commercial trucks in areas like depots and parking lots.
The training program also ensures you have the number of practice hours behind the wheel necessary for obtaining a commercial driver’s license. How many practice hours do you need before applying for a commercial driver’s license? In Texas, you must have at least 30 practice hours before you can apply for a commercial driver’s license.
Time to Take the Test
Congratulations on passing the training program and getting your practice hours behind the wheel. You’re a step closer to becoming a commercial truck driver. Even though you’re probably anxious to get your career started, Texas law requires you to hold a CLP for at least 15 days before scheduling your CDL (commercial driver’s license) test.
You’ll need to sit through about 3 exams, but don’t worry, each test focuses on topics you learned in the training program. For example, you’ll be asked to perform a vehicle inspection, which is something all truck drivers are required to do before hitting the road. The inspection helps ensure the semi and trailer are safe to drive and aren’t posing a risk to other motorists.
Another test covers vehicle control, which also has to do with road safety. The final test before getting your CDL is a road exam. Remember the road test you took to get your standard driver’s license? You’re pretty much taking it over again, only this time you’re driving an 18-wheel truck.
You’re almost finished and ready to hold your CLD; there are only a couple of steps left. You’ll need to submit to a background check, eye exam, and thumbprint. All commercial drivers in Texas are required to submit their thumbprints. After completing these final steps, you should leave the DMV with your commercial driver’s license.
Consider Adding Endorsements To Your CDL
Endorsements on a CDL are add-ons that can expand your career options as a commercial truck driver. For example, you can add an endorsement for carrying hazardous materials or more than one trailer. You can even get an endorsement to allow you to haul passenger cars.
Your employer may also recommend some endorsement, depending on the type of cargo they usually transport. Endorsements aren’t necessary for getting a CDL but they can help advance your career. Becoming a commercial truck driver in Texas does take some time but it can be the start of a career you’ll love.
Also Read: The Hours-of-Service Rules That Every Truck Driver Should Be Aware Of
