Anyone interested in driving a commercial vehicle must obtain a CDL to be recognized legally as a truck driver. There are three classes of commercial driving licenses, namely class A, B and C. You must attend a truck driving school to get a CDL for commercial trucks. Attending a truck driving school helps you to learn some basic principles about being a commercial driver.
What Should New Truck Drivers Know?
Now that you've decided to pursue a career in truck driving, there are some fundamental things that you must know before you get started on your journey. For example, whichever company you gain employment with, employers should find it easy to trust your truck-driving ability to transport their goods from one place to another. There're some vital truck driving skills that you need to possess so that business owners can trust your processes.
These truck driving skills include the following:
- Backing Maneuvers (e.g., checking mirrors frequently, looking at paths and starting off correctly)
- Winter Driving
- Basic Driving Skills (speed control, reaction to road hazards and performing vehicle inspection)
- Longer Combination Vehicles (LCV) driving (Turning widely, preventing trailer skids, and steering gently)
- Different Environment Driving (driving in traffic conditions in other countries, busy streets and rural roads)
Apart from possessing skills, there are other tips you need to remember to aid your ability. Knowing these points helps new truck drivers set out on their driving journey and prevent errors that can prove disastrous.
Some of these tips for new truck drivers include:
- Don't switch companies unnecessarily
- Manage your schedules excellently
- Have the right mindset when driving
- Always put on the right attitude
- Let your driving goals be clear
Challenges Facing the Truck Driving Industry
According to a Commodity Flow Survey (CFS) report, trucks were responsible for transporting about 71.6% of goods shipped in 2021.
The trucking industry is having problems that arise mainly from logistics, and these issues include:
- High cost of operation
- Lack of technology
- Lack of compliance with regulations
- Misunderstanding among business owners and truck drivers
- Lack of correct materials for loading packages
All these problems and more culminate in the challenges that are facing the trucking industry.
Some of these challenges are listed as follows:
- Economic conditions
- Service periods
- Drivers health
- Parking of trucks
- Shortage of drivers
It's essential for business owners and stakeholders to look at these challenges and address them to encourage people willing to become truck drivers.
What You Should Know From a Truck Driving School
Before deciding to attend a truck driving school, there're some essential things you need to know before selecting anyone. Although there are different types of driving schools, they teach things in common.
Let's consider six crucial things you can learn when attending a truck driving school:
1. Truck Rules and Regulations
Traffic laws and rules apply to driving LCVs, such as tractor-trailers and tankers. When you attend a truck driving school, they will teach you necessary things like safety regulations, state laws, and how to handle inspections. All these rules help you to operate and maintain your skills continually.
2. Hooking
Before deciding to set out on any journey, truck drivers need to perform hooking and unhooking regularly. Truck driving schools teach you how to perform this task very fast and in a safe manner. Also, you'll learn how to drive in traffic circles and local routes safely.
3. Accurate Driving Techniques
When driving vehicles such as large commercial trucks, it can be very challenging to operate them. A truck driving school helps you learn how to handle and maneuver these vehicles. Another thing that a truck driving school does is properly teach you tactics on how to drive large vehicles on the road to promote safety.
4. Pre-Trip Checking
Before you even set out on the road, you’ll need to be sure everything is in order. In a driving school, you'll learn the different controls of a truck and how to utilize them effectively. Truck driving schools teach important aspects of large vehicles, so you can know how to maneuver them in an emergency.
5. General Training (Class, Field and Road)
Apart from learning what you're taught in a truck driving class, you'll need to demonstrate these things in a myriad of situations. Truck driving schools organize lessons involving theory and practice to make learning effective. You'll be able to test your driving skills when handling the wheel and practice the ideas taught in class.
6. Driving Safely on the Road
Nobody wants to experience road accidents, so drivers must be taught adequately about safe driving. Attending a truck driving school helps you to know about speed limits and traffic rules. Having all these details in mind helps you be alert while driving and ensure a smoother ride.
Key Takeaways
Going to a truck driving school is essential if you want to drive large vehicles legally. As well as obtaining a CDL, you can also gain the necessary skills to succeed as a truck driver. Truck driving schools teach pre-trip inspections, truck laws, and precise driving techniques to promote safety on the road. You’ll feel at home behind the wheel in no time!
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