Do You Have What It Takes To Become a Truck Driver?

Not many little kids dream of becoming a truck driver when they are having fun on the local playground. However, with time, the priorities change, and they find themselves searching for a career that doesn’t involve saving lives or jumping with a parachute.

A truck driver is a solid job with certain benefits that are attractive to many people. However, as it is with many other jobs, there are specific skills you need to master in order to become a high-paying trucker.

So, whether you are thinking about a career change or already found yourself behind a wheel, you must be wondering if you have what it takes to become a good truck driver.

Education

While you don’t need to get a Ph.D. to become a truck driver, most of the companies will check if you have a high school diploma or good GED scores.

Health

Truck driver is a job with many hazards. You need to be healthy enough to handle them. While high blood pressure or a smoking habit won’t keep you from getting a job, you must be healthy enough to pass a DOT physical.

Clean Driving Record

Don’t hope to get a high-paying trucker job if you have a poor driving record. This doesn’t include a couple of parking tickets you got 10 years ago, but a reckless driving charge can put an end to your career before it even starts.

Stamina

Long and boring driving hours can take a toll on your nervous system. If you don’t know how to entertain yourself and alleviate stress, this job might not be for you. Truck drivers face hazardous road situations every day. They require stamina to literally keep their sanity.

Desire to Learn

Driving a truck is not just about turning the wheel and listening to your favorite audio books all day long. There are many things you must learn before getting into the vehicle. Before becoming a truck driver, you need to pass Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation Exam.

Experience

If your driving experience ends with driving from your home over to the friend’s house, you’ll have a hard time becoming a good truck driver. Ask yourself, do you know enough about driving to conquer interstate highways? Perhaps you need to get some driving experience first.

Independence

A truck driver is a job that gives you independence and a certain amount of freedom. You won’t have someone looking over your shoulder and correcting your mistakes. Most of the time you’ll be on your own, making your own decisions. Accordingly, you should master a good work ethic.

Alcohol –free life

Truck drivers must pass random alcohol and drug tests. That’s why you’ll have to forget about wild alcohol parties. In fact, CDL holders have lower alcohol limits than regular drivers. If you fail a drug test, you can say goodbye to the truck driver’s career.

Family Issues

Many truck drivers spend more than half of their lives on the road. Before becoming a truck driver, consider whether your family is ready to deal with not seeing you for weeks at a time.