How to Become a Truck Driver: The Road to Truck Driving

Truck drivers are the backbone of the U.S. economy, moving more than 70% of the nation’s freight each year. With a growing demand for drivers and competitive pay, many people are asking the same question: how do I become a truck driver? This guide covers everything you need to know – training, licensing, lifestyle, and tips for success on the road.

What Does a Truck Driver Do?

Truck Driver Description

Truck drivers transport goods across local, regional, and national routes. Depending on their role, they may handle anything from delivering packages within a city to hauling freight across multiple states. Drivers are also responsible for:

Safely operating large commercial vehicles.
Inspecting and maintaining equipment.
Logging hours to comply with federal regulations.
Communicating with dispatchers, customers, and shippers.

Steps to Becoming a Truck Driver

Becoming a truck driver involves more than just getting behind the wheel – it’s a structured process designed to ensure safety, skill, and readiness for the road. From meeting basic eligibility requirements to earning your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and gaining real-world driving experience, each step builds toward a rewarding career in transportation. Below, we’ll walk through the key milestones that guide aspiring drivers from preparation to professional trucking.

Meet the requirements for truck driving

Before starting training, aspiring drivers need to meet federal and state requirements:

Be at least 18 years old to drive within your state (21 for interstate driving).
Hold a valid driver’s license.
Maintain a clean driving record.
Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam and drug test.

Get a commercial learner’s permit

Before enrolling in CDL school, you’ll need a CLP. This temporary permit allows you to practice driving a commercial vehicle under supervision. Requirements vary by state, but usually include a written knowledge test.

Enroll in a CDL training program

To operate commercial vehicles, you’ll need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Many community colleges, private driving schools, and carrier-sponsored programs offer CDL training. Key considerations when choosing a program:

Training length (typically 4–8 weeks).
Hands-on driving hours.
Job placement support after graduation.

Get your commercial driver’s license (CDL)

There are different classes of CDLs depending on the type of vehicle:

Class A CDL: For tractor-trailers and large combination vehicles.
Class B CDL: For straight trucks, buses, and smaller commercial vehicles.
Class C CDL: For transporting hazardous materials or more than 16 passengers.

After completing training, you’ll need to pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills exam.

Get driving experience

Many companies prefer drivers with at least 6–12 months of experience. Entry-level drivers often start with regional or long-haul routes to build mileage and confidence. Some carriers offer on-the-job training or pair new drivers with experienced mentors.

Get endorsements

Once you’ve earned your CDL, you can add endorsements that qualify you to handle specialized types of freight. These not only expand your career opportunities but also increase your earning potential, since many companies pay more for drivers with advanced skills. Each endorsement requires an additional written test, and in some cases, a skills exam or background check. Common endorsements include:

HazMat (H): Allows you to transport hazardous materials such as chemicals, fuels, or gases. This often requires a TSA background check in addition to the written exam.
Tanker (N): Required for hauling liquid cargo in tanker vehicles, from milk to gasoline.
Doubles/Triples (T): Qualifies you to pull two or three trailers at once, a skill in demand for long-haul carriers.
Passenger (P): Needed if you plan to drive buses, shuttles, or other passenger vehicles.

Earning endorsements gives you flexibility in the type of freight you can haul and makes you more competitive in the job market. Many drivers pursue multiple endorsements to maximize their opportunities and income.

Find a truck driving job

Truck driving is more than just long-haul freight. Specialized opportunities include:

Local delivery routes (home daily).
Tanker or hazardous materials hauling.
Oversized load transport.
Owner-operator paths for entrepreneurial drivers.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Truck Driver?

The time it takes to become a truck driver can vary, but most people are able to complete the process in just a few months. Many CDL training programs run 4 to 8 weeks, depending on whether they are full-time or part-time. After finishing training, you’ll need to schedule and pass your state’s written knowledge and road skills exams. Factoring in wait times for testing and background checks, new drivers can often be licensed and ready to start working within 2–3 months.

However, the timeline may be longer if you choose to earn multiple endorsements (such as HazMat or Tanker), since these can require additional testing, background checks, or even federal clearance. Drivers who enter company-sponsored programs may also need to complete a probationary or mentorship period before driving solo. Overall, the process is relatively quick compared to other careers, allowing you to enter the workforce and start earning sooner.

What Education Do You Need to Be a Truck Driver?

You don’t need a college degree to become a truck driver. In most cases, a high school diploma or GED is sufficient to qualify for CDL training. What really matters is completing a certified truck driving school program and passing the required exams to earn your CDL.

Some trucking companies offer tuition reimbursement or paid training programs, which can lower the financial barrier to entry. These often require you to commit to driving for that carrier for a set period of time after training. While formal higher education isn’t necessary, ongoing learning is part of the profession – drivers must stay updated on federal regulations, new technology, and safety practices.

Truck Driving Salary: How Much Do Truck Drivers Make?

According to recent data, the average truck driver salary in the U.S. ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, endorsements, and route type. Specialized roles (like HazMat or oversized loads) often pay more.

Career Paths for Truck Drivers

Truck driving is not one-size-fits-all. Once you’ve earned your CDL, you can choose from several career paths that fit your goals, lifestyle, and earning potential:

Company Driver: Most new drivers start here, working directly for a carrier with set schedules and routes. This path offers job stability, steady pay, and benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.

Team Driving: Two drivers share the same truck, taking turns behind the wheel. This keeps freight moving nearly 24/7 and often results in higher pay, but it requires strong coordination and the ability to work closely with a partner.

Dedicated Routes: Drivers haul freight for the same customer on consistent routes. These jobs often provide predictable schedules, better work-life balance, and stronger relationships with clients.

Owner-Operator: Experienced drivers may purchase or lease their own truck and operate as independent business owners. While this path offers the highest earning potential and flexibility, it also comes with added responsibilities like truck maintenance, insurance, and business expenses.

Specialized Hauling: With endorsements, drivers can move into specialized niches such as HazMat transport, oversized loads, or refrigerated freight. These roles typically pay more but require additional skills and certifications.

Whether you’re looking for stability, independence, or higher earning power, the trucking industry offers a career path that can match your ambitions.

Benefits of Truck Driving

Truck driving offers more than just a steady paycheck–it’s a career that provides stability, flexibility, and opportunities for growth. With the demand for qualified drivers continuing to rise, many people are turning to trucking as a long-term career choice. Key benefits include:

Competitive Pay

Entry-level drivers can expect solid starting wages, and specialized roles (HazMat, tanker, oversized loads) often command higher salaries. Experienced drivers or owner-operators can significantly increase their income potential.

Job Security

Because trucks move the majority of freight in the U.S., drivers remain in high demand, offering strong job stability even during economic shifts.

Independence On the Road

Many drivers enjoy the freedom of working outside an office, traveling to new places, and managing their own schedules once they gain experience.

Career Flexibility

Options range from local delivery routes that get you home daily, to long-haul routes that let you see the country. Specialized niches provide room to advance and tailor your career.

Path to Ownership

For entrepreneurial drivers, becoming an owner-operator can open the door to running your own small business with greater earning potential.

Challenges of Being a Truck Driver

While trucking offers stability and strong earning potential, it also comes with challenges that new drivers should consider before committing to the career:

Time Away from Home:

Long-haul drivers may spend days or weeks on the road, which can be difficult for those with families or other commitments.

Long Hours:

Federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations limit driving time, but schedules can still involve early mornings, late nights, and extended periods behind the wheel.

Physical Demands:

Loading cargo, sitting for long stretches, and managing heavy equipment can take a toll on the body over time.

Stressful Conditions:

Drivers face traffic, tight deadlines, and unpredictable weather, all of which require focus and resilience.

Regulatory Requirements:

Maintaining a valid CDL, staying compliant with federal safety rules, and keeping up with new technology add to the responsibilities of the job.

Despite these challenges, many drivers find that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks – especially with proper training, planning, and support from employers.

Is Truck Driving Right for You?

Truck driving is a career that combines opportunity with responsibility. For those who value independence, travel, and job security, it can be a rewarding profession with strong earning potential. At the same time, it requires commitment, resilience, and the ability to manage the challenges of life on the road.

If you’re asking yourself how to become a truck driver, the answer starts with understanding both sides of the career. By weighing the benefits against the challenges – and by completing the right training and preparation – you’ll be better equipped to decide if this path fits your lifestyle and goals.

Start Your Journey with SelecTrucks

If you’re ready to take the next step in becoming a truck driver, the right equipment is just as important as the right training. SelecTrucks offers a wide selection of quality used semi trucks backed by industry-leading warranties and flexible financing options – making it easier for new drivers and owner-operators to get on the road with confidence. Explore our SelecTrucks inventory and find the truck that fits your career goals today.