It’s a myth that higher education degrees automatically earn you a well-off, secure job in the modern world. Oftentimes, students graduate without any plans or ambitions or any idea on what they want to do for a career. And the documentation they receive from college or university no longer guarantees a big paycheck or even a stable job.

While studying is an important part of becoming educated in a certain field, there are many soft skills that cannot be learnt from a textbook. In response to the crisis of ill-preparation that we face today, more non-conventional approaches have stemmed in every industry, providing eager learners with a platform to discover and acquire practical skills in their profession. When it comes to truck driving, CDL schools can offer both education and certification, making landing a good job much more accessible than in other domains.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the trucking industry, then you first need to obtain a license for practice, as well as learn your trade and practice extensively. In this respect, you have a wide range of CDL schools to choose from, that can offer both specialized training and a commercial driver’s license. Given that the potential income for truck driving is between $38,000 and $43,000 per year for most positions on the road, it’s important to invest in a proper instruction program, which can teach you more than the basics of commercial driving. Whether they’re self-employed, hired from within a particular company or they switch from employer to employer, truck drivers require training and certification from an authentic, reliable CDL school.

So why should you join a trucking instruction program? Aside from being passionate about travel and a career that allows you a flexible itinerary, there is a considerable shortage of truck drivers in the United States. According to the latest report from the American Trucking Association (ATA), there is a shortage of 30,000 to 35,000 drivers in the US. This is great news if you’re interested in becoming a truck driver yourself, as you will receive more job opportunities and higher pay. That being said, you’re still required to present a valid license and have proper training from a CDL school in order to be hired.

The training programs available cover basic driving and safety information when it comes to large commercial vehicles, as well as hands-on instruction and loading or inspecting procedures. All the learning and practice takes place between 3 to 12 weeks, depending on the school you chose. There are also quick programs for certification, designed for more experienced drivers. Our CDL school at RTDS provides programs that can issue a license in any period of time – ranging from a few days to a full month, depending on the scope and consistency of the training.

When it comes to requirements for joining a CDL school, you must be at least 18 years old if you want to drive intrastate and over 21 in order to drive nationally. Moreover, you need a valid driver’s license, a DMV driving record and in some cases a high school diploma or a GED certificate. In addition, certain companies will require you to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination and a drug screening, as well as provide proof that you have a clean driving record. If you fulfill these requirements, then choose your desired training program and send an application!