If you are reading this guide, you are probably interested in becoming a truck driver in Florida. As long as you follow the eligibility requirements, you can get started in these five simple steps.
Read on to learn more about the requirements for becoming a professional truck driver. This guide will help you prepare so you can sit for the exam.
Find Out Eligibility Requirements
First, you need to make sure that you are eligible to become a truck driver. Florida residents must be 18 or older to possess a CDL. Trucker drivers have to be 21 years of age or older to pass state lines. If you meet the age requirements, you will have to find a doctor who is approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Schedule an appointment with a qualified doctor as soon as possible. He or she will determine if you are physically fit to become a truck driver. Even if you do not have medical problems, you will still have to carry a DOT medical card. Since DOT physicals are only valid for up to two years, you want to get a job as soon as you pass this important step.
Be Aware of Potential Obstacles
Next, you must be aware of the potential obstacles that could get in your way of possessing a CDL. This can include drunk driving charges, sleeping problems, mental health issues, and mobility problems. Your physician will have to sign a waiver to prove that you are fit to drive. This can only take place after your DOT physical.
Before you sit for the exam or get a job, you will have to undergo a drug test to get your CDL. You must pass this test before you go to work as a commercial truck driver in Florida.
Choose A Reputable Florida School
When you pass the above steps, you can search for a reputable school in Florida. Avoid training programs that enroll hundreds of students. Instead, you want to choose a school that offers individualized attention. There are several ways to get your Commercial Driver License (CDL) permit. However, the best option is to go through the schooling process.
Study for The Exam
You want to get a copy of the CDL manual, which is available at any DMV in Florida. You can also download a free PDF online for free. Just make sure that has the recent year on it. You want to get a copy of the manual that is applicable to the state of Florida.
From there, you can study for the exam. There is nothing challenging about this step. As long as you study hard and apply yourself, you should be able to pass the general knowledge test. During this process, you will also need to provide an MVR report, a driver’s license, and an alternative form of identification.
Sit for The Final Exam
The process of coming to a truck driver ends here. You will sit down for the final exam, which consists of a pre-trip vehicle inspection. During this time, you will have to demonstrate your knowledge of driving and parking a commercial truck. You may be required to perform alley docking, parallel parking, and taking a road test.
These are the steps to becoming a truck driver in Florida. If you closely follow these steps and requirements, you should have no problem with finding a job. Some schools in Florida help graduates find jobs after they pass the exam. There are also professional trucking associations that connect new drivers with companies that are hiring.
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