Things You Should to Know Before Getting Your CDL
So, you are thinking about getting your CDL license? While you may have an idea of what to expect, there is plenty that you may not be aware of. Don’t worry, at New England Tractor Trailer Training School we are here to share important information you should know before training for your CDL.
Things to Know Before Getting Your CDL
Earning your commercial driver’s license can be a different experience for everyone. Some may find it challenging because driving a tractor-trailer can feel a lot more complicated than driving a regular car. Others may be used to operating heavy equipment. There are extra requirements and items to take into consideration before you sit behind the wheel of a big rig. Below we list some important things you may need to know before training for your CDL.
It is also important that you are aware of the ELDT requirements that were put in place in February 2022. This way you can choose a commercial driving school that is certified and approved to provide truck driver training. The FMCSA has published a list of qualified CDL training providers. All NETTTS locations are listed on this Training Provider Registry and meet these ELDT requirements.
You Need to Meet Specific CDL Requirements
A CDL has more requirements than a basic driver’s license. Along with meeting your state’s specific age requirement, you may also need to pass a physical exam, or pay off any outstanding driving tickets. These requirements can vary from state to state here in the US. The Admissions team at NETTTS can help you to determine if you qualify for a CDL license and would be a good candidate for training.
CDL Permit Requirements
One of the first steps while training for your CDL is getting your CDL permit. Just as you may have done when you were first learning to drive a car. This permit allows you to practice driving a tractor trailing with someone that already has a Commercial Drivers License. Some people may not know a current CDL license holder to help them with this. With a tractor trailer training school like NETTTS, we can help get you behind the wheel with an experienced instructor, so that you can practice for the CDL license exam. If you are thinking about coming to NETTTS it is not necessary to have your CDL permit ahead of time. The first stage of our Commercial Driver’s License Training program is to help you prepare for the CDL permit test.
You Will Need to Pass a Written and Road Test
Just like with a regular license, after you get your permit and have completed your training, you will have to pass both a written and road test with the state registry of motor vehicles in order to earn your CDL license. The hands-on portion of the test will include a vehicle pre-trip inspection, a driving portion to demonstrate different backing maneuvers, and road test while driving on the road. Our CDL training programs are designed to help prepare students for both the written and road tests.
You Have the Choice to Add Specific Endorsements
Before earning your CDL, you may want to think about what kind of license is needed for the type of driving you want to do. There are different types of trucks on the road and some require a special endorsement. For example, driving a tanker truck, or transporting hazardous materials will mean adding endorsements to your CDL. This process can require a few more steps that may include a background screening, fingerprinting, applications, and possibly more training. At NETTTS, we offer class A CDL training as well as class B CDL training and can help provide guidance to help you find out how to get any special endorsements that you may want.
You’ll Trade In Your Personal License
What many people don’t realize is that a CDL license takes the place of your regular Class D driver’s license. This means that you will exchange your regular license for a CDL so it’s important to be extra cautious about tickets or violations that may happen in your personal vehicle. A CDL license allows you to still drive your personal vehicle.
Are you ready to take a first step towards CDL training? Reach out to us today to learn more about our career training programs in our Somers, CT, Bridgeport, CT, North Andover/Haverhill, MA and Pawtucket, RI areas and how to get started.