What to Expect After Your CDL Training

So, you’re ready to join the world of truck driving! Before hitting the highway with an official professional driving career, every truck driver must get a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The first step will be completing a CDL training course like the ones offered at America Truck Driving School.

Once your CDL training is complete and you have passed your CDL exam, you will receive your license. Congratulations! This means you will now be eligible to become a professional truck driver. However, this is just the first of several steps in your new career. Here’s what you can expect in the process:

Joining a Carrier
The first thing you will need to do after earning your CDL is to sign with a carrier. Be sure to do your research and see that it’s a good fit with your career goals, desired pay, tuition reimbursement, benefits, and other important factors.

The good news is that many of America Truck Driving School’s students are pre-hired by carriers as they are still going through training. Being signed with a reputable carrier is a nice head-start and huge step in any driver’s career.
Advanced Training Programs
Most carriers will require advanced training before you can officially get on the road as a professional driver. They will arrange advanced training courses for you to learn more complex techniques that will come in handy once you are officially driving. Typically, you will do some driving with a trainer on board until the carrier feels you are ready to head out on your own.
Getting on the Road
Once your advanced training is complete and you are signed with a carrier, you are finally ready to hit the road as a professional truck driver. Most carriers will start you off with Over-the-Road (OTR) or long-distance trips to help you gain valuable experience early on.

As you get more experience under your belt and move up the ladder, you could explore other jobs or other roles within the industry such as becoming a Driver Trainer or Dispatcher.

If you are ready to begin your career as a professional truck driver, America Truck Driving School is here to help you get started on the right path with proper CDL training and a vast network of professional resources. Contact America Truck Driving School today!