Driving a big rig truck is a passion for many. The pay is great, the scenery always changes, and some just love the open road. The first step to getting behind the wheel is to apply for CDL, Commercial Driver’s License, training. Most trucking companies will even pay to train you, but there are three requirements you must meet before applying for CDL training.

#1 Stay Healthy
While you’re not running a marathon, driving a truck does require a certain level of fitness. You’ll be sitting for long periods of time in the exact same position and working with heavy cargo. Hours can be long and schedules can take you late into the night or even the wee hours of the morning. Your body will need to keep up with these demands, so you’ll need to be fit.

While drivers rarely have to unload the vehicles themselves, you will need to open the huge double doors or at least be able to detach the cab from the trailer. Most CDL training courses require you to be able to lift a minimum of 30 lbs, the average weight of the hood of an eighteen wheeler, just to participate. You’ll also need to be able to get into and out of the cab of the truck that sits several feet off the floor. Even turning the wheel on a big rig requires more strength than turning your average sedan. Prior to CDL training, be sure you’re at a suitable level of fitness.

#2 No Drugs
Your mind must be as fit as your body. Driving long distances requires a healthy and clear mind so you can focus on the task at hand. Not only do you need to be aware of other drivers and pedestrians around you, you’ll need to navigate your way to new and unknown locations. Older style eighteen wheelers can have as many as 10 different gears that you must shift through constantly. Even newer trucks with automatic transmissions still require skill to maneuver. Accomplishing even a simple parking job requires much more attention than a smaller car and to do this you cannot be under the influence of any substances.

When you’re behind the wheel of a big rig with over 20 tons of metal behind you, you need to be focused. The smallest errors of judgment can result in tragedy. Drugs are a big no-no, and immediate disqualifier, to getting a CDL.

#3 Keep a Clean Driving Record
With a clear mind and healthy body, you’ll still be expected to have a clean driving record to be eligible for CDL training. Companies are trusting, and paying you, to handle huge and expensive pieces of machinery. Drivers are often required to be at least 18 years of age to drive within a state or 21 years to cross state lines.

Big rig trucks are huge and powerful vehicles. A simple fender bender in an average car can be disastrous in an eighteen wheeler. While companies would prefer perfect records, there are considerations for mistakes depending on the violation and how long ago it occurred.

Getting CDL Training
Getting paid to see the country is a dream of many. The first step towards that dream is CDL training which requires you stay healthy, don’t do drugs, and keep a clean driving record. Although, if you’ve had driving problems in the past it’s not an immediate disqualifier. The team at this website can help with your driving history, so you can get onto living your dream.