Knowledge Acquisition and Training Preparations for a Truck Driving Career
One industry that is constantly looking to hire people with special driving skills is the towing industry, in light of increasing demand for towing assistance. However those eyeing a future career as a tow truck driver should know that aside from their standard DMV license, they need to have a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) as well.
Still, the outlook in the automobile towing business in the U.S. in the years ahead is expected to change. Fewer assistance will be needed once majority of the driving consumers upgrade their vehicles with the newer, high-tech automobiles.
Manufacturers of modern cars are now equipping their products with advanced features that aim to provide assistance while on the road. Aside from additional safety features that alert drivers of potential dangers to help avoid accidents, new models also include back-up and/or lane-change assists, as well as automatic braking and parking systems.
On the other hand, the projection is that in the next years, there will be increased demand for heavy duty towing truck operators. Inasmuch as the present Biden administration is poised to launch massive construction projects for infrastructure improvements, there will be a high demand for heavy duty towing and hauling services.
That being the case, it would be wiser to obtain a Class A or Class B CDL that can satisfy employment requirements for heavy duty towing operations
Training Programs to Help License Applicants Pass the CDL Tests
Enrolling in a formal truck driving school is not a mandatory requirement, except for the Class A CDL that requires at least 180 hours of completing a truck driving education by way of combined classroom and actual behind-the-wheel training sessions.
Yet, the most common advice given to those applying for a Class A, Class B or even Class C CDL is to enrol in a truck driving school. That way, they can increase, if not to ensure, their chances of passing the rigid written exams and road driving tests.
A CDL regardless of Class will be issued only if the CDL applicant passes all written and actual, hands-on driving tests. The types of tests are standard, and as prescribed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; although some states might include additional tests.
CDL Truck Training programs combine classroom studies for students to gain theoretical and technical knowledge with the concepts and mechanical principles of different types of vehicles and the basic tools and equipment used in basic truck maintenance and operations.
The theoretical studies will be applied by way of hands-on and behind-the-wheel driving exercises conducted within and outside of training grounds.
Standard Areas of Studies Covered by Truck Training Programs
While the immediate goal of truck training programs is to equip a CDL applicant with knowledge for which they will be tested, the overall learning goal is to fortify his or her capabilities and competence when performing tasks as a professional driver of commercial truck or transportation equipment. That being the case, the standard areas of studies include the following:
Introductory Lessons about the Trucking Industry
Trip Preparation Basics
First Aid and Safety Basics
Close-Quarter Operations
City and Town Driving Basics
Open Roads and Freeway Road Driving
State and Federal Transportation Laws
Knowledge of Materials and Cargo Types
Driver Nutrition