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Take The Wheel: Getting Your Commercial Driver's License

by Tim Brunicardi on January 24, 2018

Are you intrigued by the prospect of becoming a professional truck driver? If this sounds like you then Hocking College offers a program designed to help you become a part of this thriving industry by getting your commercial driver's license.

What is a Commercial Driver's License?

A commercial driver’s license (CDL) allows individuals to operate certain types of commercial motor vehicles. A CDL comes in the three following classifications:

  • Class A: This license allows drivers to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight of 26,001 lbs. or more, to include a towed vehicle that is heavier than 10,000 lbs.cdl license.jpeg
  • Class B: This license allows drivers to operate a single vehicle that weighs 26,001 lbs. or more, to include a towed vehicle weighing up to 10,000 lbs.
  • Class C: This license allows drivers to only drive vehicles that do not meet the criteria of Class A or B. This is meant for drivers who only intend to transport at least 16 passengers or hazardous materials.

What are the Requirements to Get a CDL?

According to federal law, in order to qualify for a CDL or a Commercial Learner Permit (CLP), applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be at least 21 to be able to carry cargo across state lines
  • Possess a social security card
  • Possess a valid Ohio driver’s license
  • Be a legal U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Provide a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate from a licensed medical professional that reinforces that the applicant is of sound mind and body

Where Can I Find CDL Training in Ohio?

Any Ohio resident seriously interested in obtaining a CDL should consider enrolling at Hocking College in Nelsonville for the following reasons:

  • Hocking College’s CDL training program offers a Class A permit prep course (Course 1176) that prepares students to take their written permit tests for General Knowledge, Combination Vehicles and Air Brakes.getting a commercial driver's license.jpg
  • Passing all three tests in Course 1176 will make students eligible to receive a Class A permit.
  • This program gives students the option to take their Class A permit test on their own.
  • Students who get their Class A permit on their own are only required to take Course 1178.
  • In their student admission packet, students will receive a copy of the Ohio Commercial Driver License Manual.
  • Hocking’s CDL training program can be utilized by new students, existing students and corporate sponsors.
  • A student’s tuition will cover the cost of their CDL permit, CDL testing and license fees and any training materials they will need.
  • Students who need assistance paying their tuition can take advantage of Hocking College’s payment plan. This will allow them to pay for their education in manageable installments.
  • Hocking College’s CDL training program only takes one semester to complete.

What are the Benefits of Getting a CDL?

Once anyone who obtains a commercial driver’s license enters the job market, they can expect to receive the following job benefits:

  • Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers make a median pay of $41,340
  • Becoming a professional truck driver equals job security
  • The majority of major trucking companies offer their employees medical, dental, and life insurance, as well as retirement benefits
  • Many trucking companies offer their employees paid vacations
  • Truck drivers get to travel to locations they might have otherwise never would have had the opportunity to visit
  • Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers have the option to work alone, as part of a team or with their spouse or significant other

What are the Job Prospects?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in the trucking industry are projected to grow six percent from 2016-2026. They also anticipate that they’ll be 1,985,500 positions available for qualified truck drivers with clean driving records by 2026.

So if you’ve been putting off getting your CDL maybe it’s time to hit the breaks, take the wheel, and get started on your own road to success by contacting one of Hocking College’s enrollment advisors.

Getting a Commercial Driver's License.