According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for truck drivers is expected to increase by 11% by the year 2022. You’ll need to graduate from truck driving school in order to become an in-demand truck driver, and here are a few things you can expect while doing so.
Truck Driver Training: Classroom Work
The first week of truck driving school is spent in a classroom environment. Here you will learn the laws of the profession, in addition to discussing other topics such as safety, pre-trip inspections, maintaining a log, and commercial or owner-operator truck insurance in Tennessee. You may also be given homework assignments that can include maintaining an electronic or paper log, or filling out other important paperwork.
Hands-on Truck Driver Training
Once you have mastered the basics, you will then be ready to get behind the wheel. You will be shown certain tasks, and will then be asked to perform them under the supervision of your instructor. Some things you may do before initially driving the truck include:
- Backing up
- Turning
- Hooking up and unhooking a trailer
- Stopping at intersections or railroad tracks
Once you have mastered these things, you will then practice operating your tractor-trailer inside the training facility. Most truck driving schools have a dedicated area that is used to give students an opportunity to become comfortable with operating a big rig before taking it out on the open road.
After completing your training, you will then be able to test for a CDL license. This will require you to pass a written knowledge test, followed by a skills evaluation. You may be given the opportunity to test near the end of your training, depending upon the school you are enrolled in.
After obtaining your CDL, you’ll be on your way to a rewarding career as a tractor-trailer operator. To find out more about rig insurance in Tennessee, contact us.
