Month: May 2023

Taking your commercial driver’s license (CDL) test can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it doesn’t have to be if you know what to expect. Taking time to research and prepare for your CDL test can help you feel more confident and prepared on test day. 

The CDL Test Timeline

Preparing for the CDL Test

Taking the time to prepare can help you feel more confident when the day comes to take the CDL test. This includes studying for the written test or practicing your driving skills. You can also find CDL practice tests online that can help you prepare for the exam.

Before the Test

Before the test date, you’ll need to get all of your paperwork in order. This should include your driver’s license, CDL learner’s permit (for the skills test), medical card, and any other paperwork required by your state. You’ll also want to have a valid form of payment for the test fee.

On the Day of the Test

On the day of your CDL test, you should allow plenty of time to get to the testing facility. Arriving late will put you at risk of rescheduling the test. Once you arrive at the testing facility, you are required to check in and present your paperwork.

The Test Itself

The CDL test is split into two parts: a written test and a driving test. You’ll take these on separate days, as the written test grants you your commercial CDL learner’s permit and allows you to start practicing for the skills test. You’ll be able to come back and take this second exam after you’ve met proficiency on the skills required by all entry level drivers and been certified on the FMCSA’s Training Providers’ Registry (TPR). 

The Written Test

The written test is a multiple-choice exam covering topics from the state CDL manual, such as traffic laws, vehicle operation and safety, and road signs. You will be expected to answer 80% of the questions correctly to pass the exam. 

The Driving Test

The driving test is the second part of the CDL test and lasts around two hours. This part of the exam puts you behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle on a state-approved route in the general area of the testing facility. During the road test, you will be expected to demonstrate your ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely and efficiently. This includes performing basic maneuvers such as backing, turning, and parking.

After the Test

After you have completed your CDL test, you will be given the results. If you pass the test, you will be issued a CDL permit or license, depending on if you took the written or skills test on that day. If you did not pass the test, you will have the opportunity to retake the exam. Depending on the state you are testing in, there may be a minimum waiting period and a limited number of retakes allowed.

Prepare For the CDL Exam at a High-Quality Truck Driving School

Attending truck driving school is the best way to ensure you are prepared on CDL test day. At Phoenix Truck Driving School in Albuquerque, our experienced instructors, flexible schedules, and the use of real trucks during training are just a few of the factors that help set our students up for success. Our program offers the resources and tools necessary to begin your journey as a professional truck driver.

Contact one of our advisors today to discover when our next CDL class begins.

Over-the-road (OTR) trucking is a type of long-haul trucking that involves driving a truck for extended periods of time across the country. OTR trucking is a beneficial job for those looking for a long-term career in the transportation industry. 

 

Here are the top eight benefits of OTR trucking:

1. Financial Benefits

One of the main benefits of working as an OTR trucker is the compensation. OTR truck driving jobs can be very rewarding, with many truckers making a solid living by driving long distances. In addition, many trucking companies offer bonuses and incentives for the successful delivery of goods, which can add to your bottom line.

1. Variety of Routes

OTR trucking also offers the opportunity to see different parts of the country, providing a unique way to explore the United States. You’ll be able to experience different cultures and landscapes, as well as meet new and interesting people.

1. Opportunity to Learn

Working as an OTR truck driver is a great way to learn new and valuable skills. You’ll be exposed to different types of equipment and driving techniques. You’ll also be able to develop your problem-solving skills, as you may encounter difficult driving conditions while on the road.

1. Sense of Accomplishment

Driving OTR can be a highly rewarding job, as it allows you to see the results of your work. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and pride when you deliver goods safely and on time. You can also feel confident that you’re making a valuable contribution, as our nation would not be able to keep running without the dedication and hard work of truckers. 

1. Benefits Packages

In addition to offering competitive pay, trucking companies often compete to offer the best benefits packages. This can include health insurance, dental/vision benefits, retirement plans, and more. 

1. Career Advancement

Finally, OTR truck driving can provide many opportunities for career advancement. You can move up the ranks and become a team leader or supervisor, which can lead to increased job security and higher salaries.

Prepare For OTR Trucking at Phoenix Truck Driving School

If you’re looking for a rewarding career with plenty of opportunities, OTR trucking may be the perfect fit for you. At Phoenix Truck Driving School, we can provide you with the high-quality training you need to become a professional truck driver. After graduation, our job placement assistance program can answer any questions you may have about the different types of trucking and help you find companies that are hiring OTR drivers.

Contact one of our advisors today to learn more about our commercial driver’s license (CDL) program.

 

Once you’ve obtained your commercial driver’s license (CDL), you can begin your professional driving journey. Don’t be fooled into thinking that you’re done with training though – many OTR trucking companies will require additional on-the-job training before you can go on solo trips. It’s important to understand what to expect during this process so that you can make the most of the experience and set yourself up for success.

The Structure of Motor Carrier Training

At many motor carriers, it is common for Entry Level drivers (those just out of CDL school, or with less than six months to a year of experience) to be paired with a driver trainer. This experienced driver will take the new hire on the road, providing them with the necessary training.

Some companies require an orientation period that covers the same topics you were taught during school, yet with a focus on their own policies. If applicable, this process is usually done before you start driving with your driver trainer.

The structure of the on-the-road training can differ. At times, the mentor driver will be with you while you drive, while other times you may be team driving with the mentor resting or taking a break from duty. Even if the mentor is off-duty, he/she will be available if you need help in a critical situation.

The hours of training and when drivers can go solo varies by company. Some have a predetermined amount of time with a mentor, while others leave the decision to the mentor upon judging the driver’s readiness.

Once your training is complete, you will be given a truck to call your own and be ready to take off – solo driving or with a partner if you opt for team driving.

Common Questions About Trucking Company Training

1. What Should I Take With Me For On-The-Road Training?

Ensure you bring the essential items but bear in mind that you and another driver will be sharing a fairly small area. Pack lightly. Important documents like your CDL must be taken with you, as well as any clothing or other personal belongings.

2. What If My Trainer And I Don’t Get Along?

When it comes to picking a driver mentor, many companies offer the option of specifying basic preferences, such as smoking vs. non-smoking, or if you would like a same-gender mentor. However, besides these traits, you may discover that you have a different personality than your mentor. It’s best to look at this as an opportunity to learn something and keep in mind that it’s only for a limited period of time.

However, if your mentor is abusive or you feel unsafe, you should tell your motor carrier right away and they should provide assistance in seeking a resolution.

3. What Will I Learn During Company Training?

During school, you will be provided with a broad education to provide a strong base for your trucking career. Once you start working, the training becomes less structured, and you’ll be able to gain experience on the job. Each day features different challenges and learning opportunities.

Mentors will take a range of approaches to training. Some are geared towards providing practical skills, while others focus on safety. Rather than going into company training with expectations, it’s best to approach it with an open mind and be ready to learn and adjust.

CDL School In Albuquerque

Before you can hit the road with a company mentor, you’ll need to earn your commercial license. At Phoenix Truck Driving School, we can help you accomplish this in as little as four weeks.

To learn more about our CDL training program, contact us today.

Truck driving is a great career choice for many individuals. It gives you the opportunity to earn competitive pay while seeing more of the country, or you can choose a local or regional job if you prefer to stay closer to home. The first step to any truck driving job is to earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL), which involves passing two exams – a multiple-choice test and a practical skills test. For entry-level drivers who struggle with test taking, this can be a source of anxiety. The tips in this blog can help you overcome your worries and pass your CDL test.

1. Study The Material

First and foremost, it’s important to study the material on the Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and CDL tests before taking it for the best chance at success. This involves reading the CDL manual and paying attention during trucking school lessons.

Different techniques work better for different students, so you can experiment to find what makes it easier for you to remember the material. Some students prefer flashcards for memorization, whereas others may need to relate the concepts to real-life examples. No matter what technique you use, being confident in your knowledge of the material can help you feel more prepared and ease your test anxiety.

2. Take Practice Tests

Practice tests use the same multiple-choice format and similar questions to the real CLP exam. This helps you get familiar with the format and you can also get an idea of whether you’ve studied enough. If you’re doing well on practice tests, it can reduce your anxiety on exam day because you’ll know you have a good grasp of the material. On the other hand, if you struggle with practice tests, it can help you identify areas where you need to study more so you’ll be fully prepared when it’s time for the real exam.

3. Relax

Many students struggle with test taking not because they don’t know the material, but because they get nervous on the day of the exam. If you relate to this, you are definitely not alone. The best way to combat this is to find ways to help yourself relax. This could involve deep breathing, reminding yourself of practice tests you’ve done well on, or anything else that works for you personally.

It’s also helpful to keep in mind that this test is just the beginning of your truck driving career, and it doesn’t define your ability to succeed in the industry. Even if you don’t pass, you can retake the test. As long as you are committed to your future career, a failed CDL test doesn’t have to be the end of your trucking journey. Remembering this can help you stay calm on test day knowing you have options even if the exam doesn’t go as planned.

4. Get Help

Take advantage of the resources available to you when you’re preparing for your exam. If you’re attending CDL school, your instructors can give you helpful tips and answer questions about any material you’re confused about. You can also form study groups with other students to go over the material together.

CDL School In Albuquerque

If you’re ready to become a truck driver, Phoenix Truck Driving School can help. We offer CDL training in Albuquerque and prepare our students for the CDL exam and the rest of their careers. With our accelerated program, you can graduate in as little as four weeks.

To learn more about how to earn your CDL in Albuquerque, contact us today.