What You Need to Earn a New Mexico CDL

Becoming a truck driver is a great career move for anyone wanting to escape the daily grind of an office job. Don’t stay trapped behind a desk when you could be out seeing more of our great country. As a professional truck driver you can earn more than $64,000 a year.* The first step to beginning a rewarding career in the trucking industry is earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL). At Phoenix Truck Driving School, our classes help you earn your New Mexico CDL.

Here is some valuable information about how to get your commercial driver’s license in New Mexico: 

When Do You Need a CDL?

There are different types of CDLs and each one is necessary for a different kind of commercial motor vehicle. A Class A CDL is required to operate any combination of vehicles with a total weight of more than 26,000 pounds with the tow vehicle being heavier than 10,000 pounds. With this license you can operate a tractor-trailer, truck and trailer, tanker vehicle, or flatbed. A Class B CDL is necessary to operate any single commercial vehicle not hitched to a trailer. This means straight trucks, large buses, segmented buses, box trucks, and dump trucks. A Class C CDL is required for driving a vehicle with a gross combination weight of less than 26,000 pounds, a vehicle towing another that weighs less than 10,000 pounds, or one that transports 16+ passengers. 

Federal vs. State Requirements

CDL requirements are subject to both federal and state regulations. Since trucking often involves transporting goods across multiple states, federal agencies such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) set certain requirements for CDL holders. However, your CDL is also issued at the state level. It replaces your standard driver’s license and if you move states you will need to obtain a new CDL. 

Federal CDL Requirements

You must be at least 21 years old to earn your CDL. A background check is necessary. If you have a license suspension or revocation in any state, you are not eligible for a CDL under federal regulations. You can also be disqualified if you have certain offenses on your record. Disqualification may be temporary or permanent depending on the offense and severity. The FMCSA lists disqualifying factors on their website

New Mexico CDL Requirements

The steps to obtain your New Mexico CDL are similar to the ones taken to receive your non-commercial driver’s license. First, you will need to pass a written test. There is an official CDL manual posted on the Motor Vehicle Division’s website for New Mexico to help you prepare. The written test assesses your knowledge of the basic rules of a CDL. If you do not pass the first time, you are able to retake it up to two times a week. You will then receive your CDL learner’s permit. An approved examiner will need to administer a skills test for you to complete all the requirements necessary to receive your CDL.

A Commercial Driver Medical Certificate is also necessary in the State of New Mexico. The certificate must be completed by a medical professional who is listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. They will determine whether you are physically qualified to operate a commercial vehicle. You must maintain an updated Medical Certificate to keep your CDL.  

The MVD requires the following documents, in addition to passing scores for the written and skills test, to earn your New Mexico CDL:

  • Proof of Social Security number
  • Commercial Driver Medical Certificate 
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence status in the United States
  • Two proofs of New Mexico residency
  • Proof of Identity with birth date 

New Mexico CDL School

Attending truck driver training is not a requirement to earn your CDL. However, the high-quality training you will receive at Phoenix Truck Driving School will make it easier to pass the written and skills tests. Graduating from a school can also make you more attractive to trucking companies than candidates who earned their license through self-teaching. We are here to help you earn your New Mexico CDL and will prepare you for a trucking career. 

Contact us today to learn more about our CDL training programs in Albuquerque, NM.

*Professional truck drivers earn a mean annual wage of $44,500. The top 10% of truck drivers make more than $64,000 per year according to the 2017 Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Reasons to Attend Truck Driving School

Becoming a truck driver is a rewarding experience. With great pay and great benefits, truck driving is an excellent career choice. In order to get the most out of your job and be the best at what you do, proper training is always important. You will need your CDL (commercial driver’s license) in order to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Earning this license at from our truck driving school helps ensure you know the ins and outs of truck driving.

Here are some of the reasons you should consider attending truck driving school:

Better Pay

Truck drivers can earn more than $64,000 a year.* Getting a higher-paying truck driving job can be easier if you have the proper training and qualifications. At Phoenix Truck Driving School, our comprehensive training sets you apart from other candidates. You will also earn three endorsements: hazardous materials, doubles/triples, and tanker. These can help you when you are looking for a job after graduation. In many cases, jobs that require a CDL endorsement pay more than those that only require a basic CDL.

Hands-On Truck Driver Training

Starting a new career is always a bit nerve-racking and can bring a lot of uncertainty. Truck driving is highly specialized and can be dangerous and confusing if you do not have any prior experience. When you earn your CDL through self-teaching, you may not spend much time driving an actual tractor-trailer. Truck driving school gives you hands-on experience and a more thorough understanding of the work you will be doing on the job. It also gives you the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable drivers who can give you valuable advice about the trucking industry. While you spend some time preparing and learning in a classroom, you also will be able to spend time actually driving. Completing a driver training program gives you hands-on experience to set you up for success.

Job Placement Assistance

Phoenix Truck Driving School will help you make sure you are not alone in your job hunt. You will benefit from job placement assistance when you complete your CDL training with us. This is a major reason to attend training school rather than self-teaching to earn a CDL. It is our goal to help our graduates begin rewarding trucking careers as soon as possible after completing school. Many of our students secure job offers before graduation.

Are You Interested In A Trucking Job?

Phoenix Truck Driving School Can Help You

Our CDL training programs combine classroom learning with hands-on experience to ensure that you get the best preparation possible for your career as a truck driver. We also offer financial aid for those who qualify.
Contact us today to learn more about Phoenix Truck Driving School.

*Professional truck drivers earn a mean annual wage of $44,500. The top 10% of truck drivers make more than $64,000 per year according to the 2017 Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How to Get a Truck Driving Job

The demand for truck drivers continues to increase and high-earning truck driving jobs can earn you more than $64,000 a year.* A career in trucking gives you a sense of adventure when you set out on the open road. You can also choose the type of driving career that matches your earning goals and desired family time. Does this sound like the sort of job you would enjoy? If so, Phoenix Truck Driving School in Albuquerque, NM, can help you get there. Here are some tips for getting a truck driving job:

Earn Your CDL

In order to get a job as a truck driver, you need a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License). To earn this in New Mexico, you need to take a test. This consists of a written portion that will test your knowledge of truck safety and operation. You will also need to pass a CDL skills test, which requires you to drive a tractor-trailer. By passing both the written and the skills test, you will earn your CDL. You can also get various endorsements with your CDL, such as Hazardous Materials, Tankers, and Doubles/Triples. Adding an endorsement shows that you have a commitment to being a safe and skilled driver and this can help you secure a truck driving job.

Attend a Licensed Truck Driving School

While you can earn your CDL by studying and taking the test on your own, many truck driving companies will be more likely to hire you if you graduate from a licensed truck driving school. This is because in addition to getting a CDL, you will leave truck driving school with actual driving experience. You will also learn valuable safety skills, which gives trucking companies confidence in your ability to be a safe and effective driver. The Phoenix Truck Driving School in Albuquerque can help you earn your CDL. When you graduate, you will have the skills trucking companies are looking for. We are a licensed school with highly-skilled teachers who are ready to help you earn more money in your new career. Compared to earning a CDL through self-study, graduating from the Phoenix Truck Driving School will help you become a professional truck driver.

Job Placement Assistance

When you attend our truck driving school, you also get the benefit of job placement assistance. This means that you don’t have to go job searching alone. You will have a team of professionals working to help you find truck driving jobs that fit your qualifications and needs. We do our best to assist you with finding a high-paying job that will also provide you with the home time and benefits you deserve. We can also help you look at what type of truck driving job you prefer. For example, many CDL graduates look for jobs as a team truck driver. Teamed deliveries can help you get more miles and earn more money. You might also be interested only in local deliveries, or you might want to do long-haul trucking to see more of our country while earning higher paychecks. Our job placement assistance team can work with you to see how to turn your dreams into reality. If you are looking for a truck driving job, one of the best first steps you can take is to enroll in a truck driving school. Phoenix Truck Driving School is a licensed school in
Albuquerque that can help you start on the road to a new career. Contact us today for more information.

The Benefits of Accelerated CDL Classes

If you are thinking about a new career as a truck driver, you may be considering completing truck driving school to help you earn your CDL (commercial driver’s license). While you can earn your CDL through self-study, many trucking companies are more likely to hire graduates from licensed training programs. If you are ready to start and want to get on the road as soon as possible, then accelerated CDL classes are a great option. The accelerated program at Phoenix Truck Driving School in Albuquerque, NM, can have you on the road and earning in as little as four weeks. There are many benefits to accelerated CDL classes.

Comprehensive Truck Driver Training

Even though accelerated CDL courses take less time to complete, you will still get all the training you need to start a career as a truck driver. For the first week of your training, you will be in the classroom learning the ins and outs of trucking safety and operation. This helps prepare you to pass the written portion of your CDL test. After you successfully pass your written permit test, you will complete hands-on training with experienced truck drivers. Our instructors are among the best in the industry and they will show you the basic road skills you need to succeed as a driver. They will be by your side as you complete on-the-road training to prepare for your new career.

Start Earning Faster

Accelerated CDL classes get you on the road faster. This means you can start earning sooner. Once you complete our program, you will have your CDL and the skills that come with completing training at a licensed truck driving school. These qualifications will help you secure a job as a truck driver. Another benefit of taking CDL classes at Phoenix Truck Driving School is our job placement assistance program. Our job coordinators can help you look for a job while you complete your training. In some cases, you may even get job offers before you graduate. This will allow you to go right from CDL classes to a full-time trucking job.

Financial Considerations

Completing truck driving school does require an investment, but there are many ways to make completing your classes easier for you financially. When you complete an accelerated CDL training program, you get on the road more quickly, which can help reduce your financial stress. Many trucking companies also offer tuition reimbursement programs, so once you complete your CDL classes you may be able to start earning money to pay down your loans. Another great benefit of attending Phoenix Truck Driving School in Albuquerque is that we offer financial aid to students who qualify. We can help you determine which grants you may be eligible for. A combination of different types of financial aid and potential tuition reimbursement post-graduation can help you reduce your overall cost to attend truck driving school. Start on the road to your new career with accelerated CDL classes at Phoenix Truck Driving School. We can have you on the road and earning in as little as four weeks. Call us today to find out more about our truck driver training programs

How to Prepare for Your CDL Test

If a career in truck driving interests you, the first step is obtaining your commercial driver’s license (CDL). In order to obtain this license you will need to pass a CDL test that includes a written component that covers your general knowledge of commercial vehicle operation as well as a driving skills test. Truck drivers can make up to $64,000 a year* and many employers will allow you to choose the loads you want. This allows you the freedom to make your own schedule and an opportunity to see more of the country.

If you are preparing to take a CDL test, here are some things you should know:

The Written Test

The first part of the CDL test is a written general knowledge exam. This will assess your knowledge of commercial vehicles, rules and regulations, including safety and operation. You can also take endorsement tests, which include information about specific areas of commercial vehicle operation. These can include hazardous materials, double/triple trailers, and tanker endorsements. In order to pass your written CDL test, you will need to study all the material in the New Mexico Commercial Driver’s License Manual. You can also make use of CDL practice tests to prepare for the questions you might see on the actual exam. When you enroll with Phoenix Truck Driving School, we extensively go over all the information you will need to pass this portion of the CDL test.

The Skills Test

The skills test portion requires you to drive a commercial vehicle. This test is given by a state-certified testing administrator and covers the basics of driving. This includes skills such as: safety inspections, parking, starting, stopping, backing, and more. It also includes a section where you drive on the road. You cannot take the skills portion of the CDL test without having experience behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle. At the Phoenix Truck Driving School, you get hands-on experience operating a tractor-trailer under the supervision of seasoned truck drivers. Our instructors will teach you the basics of operating tractor-trailers and will help ensureyou are confident when you take your skills test.

Benefits of CDL School

Although you can study on your own and pass a CDL test, there are many benefits to studying with experienced instructors at a truck driving school. Many trucking companies prefer or even require candidates for their jobs to not only have a CDL, but also a certificate from an accredited trucking school. When you attend a CDL school, you also have more confidence and more experience when you take your CDL test. Phoenix Truck Driving School in Albuquerque can help prepare you to pass your CDL test. We use a combination of classroom learning and hands-on driving to make sure you are fully prepared for a career as a truck driver. Our accelerated program can have you on the road in as little as four weeks. Contact us today for more information.

*Professional truck drivers earn a mean annual wage of $44,500 (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533032.htm). The top 10% of truck drivers make more than $64,000 per year according to the 2017 Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Benefits of Attending a CDL School vs. Self-Teaching

If you are looking for a new career where you can earn more money and see more of our country, you should consider a job as a truck driver. Your first step towards this goal is earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL). While you can study on your own to take your CDL test, there are many benefits to attending a CDL school and completing a truck driver training program. With the right training from a credible school you will walk away prepared to be a professional truck driver.
Here are just a few of the benefits you get when you enroll in a CDL school:

Hands-On Truck Driving Experience

It is possible to study for and pass the written portion of the CDL test on your own. However, it can be difficult to get the practice you need driving a tractor trailer to pass the skills test. Usually, you will need a significant number of practice hours to take and pass the CDL driving test.

When you enroll in the Phoenix Truck Driving School in Albuquerque, we ensure that you get the hands-on truck driving experience that you need to succeed. Our combination of classroom CDL training and actual driving will help give you the confidence and experience you need to pass the CDL skills test.

Experienced Mentors

When you study for a CDL on your own, you lack the opportunity to connect with experienced truck drivers. When training with a skilled driver you get to learn from their experience and this is something you would miss out on if you relied solely on written study materials. When you learn from seasoned mentors, you can rest assured that you will have the confidence you need to start a truck driving job after earning your CDL.

Our instructors at Phoenix Truck Driving School know the ins and outs of trucking and we give you valuable knowledge to help you in starting your career. We only hire teachers who are among the best in the truck driving industry. These instructors will not only teach you how to pass a CDL exam, they will provide you with the knowledge you need to succeed. Our highly qualified instructors produce professionally trained drivers that are in demand by the best companies.

Job Placement Assistance

The end goal of earning your CDL is to get a well-paying truck driving job after graduation. More and more trucking companies are requiring that new drivers not only have a CDL, but also a certificate from a certified trade school.

One more benefit to choosing to attend CDL school rather than self-teaching is that Phoenix Truck Driving School offers job placement assistance. You will have a knowledgeable team of professionals working with you to try to find you the best post-graduation truck driving job. We want you to not only pass the exam but to be successful, safe, and confident on the road.

What About the Cost?

There are many ways to make CDL school more affordable. Phoenix Truck Driving School in Albuquerque offers financial aid to those who qualify. After graduation, many trucking companies also offer tuition reimbursement programs.

If you are looking for a CDL school in New Mexico, look no further than Phoenix Truck Driving School. Our top-notch programs and qualified instructors will help you earn your CDL and you could start driving in as little as four weeks. Contact us today to learn more.

3 Things to Look For in a Truck Driving School

If you are considering a career in the trucking industry, you probably know that some truck drivers earn more than $64,000/year*. You probably also know that truck driving is a growing field with more and more jobs opening up every year. Obtaining your CDL and starting down the road to a new career as a truck driver is one of the best decisions you can make. In order to start driving, though, you need to get your CDL license. Attending a truck driving school can help better prepare you for this process. If you are trying to find the best truck driving school for your needs, here are the top 3 things to consider:

 

1) Financial Considerations
Commercial drivers earn competitive pay after getting a commercial driver’s license. However, your earnings after graduation are not the only thing to consider when choosing a truck driving school. Completing CDL training program helps to better prepare you for a trucking career, but you don’t want to pay too much for this step.

Luckily, there are many ways to ensure that your truck driving school is the best choice financially. The Phoenix Truck Driving School offers financial assistance for qualified students. We also help place you with trucking companies who may offer tuition reimbursement. If you don’t want to incur massive student loan debt with a traditional university, CDL training is an excellent option to start a career without paying for expensive tuition.

 

2) Type of Training
When choosing a truck driving school, you should look for a program that uses a variety of training methods to prepare you for your trucking career. When you take your CDL permit test, you will need to pass both a written portion and on-the-road skills test. Your ideal truck driving school will prepare you for both of these.

The Phoenix Truck Driving School’s four-week truck driver training program combines classroom learning with on-the-road training to ensure that you have all the skills you need by the time you graduate. Our truck driving school has experienced instructors who will help you prepare for your new career.

 

3) Job Placement
Graduating from a truck driving school is just the first step to starting your career and earning more money. Once you earn your CDL license, you need to find a job that will pay you what you deserve and give you the best benefits. You should choose a CDL training program that includes job placement to help you start on the road to success.

Our truck driving school at the Phoenix Truck Driving School includes job placement benefits. We will help match you with a trucking company that fits the sort of schedule, pay, and hauling distance that you want. We offer lifetime job placement benefits, so we are here to help you even after graduation.

 

When it comes to truck driving schools, we are an excellent choice. If you want to start earning more with a career that is under your control, enroll in our CDL training program today. Call our toll-free telephone number for admissions at 877.205.5372 and learn more about how we can help you get your CDL.

*Professional truck drivers earn a mean annual wage of $44,500 (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533032.htm). The top 10% of truck drivers make more than $64,000 per year according to the 2017 Bureau of Labor Statistics.