Maryland truck drivers are responsible for moving goods and products over long distances. Depending on their qualification, these professionals can cross state borders and be away for a long time.
It is a profession that requires a lot of discipline and tenacity. It is also a highly rewarding profession in terms of aggregate demand and annual average salary.
In the article below, we will look at some key things that an aspiring truck driver must know to start their careers in Maryland.
We will explore educational requirements, licensure requirements, and top truck driving training schools in the state. We will also provide an overview of the annual average salary projection for aspiring truck drivers to expect along the way.
How to Become a Truck Driver in Maryland
The following are the considerations needed to become a truck driver in Maryland.
Meet Basic Requirements
Aspiring truck drivers in Pennsylvania must be at least 18 years old and have a good driving record. These are some of the two most important basic requirements of the job.Candidates must also be able to read road signs and maps in English.
Acquire CDL Training
To prepare for the commercial driver’s license, candidates in Maryland must enroll in accredited training programs.
These programs typically include classroom instructions to teach fundamental principles and hands-on training to help students become familiar with their actual real-world requirements.
Some programs may also adopt a truck driving simulator for more immersive training.
Get a Driver’s Permit
All aspiring truck drivers in Maryland must get a CDL driver’s permit from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. This will be needed when they carry out hands-on training on actual trucks.
It will also be needed when it’s time to acquire a proper commercial driver’s license in the state.
Pass the CDL Tests
After completing their training programs, candidates may sit for the Maryland Department Of Transportation examination.
CDL examination in the state includes both a knowledge and a skills test. On average, the journey from enrolling in a training program to passing the CDL test and acquiring a proper license in Maryland may take around 7 weeks.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
The steps above are pretty much everything that a candidate in Maryland will need to acquire a commercial driver’s license — which they will need to secure positions as truck drivers in the state.
Of course, candidates must also pay certain fees along the way.
For instance, obtaining a commercial learner’s permit from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration will cost $90. The actual commercial driver’s license has an application fee of $50.
Those who need to retake their skills test for one reason or another will also have to pay $20 for every retake.
Along with the skills and knowledge test of the CDL examinations, candidates are also expected to pass a vision test and some other medical tests to prove that they are in a good enough physical condition for the job’s demands.
Top Truck Driving Schools in Maryland
Below are some of the top CDL training programs for aspiring truck drivers in Maryland to consider.
Community College of Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD Online + Campus
Community College of Baltimore County holds a CDL training program thanks to the school's Professional Development and Job Skills division.
Tuition
$7,474 - $10,880Contact
(443) 840-2222
admissions@ccbcmd.edu
North American Trade Schools
Baltimore, MD Campus Only
At North American Trade Schools, students can enroll in a class A CDL training program lasting between 10 to 20 weeks, depending on availability. It is flexible, with weekdays, evenings, and weekends training.
Tuition
$5,000 - $19,500 per ProgramContact
(410) 298-4844
info@natradeschools.edu
Explore truck driving schools in Maryland by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
An average truck driver in Maryland may expect to earn an annual salary of up to $94,090. This figure is given for those in the midpoint of truck drivers by earnings and is in line with the national average.
Truck drivers in the state who have worked their way up to be among the top 10% will take home an annual average salary of $227,522. For those among the bottom 10%, an annual average salary figure is close to $38,910.
The factors that influence how much a truck driver in Maryland will earn include experience, employer, specialty areas, and location.
The following are some notable destinations in Maryland to work as a truck driver: Gaithersburg, where truck drivers earn an annual average salary of $129,478; Baltimore, where truck drivers earn an annual average salary of $97,154; Frederick, where truck drivers earn an annual average salary of $92,695; and Perryville, where truck drivers earn an annual average salary of $90,482.