Truck Driving Schools in Alaska

Truck drivers are important in Alaska’s economy and the entire country. For this, they are rewarded with high demand and competitive annual returns.

For candidates looking to start their careers as truck drivers in the state, it is worth pointing out that starting on a strong footing is vital. This not only ensures that candidates are in good standing with state and federal laws, but it also helps them take advantage of valuable opportunities to grow on the job and increase their yearly returns even further.

For this reason, we have dedicated this page to highlighting all the steps interested individuals need to pass through to ensure they start as strongly as possible. We also explore other key facets of the journey, including viable training destinations and expected returns based on a few notable factors.

How to Become a Truck Driver in Alaska

The following are required to become a heavy truck driver in Alaska.

Basic Prerequisites

Alaska requires all aspiring commercial truck drivers to be 18 years old to drive within state lines and at least 21 years old to drive across state lines.

They are also expected to have a valid regular driver’s license and be domiciled in the state. Lastly, candidates who aren’t country citizens must prove they have a legal presence.

Theoretical Knowledge

Candidates must attend a training program to prepare for their upcoming CDL tests and job placement. The state has several top-quality options, some of which we’ll look at in an upcoming section.

Practical Training

Even more than classroom training, hands-on training is essential for an aspiring heavy truck driver in Alaska. This allows students to work with actual vehicles in their desired category and carry out critical maneuvers before their CDL examination before they secure employment, and before they become full-fledged truck drivers.

Candidates are expected to have acquired a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) before driving a commercial truck as practice.

Passing the CDL Exams

After acquiring their CLP, individuals are given up to 180 days to schedule their road skills test, which, along with a written test, makes up the CDL examinations.

Candidates must complete all tests driving a vehicle that matches their desired license’s class and endorsement categories.

Some common endorsements include hazmat and hazardous materials, tank endorsement, motorcycle, and school bus endorsements.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn to become an auto mechanic in Alaska

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The following documents are needed to acquire a commercial driver’s license in Alaska:

• Citizenship or legal presence document
• Social security number,
• Medical card, and
• Regular driver’s license.

Candidates must also be prepared to pay some fees along the way. These include a $5 fee for their commercial learner’s permit, a $5 fee for CLP renewal, a $25 fee for the CDL road test, and $100 for the actual CDL itself. Alaska truck drivers are also expected to renew their CDLs by paying a renewal fee of $100.

Candidates can transfer a CDL from another state if they will be working in that state temporarily.

Top Truck Driver Schools in Alaska

The CDL programs below are among the most prominent in Alaska.

Explore truck driving schools in Alaska by City:

• Truck driving schools in Anchorage

Salary & Career Outlook

In Alaska, a heavy truck driver will probably take home an annual salary of around $83,083, the figure revealed to be pertinent for average drivers in the state. Those who have made it among the top 10% make an annual average salary of $112,502, while those who are among the lowest-paid take home an annual average salary of $61,358.

Among some of the most important factors to optimize for a higher salary as a heavy truck driver in Alaska are experience, location, professional credentials, specialty area, and establishment of employment.

Concerning location, candidates may consider Prudhoe Bay, where heavy truck drivers make an annual average salary of $105,362; Palmer, where they earn an annual average salary of $89,169; and North Pole, with an annual average salary of $85,340.

Also notable are Wasilla, with an annual average salary of $82,755, and Homer, with an annual average salary of $82,087.