Truck Driving Schools in Arizona

To become a truck driver in Arizona, candidates must be in good physical shape and meet the state/federal requirements for the profession. Anyone wanting to enter this field must dedicate time to familiarizing themselves with these requirements.

Thankfully, we have provided the guide below to make the process as smooth as possible. Here, candidates will discover all the considerations they need to know, ranging from basic educational prerequisites to training requirements and relevant examinations that must be taken along the way.

Those curious about the best training programs in the state will also find viable alternatives below. Lastly, we close the guide with an overview of the average annual salaries of truck drivers in Arizona and the factors that can affect these figures.

How to Become a Truck Driver in Arizona

The following are the steps required to become a heavy truck driver in Arizona.

Documentation

Arizona law specifies that all aspiring truck drivers must provide documents to support their legal presence in the country. They must also prove they are at least 18 and have a social security number.

Training

Candidates have many training programs to acquire the skills needed to perform the duties of a truck driver in Arizona. In an upcoming section, we will explore some of the best options.

Training programs help drivers develop crucial skills and are the perfect place to prepare for the CDL road and written tests.

Passing the CDL Tests

Individuals must pass their CDL examinations before receiving their licenses and calling themselves professional truck drivers in the state. The exam is usually divided into written and skills tests. The written test aims to verify a candidate’s knowledge of vital driving principles, codes, and regulations. The skills test—the road test—examines a candidate’s proficiency in basic maneuvers and pre-trip inspections, among other key areas.

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• How to become a home and building inspector in Arizona

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The state of Arizona issues its commercial driver’s license through the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Motor Service Division. After completing the above steps, candidates must submit an official application to apply for their CDL.

As for the fees, the final amount that individuals will pay for their CDL will depend on a few factors, including their desired category and endorsements. Class A or B licenses with no endorsement cost $25, while a class C license with the passenger or hazmat endorsement costs $12.50.

Order endorsements such as hazmat and tanker cost $10 each, except for motorcycle endorsements, which cost $7. For their skills test, candidates are expected to pay a testing fee of $25 for the Class A and B categories or a $12.50 fee for the Class C category.

Top Truck Driver Schools in Arizona

Below are some prominent CDL training programs for candidates in Arizona to consider.

Explore truck driving schools in Arizona by city:

• Truck driving schools in Phoenix

Salary & Career Outlook

The most notable cities to work as a heavy truck driver in the state of Arizona for a relatively high annual average salary include the following:

• Gilbert, with an annual average salary of $116,921;
• Mesa, with an annual average salary of $113,076;
• Tucson, with an annual average salary of $112,474;
• Glendale, with an annual average salary of $111,670 and
• Tempe, with an annual average salary of $110,402.

From the above, it is obvious that location plays a huge role in determining the annual average salary of a heavy truck driver in Arizona. However, there are other conditions to consider. Experience, employer, and credentials also play huge roles.

Generally, the average heavy truck driver in the state will take home an annual average salary of $102,872. Those who have scaled their earnings to be among the top 10% take home an annual average salary of $214,998, and those among the bottom 10% take home an annual average salary of $49,222.