Truck Driving Schools in Arkansas

As we will see below, Arkansas truck drivers earn a respectable annual average salary and can leverage several growth factors to increase their yearly earnings. However, before reaching this stage, individuals interested in the field must start their careers on the right path.

This process can be challenging for those who need more preparation. To help candidates easily understand it, we have highlighted all the major considerations they must make below.

We highlight the individual steps they’ll have to go through before focusing on the licensure steps and possible training destinations for the best education.

Lastly, we also explore the annual average salary figures for heavy truck drivers in Arkansas and the factors influencing these figures.

How to Become a Truck Driver in Arkansas

The following are the steps needed to become a truck driver in Arkansas.

Basic Qualifications

The basic qualifications to become a truck driver in Arkansas include being at least 18 years old for in-state driving, being at least 21 for Interstate driving, and having a regular driver’s license.

Further along the road, candidates will be expected to show proof of citizenship and that they are domiciled in the state.

Obtaining a Conditional Learner’s Permit (CLP)

Obtaining a conditional learner’s permit is important for aspiring truck drivers in Arkansas. It permits you to carry out practical training with actual heavy trucks.

Candidates may be asked to provide the documents above to receive their CLP.

CDL Training

After the above, individuals may enroll in a CDL course to prepare for their licensing tests. The best training programs typically provide both classroom and hands-on training with access to a quality fleet of vehicles.

We explore some worthwhile options for candidates to consider later in the article.

The CDL Tests

All truck drivers in Arkansas must pass a commercial driver’s license test consisting of a written and a skills test.

Candidates can only take the skills test if they have a CLP. This test includes various aspects such as pre-trip inspections, vehicle control and maneuvers, and on-road driving.

Candidates are expected to have paid a $50 testing fee for their road skills test before they qualify.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become an auto mechanic in Arkansas

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Candidates who feel they were well-prepared enough to take their CDL tests may schedule an appointment with the relevant state body, in this case, the Arkansas State Police Driver Examination Department.

Along with the documents mentioned earlier, candidates must also show proof of address and provide adequate medical paperwork to show they are fit enough to handle the profession’s rigors.

A commercial driver’s license in Arkansas costs $50 to obtain.

Those with a CDL from another state who would like to transfer to Arkansas may submit appropriate certification and updated information regarding their new address.

Top Truck Driver Schools in Arkansas

Candidates may consider any of the training programs below for their CDL preparations in Arkansas.

Notable Mentions

Other notable mentions include North Arkansas College, Pine Bluff Truck Driving School in Pine Bluff, and East Arkansas Community College in Forrest City.

Candidates may also consider the truck driving programs offered by Arkansas State University through multiple campuses at Newport, Jonesboro, and Mountain Home, among others.

Explore truck driving schools in Arkansas by city:

• Truck driving schools in Little Rock

Salary & Career Outlook

The annual average salary of a heavy truck driver in Arkansas may fall around $57,471 if they are among the bottom 10% in the state and $113,530 if they are among the average earners. It can also be as high as $224,270 if they are among the top 10%.

Experience, specialty, credentials, employer, and location are some notable factors that influence how much a heavy truck driver in Arkansas takes home at the end of each year.

A survey that analyzed the average salary for these professionals in Arkansas revealed that, by location only, Van Buren is the highest-paying city for truck drivers in Arkansas, with an annual average salary of $167,274. It is followed by North Little Rock, with an annual average salary of $137,039.

Also worth mentioning are Little Rock, with an annual average salary of $110,660, and Jonesboro, with an annual average salary of $109,941.