Truck Driving Schools in California

Truck drivers are critical to any economy’s prosperity, as they ensure that valuable goods and raw materials are successfully delivered from one point to another. And California is no different.

In California, truck drivers enjoy constant demand, significant monetary compensation, and numerous other perks and benefits. If you would like to consider a career as a heavy truck driver in California, this is the right place to start.

We have collected all the crucial information you need to ensure that your journey towards kick-starting a career in the field is as smooth and straightforward as possible. Not only will you find the general steps and requirements, but you’ll also discover some of the top schools to consider and your possible salary projection.

How to Become a Truck Driver in California

Below are the steps involved in becoming a truck driver in California.

General Requirements

Before becoming a truck driver in California, candidates must have their high school diploma or GED and preserve a good driving record.

This means they must not have been involved in any road accident. Additionally, they must have had a Class D license for 1 year and have their social security card and proof of California residency ready.

To be able to drive from state to state, candidates must be at least 21 years old, while to be able to drive within the state, they must be at least 18 years old.

Enroll in Training

After fulfilling the above requirements, the next step in becoming a truck driver in California is to enroll in a training school. Thankfully, as we’ll see below, numerous excellent training programs exist for aspiring truck drivers in California.

One of the significant things when applying to a CDL truck driving school is to enroll in training programs with experienced instructors and a great deal of hands-on training.

The best training schools also familiarize students with various road and truck safety aspects that they need to know before taking their commercial driver’s license test.

In California, private academies, driver mills, and community colleges offer training for aspiring truck drivers.

Pass the CDL Test

Enrolling in a training program is to acquire the skills needed to be a successful truck driver and pass the CDL (commercial driver’s license) test. In California, this test includes a knowledge test that examines road safety knowledge and various skills tests that examine competency in vehicle inspection, control, and actual driving.

Consider Trades with Similar Paths:

• Become a welder in California

Top Truck Driving Schools in California

Below are some of the most prominent truck driving schools in California:

Explore Truck Driving Schools by City:

• Truck Driving Schools in Los Angeles

State Licensure and Certification Requirements

If you fulfill the above steps and earn your commercial driver’s license, you can officially begin to work as a truck driver in California. It should be said, however, that the state carries out a 10-year history record check to ensure that candidates have a clean record within that period.

Obtaining a CDL in California also requires paying an original license fee of $76 for class A and B licenses. Renewal costs $45 while taking a skills retest costs $35.

Candidates must also meet the medical requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

Salary and Job Outlook

The annual average salary for truck drivers in California is $78,128. Those who fall into the top 10% earn an average yearly salary of $113,917, while those who fall into the bottom 10% earn an average annual wage of $53,583.

The top cities to be a truck driver in California are Los Angeles, with an annual average salary of $91,845; Bakersfield, with a yearly average of $88,034; and Fontana, with an average annual wage of $82,236.

Sacramento and Colton have the fourth and fifth highest annual average salaries for truck drivers in California at $81,644 and $79,048, respectively.