Truck Driving Schools in Connecticut

Anyone looking to start a career as a heavy truck driver in Connecticut must know the steps from the beginning. This helps them evaluate whether or not the journey is worth it, and optimal preparation makes the whole affair a lot easier.

To this end, the page you are on explores all the major requirements and considerations of starting a successful heavy truck driving career in Connecticut. We explore the prerequisites, relevant skills, training programs, and licensure/certification requirements.

To provide more encouragement, we also break down the annual average salary that candidates can expect on the job and a few factors they can optimize to improve their yearly earnings even further.

How to Become a Truck Driver in Connecticut

The steps below are vital to becoming a heavy truck driver in Connecticut.

Age Requirements

Candidates looking to become truck drivers in Connecticut must be 18 years old. This will allow them to drive within the state.

Those wishing to drive across the state lines must be at least 21. Candidates are also expected to submit a handful of documents, which we will explore in the next section.

CDL Training

There are several reasons to consider attending a CDL training program in Connecticut. These programs teach students all the skills they need once they secure job placement.

Some programs also leverage their connection with trucking industries to help candidates secure job placement. Lastly, they are the best places to prepare for the upcoming CDL tests, without which candidates cannot work as professional truck drivers in the state.

CDL Tests

Candidates must pass two main tests to become licensed truck drivers in Connecticut: the knowledge and skills tests.

Knowledge Test

The general knowledge CDL test is the first test that candidates must pass to become commercial truck drivers in Connecticut. This is typically needed to obtain a CLP.

As expected, the exact questions in the test will depend on a candidate’s preferred category and possible endorsements.

Candidates must pay a testing fee of $16 for their knowledge test and $5 for each endorsement.

Skills Test

The skills test section of the Connecticut CDL tests includes pre-trip inspection tests, maneuvering tests, static courses, and on-the-road tests. Candidates must pay a $30 testing fee for their skills test.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn to become an auto mechanic in Connecticut

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles follows the federal mandate by requiring proof of US citizenship or legal presence for candidates looking to become truck drivers in Connecticut. Individuals are also expected to have their identification documents, regular driver’s license, and proof of Connecticut residence.

The department also expects an unexpired medical certificate issued by a certified medical examiner to show they are medically fit for the job.

Candidates who have received training paid relevant fees, and completed both their general and skills tests may go on to receive their license and start working in a professional capacity.

Top Truck Driver Schools in Connecticut

Aspiring truck drivers in Connecticut may consider the following programs for their introduction to the field.

Explore truck driving schools in Connecticut by City:

• Truck driving schools in Bridgeport

Salary & Career Outlook

Starting, a truck driver in Connecticut may earn an annual average salary of around $133,492 (among the average earners) or around $65,516 (if they are among the bottom $10).

Candidates may, however, optimize their location, acquire more experience, or consider a lucrative area of specialization to increase their annual average. Those who do so successfully may earn an annual average salary of up to $271,995, the relevant figure for the highest-paid in the top 10%.

As for the best locations for truck drivers in Connecticut to earn the highest yearly return, East Hartford is at the top with an annual average salary of $233,142, followed by New Haven, with an annual average salary of $131,441, and Milford, with an annual average salary of $110,764.

The top five are South Windsor, with an annual average salary of $87,125, and Southington, with an annual average salary of $84,659.