Truck Driving Schools in Delaware

All aspiring truck drivers in Delaware must follow the steps required to qualify for a commercial driver’s license. Ideally, they must also be familiar with the unique requirements for each licensure category.

The following sections help clarify these issues by exploring all the requirements on one page. We begin by highlighting the important steps that candidates must take to meet the general requirements and acquire the proper education to pass their licensing examinations.

We have also curated a list of relevant training programs for candidates to consider before finally outlining the annual average salary of truck drivers in Delaware and the factors behind these figures.

How to Become a Truck Driver in Delaware

Below are the steps that all aspiring truck drivers in Delaware must follow to start their careers on the right foundation.

Step 1: Minimum Requirements

Anyone applying for a CDL in Delaware must be at least 18. In this case, they will be restricted to driving within the state until they are at least 21 years old.

Candidates are also expected to have at least a year of driving experience and be full-time residents of the state.

Step 2: Knowledge Test & Obtaining a CLP

After meeting the minimum requirements, individuals must visit a Delaware DMV to obtain a conditional learner’s permit. They will need their regular driver’s license and appropriate medical documents for this.

A knowledge test is administered to ascertain that candidates know key driving principles and regulations. To pass, candidates must obtain a score of at least 80%.

They may also have to participate in a drug test.

Obtaining a CLP in Delaware incurs a $5 fee.

Step 3: Training

After obtaining their CLP, candidates may proceed to take the CDL tests. However, candidates often attend CDL training programs to prepare for this test and acquire additional skills needed to thrive.

In an upcoming section, we explore some worthwhile alternatives for candidates to consider.

Step 4: Skills Test

All individuals must pass a skills test to obtain their commercial driver’s license in Delaware. The skills test examines candidates’ road skills and pre-trip inspections, among other areas.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a solar technician in Delaware

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The above steps are typically enough to obtain a commercial driver’s license in Delaware. Candidates must also be prepared to pay the relevant fees, which include the $5 learner’s permit fee mentioned earlier and a $30 CDL fee valid for 5 years. Those who want a CDL valid for 8 years will have to pay a fee of $48.

Candidates needing endorsements (such as hazmat and school buses) will pay a $5 fee for each endorsement.

The state also expects individuals to submit their medical certification. This should show that they are physically qualified to operate a heavy truck while having sound vision, sound hearing without using a hearing aid, and blood pressure under 140/90.

Top Truck Driver Schools in Delaware

Aspiring truck drivers in Delaware may consider the following programs for their CDL training.

Explore truck driving schools in Delaware by city:

• Truck driving schools in Wilmington

Salary & Career Outlook

Generally, truck drivers in Delaware who fall among the top 10% take home an average annual salary of $272,422, while those among the bottom 10% take home an annual salary of around $74,468.

The average earners in the middle are the most common, taking home around $142,431 in salary per year.

Some factors affecting a Delaware truck driver’s placement in these classifications include experience, location, specialty, employer, and professional credentials.

Making location the predominant factor, we find that truck drivers in Bear are the highest-paid in the state, taking home an annual average salary of $147,940. Those in Hockessin come second with an annual average salary of $146,895.

Other notable mentions include Milford, with an annual average salary of $145,162; Smyrna, with an annual average salary of $143,712; and Middletown, with an annual average salary of $138,386.