Truck Driving Schools in Idaho

To start their careers properly, all aspiring truck drivers in Idaho must consider several factors, including educational requirements, medical requirements, physical fitness, and licensure requirements.

The guide on this page aims to introduce candidates to all of these considerations right from the start so that they are as prepared as possible when they start the process.

Along with all the considerations listed above, the guide also explores top training programs for candidates to consider, highlighting the possible annual earnings they can expect once they begin their careers.

How to Become a Truck Driver in Idaho

Below are the required steps for starting a truck driving career in Idaho.

Step 1: Preparatory Stage

Before starting their careers, aspiring truck drivers in Idaho must have relevant documents such as proof of address, proof of social security and identity, and proof of age to show they are at least 18 years old.

Those who are going to be driving across states must be at least 21.

Candidates may also leverage the preparatory stage to decide which license class they prefer. There are three CDL classes: A, B, and C vehicles. Candidates with a class A license can usually drive vehicles in the other two categories so long as they have relevant endorsements.

Some common endorsements include hazardous materials, tanks, school buses, and passengers.

Step 2: Training Stage

Candidates must enroll in a training program to prepare for their subsequent employment and tests. This will also help them become familiar with the real-world demands of the job.

One of the following sections highlights some of the best alternatives candidates may choose.

Step 3: CLP

Candidates must first acquire a commercial learner’s permit to drive a truck without a CDL. This permits them to practice under the supervision of someone with a CDL.

Of course, candidates can only receive a CLP in their desired CDL category.

Step 4: Testing

Lastly, after training and up to 180 days after obtaining their commercial learner’s permit, individuals are expected to take the CDL skills examination. The test usually requires 3 hours to complete.

It includes aspects examining proficiency in vehicle control, maneuvering techniques, and pre-trip inspection, among others.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

The above steps are usually enough for candidates to acquire their CDL in Idaho. Before applying for a CDL, candidates must prove that they are in good physical form. This usually has to be done even before obtaining a learner’s permit.

Candidates who fail to pass their skills test immediately may wait 3 days to take it again. Of course, they must pay a $200 testing fee each time.

Other fees include $3 for the written test, $29 for the CLP, $40 for the actual CDL, and a $15 fee for each endorsement a candidate wishes to acquire.

Top Truck Driver Schools in Idaho

The following programs provide some of the best CDL training for aspiring truck drivers in Idaho.

Explore truck driving schools in Idaho by City:

• Truck driving schools in Boise

Salary & Career Outlook

Idaho truck drivers who start their careers among the state’s average earners can expect an average annual salary of $81,869. Those among the bottom 10% earn an annual average salary of $46,639, while the highest-paid top 10% take home an annual average salary of $143,708.

Some factors responsible for determining the annual average salary of a truck driver in Idaho are experience, company of employment, endorsements, and specialty.

A notable location to work as a truck driver in the state is Nampa, which boasts the highest annual average salary for truck drivers in Idaho at $137,815 per year.

Other notable mentions include Idaho Falls, with an annual average salary of $113,223; Boise, with an annual average salary of $107,788; Pocatello, with an annual average salary of $105,619; and Lewiston, with an annual average salary of $101,602.