Truck Driving Schools in Montana

There are many reasons to consider entering into a truck driving career as a Montana resident. One of these, of course, is the fact that there are several openings for professionals in this field and positive projections for a higher employment rate in the coming years.

However, apart from the ease of employment, truck drivers in Montana are also well-positioned to enjoy career growth opportunities, with a straightforward path to enter the profession. The purpose of this guide is to analyze this path and show interested individuals how exactly to start their truck driving career in the state on a proper foundation.

We also discuss relevant training programs, annual average salary possibilities, certification options, and more.

How to Become a Truck Driver in Montana

The step-by-step guide below outlines the process of becoming a truck driver in Montana.

Knowing the Basic Requirements

Truck drivers in Montana must be at least 18 years old to operate a commercial vehicle within the state (intrastate). Applicants must be 21 years or older to drive interstate.

A DOT medical exam is required to ensure the driver is physically fit and has acceptable vision, hearing, and general health.

Participating in a CDL Training Course

Montana is home to several CDL training schools that help students develop the technical and safety skills necessary for truck driving. These include topics such as pre-trip inspections, air brake systems, gear shifting, and others.

While some drivers prefer private schools, others take advantage of company-sponsored training programs that offer employment after certification. Training helps candidates not just pass the CDL test but also familiarize themselves with Montana’s unique driving conditions, such as mountain roads and winter weather.

Step 3: Taking and Passing the CDL Test

Montana’s CDL examination consists of two major parts: a written knowledge test and a skills test. The written portion tests a candidate’s understanding of general trucking knowledge, air brakes (if applicable), and any special endorsements.

Once they have passed this exam, candidates move on to the skills test, where they must demonstrate their ability to inspect, maneuver, and operate a commercial truck in a driving environment.

The type of CDL license (Class A, B, or C) determines the type of vehicle used in testing.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a dental assistant in Montana

Licensure & Certification Requirements

To obtain a commercial learner’s permit in Montana, a valid medical examiner’s certificate, proof of identity, proof of social security number, and proof of authorized presence are all required, which also applies to obtaining a CDL. Applicants can schedule their CDL examination with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division using the online scheduling system.

The costs for obtaining a CDL in Montana are $44.29 for those who wish to obtain a 5-year CDL license that allows them to drive within the state, and $52.02 for professionals who require a 5-year license that permits them to drive across state lines.

Truck drivers in Montana may lose their license if they meet any of the disqualifying factors. These include driving under the influence of alcohol, using controlled substances, fleeing the scene of an accident, and committing a felony with their vehicle.

Top Truck Driver Schools in Montana

The following schools are notable for promoting their truck driving training programs in Montana.

Explore truck driving schools in Montana by city:

• Truck driving schools in Billings

Salary & Career Outlook

Unsurprisingly, location is one of the factors that influence the annual average salary of a truck driver in Montana. Professionals in Great Falls, Helena, and Bozeman are currently the highest-paid in the state.

They make annual average salaries of $104,950, $102,264, and $101,175, respectively. In addition to location, yearly returns for truck drivers in Montana can also be influenced by experience, employer, and credentials.

Candidates can also be categorized without emphasizing any specific factor. Those who fall into the first category are the bottom 10% earners, with an annual average salary of $64,217; the second category comprises the median earners, with an annual average salary of $83,835, according to Indeed. Lastly, we have the top 10% of truck drivers in Montana, who earn approximately $109,447 per year.