Truck Driving Schools in Nebraska

Truck drivers in Nebraska may wish to work strictly within state lines or take on long-haul interstate routes. While the requirements can vary slightly depending on these choices, the overall process for entering the profession remains consistent and straightforward.

Below, we outline the essential steps and considerations that prospective truck drivers in Nebraska should take to prepare for their careers. We begin with an overview of the basic educational and licensing requirements, followed by a look at training options and key institutions in the state.

Finally, we examine licensing procedures, average annual salaries, and career advancement opportunities available to commercial drivers in Nebraska. Readers of this page will not only be well-equipped to enter the profession the right way but also know what to do to enjoy a long, fulfilling career.

How to Become a Truck Driver in Nebraska

Aspiring truck drivers in Nebraska can start their careers on the right track by following the steps below.

Choosing a License Class

Applicants to become truck drivers in Nebraska must choose the appropriate license. The major classes are class A, B, and C, depending on the weight of the vehicle and the weight of what it has in tow.

Vehicles carrying hazardous materials are always classified as Class C.

Understanding the Foundational Requirements

After understanding the license class, candidates must also meet some foundational requirements, including being at least 18 years old. Candidates who will be driving outside the state are expected to be at least 21 years old.

Physical fitness and medical certification from an approved professional are also required.

Preparing for the CDL Examination

The commercial driver’s license examination required to become a truck driver can be quite tough. However, the process is usually much easier for those who have completed a training program.

Not only do training programs help candidates develop the required skills to survive in a work environment, but they also include exercises designed to imitate what an actual CDL examination feels like.

Candidates may also attend training programs offered by trucking companies and organizations with connections to such companies to enhance their job placement opportunities.

Passing the CDL Examination

Candidates in Nebraska are expected to complete a knowledge test and a road test as part of their CDL examination. The knowledge test covers 20 general areas of truck driving, with candidates expected to answer at least 80% of the questions correctly.

The road test requires candidates to demonstrate proficiency in driving, maneuvering, and inspecting trucks within their licensed category.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

Truck drivers in Nebraska must pay the necessary application and licensing fees before they can officially sit for their CDL examination. Common costs involved in pursuing a CDL in Nebraska include $10 for the commercial learner’s permit and an extra $10 for those who will be changing their license class or endorsement.

For their actual commercial driver’s license, candidates must pay a $55 fee and a $2.50 security surcharge. This license will remain in effect for 5 years before it can be renewed.

Truck drivers usually add classes and endorsements to perform specialized tasks. Each endorsement in Nebraska costs $10, plus an additional $2.50 security surcharge.

Some disqualifying circumstances that can make truck drivers lose their license in Nebraska include driving under the influence of a controlled substance, leaving the scene of an accident, and refusing to take an alcohol test, among others.

Top Truck Driver Schools in Nebraska

All of the schools below offer prominent training programs for aspiring truck drivers in Nebraska.

Explore truck driving schools in Nebraska by city:

• Truck driving schools in Omaha

Salary & Career Outlook

Truck driving in Nebraska is typically a stable and rewarding career path, with salaries that reflect both experience and the nature of the profession. According to Indeed, most drivers in the state can earn about $97,268 per year on average (putting them in the median bracket), though newcomers typically start in a lower bracket, making around $49,696 as they build their time behind the wheel.

Over time, truckers who gain experience, upgrade their licenses, or land routes with higher-paying carriers can find themselves among the top earners, bringing in up to $190,378 annually.

Regionally, some of the best-paying areas in Nebraska include Bellevue, where drivers often earn around $109,270, followed by South Sioux City at approximately $107,395, and Omaha, where the annual average salary is around $101,338.