People born with an adventurous spirit are often drawn to the allure of the open road. If you fall into this category, a career as a truck driver can be an exciting career option.
As a resident of Ohio, being a truck driver offers a straightforward path to getting your career started, a continuous stream of demand for your expertise, and an impressive annual average salary to go with it.
Below, we look at some of the essential things you need to know to decide whether or not the career is for you and how to get started if you choose to pursue a career in the field.
How to Become a Truck Driver in Ohio
Below are the requirements for becoming a truck driver in Ohio:
Vehicular Categories
Anyone looking to become a truck driver in Ohio must first understand the CDL classes in the state. Currently, this includes the following.
- Class A - A Class A CDL allows truck drivers to operate vehicles with a gross combination weight of more than 26,000 pounds towing a car with a gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds.
- Class B - Class B CDL allows truck drivers to operate vehicles with a gross combination weight of more than 26,000 pounds and tow vehicles with a gross weight of less than 10,000 pounds.
- Class C - Class C license allows the driver to operate any vehicle or combination to transport more than 16 passengers. Vehicles designed to transport hazardous materials also fall under this classification.
General Requirements
To become a truck driver in Ohio, applicants must be at least 18 years old and prove that they agree with the state motor carrier safety regulations. They must also confirm that they are residents of Ohio and provide a certificate issued by a valid medical examiner.
Educational Requirements & CLP
To obtain a commercial driver’s license in Ohio, one should enroll in an educational program, some examples of which we provide below. This will help individuals acquire their commercial learner’s permit and prepare for their CDL.
CDL Testing
As with most states, the CDL test in Ohio includes general knowledge tests and various skills tests. The available knowledge test examines a driver’s proficiency in a handful of driving activities about specific license classes.
The skills test includes a pre-trip inspection test that must be completed in 30 minutes, a maneuverability test that must be completed in 40 minutes, and the actual road test.
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State Licensure and Certification Requirements
The most crucial part of becoming a truck driver in Ohio is to acquire a CDL following the steps above. Candidates must be ready to pay the appropriate fees, which differ based on endorsements and other factors.
For instance, the costs of obtaining a CDL in Ohio include:
- $27 for a temporary CDL permit,
- $42 for a standard CDL license,
- Renewal costs 44.75 dollars,
- Subsequent endorsements cost $43,
- To duplicate or replace a CDL in Ohio costs $27.
The CDL test also has its fees, which include the following:
- $10 for the pre-trip inspection test,
- $10 for the maneuverability test, and
- $30 for the road test.
Candidates must also pass a few medical examinations that test their vision, hearing, urine, and blood pressure.
Top Truck Driving Schools in Ohio
The following are some notable truck driving programs for aspiring truck drivers in Ohio to consider:
Swift Transportation
Through its Swift Academy, Swift Transportation consistently brings up new truck drivers in Ohio and hires them as a part of its nationwide fleet.
Miami-Jacobs Business College
Miami-Jacobs Business College has a beautiful CDL training program in its Dayton, Independence, and Columbus campuses.
Notable Mentions
Other notable training programs for aspiring truck drivers in Ohio to consider include Ohio Business College, offering a Class A CDL training program; Great Lakes Truck Driving School, which provides training in numerous categories, including heavy equipment operation; Hamrick Truck Driving School in Medina; Apollo Truck Driving Academy in Lima, Ohio; and Southern State Community College with campuses in Piketon, Pomeroy, Rio Grande, South Point, Wilmington, Cincinnati, and Nelsonville among others.
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Salary and Job Outlook
As a truck driver in Ohio, you may look forward to earning an annual average salary of $83,969, the general yearly average for truck drivers in the state. Starting, the figure is likely to be closer to $54,560.
With more experience, this figure can get as high as $129,229, the annual average for the highest-paid truck drivers in the state.
Along with experience, location also plays a massive role in determining how much a truck driver in Ohio earns annually.
Some of the highest-paying cities in the state include Akron, with an annual average salary of $98,954; Cleveland, with $95,975; Dayton, with $93,957. And Columbus, with an average yearly salary of $91,735.
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