Truck Driving Schools in Oregon

When it comes to starting a truck driving career in Oregon, there are so many important steps that every aspiring driver needs to know and follow. Like most states in the country, Oregon has specific age requirements depending on whether a driver is planning to drive within the state or across state lines.

In this guide, we break down this requirement and other major requirements that interested individuals must meet, including education and medical qualifications, as well as physical fitness standards. We also take a closer look at the licensing process, such as how to prepare for CDL exams, what fees to expect, and where to find the best training programs across the state.

How to Become a Truck Driver in Oregon

Individuals in Oregon can launch long-lasting truck driving careers by following the framework outlined below.

Basic Requirements

The basic requirements to become a truck driver in Oregon include being at least 18 years old or 21 years old, depending on whether candidates plan to drive within or outside the state. A minimum age of 21 is also needed to transport hazardous materials.

Passing a medical examination and choosing a license category is crucial for prospective truck drivers. Apart from the base commercial driver’s license, candidates who will be working with hazardous materials, driving tank vehicles, or school buses (among other specialties) need specific endorsements.

Attending a Training Institution

Several institutions, including community colleges and technical schools, offer CDL and truck driving programs that prepare candidates for their licensing examinations. Through these programs, candidates can refine their skills, develop strong fundamentals, and acquire advanced skills that will make them even more attractive to potential employers.

It is possible to complete a training program in 3 weeks, while some can take as long as a couple of months. It is also common for certain companies to offer in-house programs that prepare candidates for immediate employment.

Passing the CDL Examination

Lastly, aspiring truck drivers must pass a CDL examination to demonstrate their skills and prove they are capable of driving a truck in their designated license category. We analyze the fees and other steps involved in passing an Oklahoma CDL examination below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a freight broker in Oregon

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Truck drivers in Oregon are required to pay a fee of $135.50 for a commercial driver’s license and an additional fee of $75.50 to upgrade an existing license. To renew a CDL in the state, candidates must pay a fee of $61.50; replacing a license costs $26.50.

To add or remove an endorsement, candidates must pay $26.50. To replace a commercial learner’s permit, they must also pay this fee. Other relevant fees associated with obtaining a CDL in Oregon include $40 for a certificate of test completion, $10 for the knowledge test, and $70 for the skills test.

The skills test includes pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and a road test.

Top Truck Driver Schools in Oregon

Candidates can attend any of these destinations for robust CDL education in Oregon.

Explore truck driving schools in Oregon by City:

• Truck driving schools in Portland

Salary & Career Outlook

Location is a key factor in determining how much truck drivers can earn in Oregon. Those who work in Springfield earn an annual average salary of $167,405, making them the highest-paid in the state.

Those who work in Grants Pass are second with an annual average salary of $107,245, followed by truck drivers in Roseburg with an annual average salary of $106,189. Endorsement, professional credentials, and experience can also be very important in determining these numbers.

On average, a truck driver in the state makes an annual average salary of $96,164. For those in the top 10% of earners, it is possible to end the year with an annual average salary of $187,006.

Lastly, those who are still finding their footing in the bottom 10% usually begin with an annual average salary of approximately $49,450.