Truck drivers play a crucial role in the success of any economy. They help transport valuable merchandise over long distances and sometimes brave harsh conditions.
Thankfully, they also enjoy an impressive salary, constant demand for their expertise, and favorable projection, among other benefits.
For aspiring truck drivers in Pennsylvania, we have provided below a detailed guide containing everything you need to know to become a successful truck driver. Here, you’ll find crucial information, including the basic requirements you need to meet, educational requirements, licensing requirements, and potential salary, among others.
How to Become a Truck Driver in Pennsylvania
Below are the key steps involved in becoming a truck driver in Pennsylvania:
Vehicular Classifications
Aspiring truck drivers in Pennsylvania must be familiar with the various CDL classes. These include Class A Vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds and towing a vehicle with a gross weight rating of over 10,000 pounds.
Class B vehicles are single or combination vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of over 26,000 pounds, pulling a car of 10,000 pounds or less.
Lastly, Class C vehicles include any vehicle or combination of vehicles made to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver. Vehicles used to transport hazardous materials also fall into this classification.
Fundamental Requirements
Before candidates can apply for a commercial driver’s license test needed to become a truck driver in Pennsylvania, they must be at least 18 to drive within the state and 21 years old to drive between various States. Hazardous material endorsement also requires drivers to be at least 21 years old.
Passing through a Truck Driving School
Candidates often enroll in truck driving schools to pass their commercial driver’s license tests. These include private training academies and community colleges.
We look at some of the most prominent truck driving schools for aspiring truck drivers in Pennsylvania below.
Taking the Commercial Driver’s License Test
The commercial driver’s license test for candidates in Pennsylvania usually includes a few different segments, such as inspection tests, basic controls tests, road tests, and endorsements. Candidates are expected to fulfill a few requirements, including having a vision in both eyes and a blood sugar not exceeding 200.
Consider Trades with Similar Paths:
Top Truck Driving Schools in Pennsylvania
Below are some of the most prominent truck driving schools in Pennsylvania:
Roadmaster Drivers School
Famous nationwide with academies in different states, Roadmaster Drivers School offers a veritable destination for aspiring truck drivers in Pennsylvania to acquire high-quality training under competent instructors.
Students also learn in modern facilities and graduate with job readiness and confidence to pass the CDL tests.
A Duie Pyle Truck Driving Academy
A Duie Pyle Truck Driving Academy provides more than just rigorous training for its students; they are always available to offer guidance and assistance throughout the year.
The school is notable for having very committed instructors who are also quite friendly and make learning fun for the students. Students are prepared for the commercial driver’s license test and entry-level placement into the best establishment in the state.
Job placement assistance is also available.
Other Notable Programs
Other notable training programs for aspiring truck drivers in Pennsylvania include the Forbes Road Career and Technology Center in Monroeville, the Lenape Tech Adult and Continuing Education Center in Ford City, and the Truck Driver Institute in Irwin.
Explore Truck Driving Schools by City:
Licensure and Certification Requirements
The most crucial step in becoming a Pennsylvania truck driver is obtaining a Pennsylvania CDL. You should be good to go once you do that by following the steps above.
Of course, candidates must be familiar with the associated fees, including a $94 fee for the actual CDL issuance, a $110.50 fee for CDL with hazmat endorsement, and a $14.50 fee for every additional endorsement.
Drivers who wish to remove restrictions must pay a $14.50 fee while revising or replacing a CDL costs $29.50. Lastly, truck drivers in Pennsylvania who apply for duplicate camera cards must pay a $5 fee.
Salary and Job Outlook
Pennsylvania’s annual salary figure for truck drivers is practically in line with the national average for other states. This figure, given to be around $85,238 by Indeed, is usually surpassed by the highest-paid truck drivers in the state who earn as much as $130,539.
As expected, truck drivers in the state with more experience tend to earn more than those just starting. Truck drivers with less than one year on the job earn around $80,035 per year, while those with more than 10 years on the job take home around $96,246 yearly.
Reading, Erie, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Bethlehem are the top five highest-paying cities for truck drivers in Pennsylvania.
Related Articles
Related Careers
Top Schools Near Me
