Truck Driving Schools in Vermont

Individuals in the state of Vermont with a dream of becoming truck drivers will be glad to know that this profession is currently enjoying significant demand and positive future projections. Companies and businesses across the state need to move goods across rural areas and small towns, necessitating the need for more truck drivers than are currently available.

Whether aiming to stay local or hit the interstate, there are a few things that aspiring truck drivers in the state must know to begin their careers the right way.

We’ve compiled all these requirements and analyzed each one through multiple sections that follow. Readers will find out everything, from selecting a training school to understanding how the licensing process unfolds, to possible earnings to look forward to at the end of the day.

How to Become a Truck Driver in Vermont

The following steps are needed to enter the truck driving discipline as a resident of Vermont.

Step 1: Fundamental Requirements

Aspiring truck drivers in Vermont must be at least 18 years old. This is only applicable if they will be driving within the state.

They must be at least 21 years old to drive outside of the state. Medical examination, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, and a valid driver’s license are also needed as fundamental requirements.

Step 2: Practical Training & Preparing for CDL Examination

To prepare for their CDL examination, candidates typically enroll in a training program. These programs can be found at community colleges, private schools, and even offered by companies that want to train professionals in-house. It is also common to secure employment through connections from top-class training institutions.

The specific duration of a truck driving program will depend on the institution in question; however, it is common for programs to be completed within 3 to 4 weeks, allowing candidates to take their CDL examination. We explore top training options in an upcoming section.

Step 3: Knowledge & Skills Test

After training and developing relevant skills, candidates may proceed to pass their CDL examination and subsequently secure employment. The CDL exam assesses a candidate’s skills in areas such as pre-trip inspections, maneuvering, and other driving-related tasks.

Candidates must also demonstrate their knowledge of rules and regulations, as well as other theoretical concepts, through a knowledge test.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a freight broker in Vermont

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Prospective truck drivers in Vermont should be prepared to pay a $32 fee for the written general knowledge test and $32 for the road skills test. For their commercial learner’s permit, candidates will have to pay a $15 fee, followed by a $60 fee for the actual license.

This license lasts for 2 years, after which it must be renewed. Professionals who prefer a license with a longer lifespan may opt for the 4-year CDL, which costs $90.

Candidates may lose their license if they are found to violate state and federal laws. These include driving under the influence of a controlled substance, having more than 0.04 alcohol concentration, leaving the scene of an accident, and committing a felony with a vehicle.

Top Truck Driver Schools in Vermont

The following schools offer top-class education for prospective truck drivers in Vermont.

Explore truck driving schools in Vermont by City:

• Truck driving schools in Burlington

Salary & Career Outlook

In Vermont, anyone starting a fresh truck driving career can expect an annual average salary of around $49,621 or $93,107. The first figure represents candidates who start their careers among the bottom 10%, while the second category includes those who are in the median brackets, according to Indeed.

The highest-paid truck drivers in Vermont can earn an annual average salary of at least $174,702 or more. Professionals typically reach this stage due to their increased experience, better location, more endorsements, credentials, and favorable employer relationships.

The most prominent places to work as a truck driver in Vermont, based on annual average salary figures, include Essex, with an annual average salary of $144,726; South Burlington, with an annual average salary of $103,161; and Burlington, with an annual average salary of $101,171.