As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of Class A CDL jobs in the USA is expected to grow by 21.4% from 2016 to 2026, and this is much faster than the average for all occupations. The reason for this growth is the increasing demand for goods and materials that need to be transported. And with more goods being transported, there is a greater need for drivers to transport them. Especially the number of Class A CDL Jobs in Bowling Green, KY, has grown by 24% since 2010. This growth is because of several factors, like the city’s location near the intersection of two major interstate highways, its proximity to the Nashville metropolitan area, and its large number of manufacturing and logistics companies. The city’s unemployment rate is also significantly lower than the national average, making it an attractive location for truck drivers.
So, this article will be helpful for those aspiring to take up truck driving as their career. Read further to know more about Class A commercial driving license.
Age Requirement of Class A CDL
The age requirement to obtain a Class A CDL is 21 years old. The minimum age requirement to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is set by each state, even though the federal government mandates all states to implement an age limit of 21 years old or an age of 18 years old with two years of driving experience for interstate commerce.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has established the minimum age to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) as 21. Meanwhile, some states do allow for an individual to receive a Class A CDL permit at age 18, depending on the type of vehicle that is being operated. Also, there are some other exceptions to the age requirement for obtaining a Class A CDL. For instance, if an individual is a military personnel or a veteran, the age requirement is lowered to 18. An applicant who has completed a certified truck driving program may also be eligible for a Class A CDL at 18.
Commercial License Permit
Getting a commercial learner’s permit will vary depending on your state. Still, generally, you will need to go to a DMV office and provide some documentation, such as your driver’s license, proof of identification, and your employer’s letter of authorization. Meanwhile, it is essential to understand that a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) is not a license and is not a permit to drive. The CLP is a document that proves you have completed the required professional driver training.
Commercial Driving License
Most trucking companies need drivers to have a commercial driving license (or CDL) before being hired. And a commercial driver’s license program is a program that helps people get a commercial driver’s license.
The program may be offered by a government agency, a private company, or a nonprofit organization. The program is a four-week course that trains drivers to operate commercial vehicles. The course covers pre-trip inspections, backing and turning, and essential vehicle maintenance.
Commercial Driving License Exam
A commercial driving license exam is a test you must pass to get a driver’s license. The test is given by a state department of motor vehicles under the supervision of a government official, such as a county clerk, to check your knowledge of the traffic laws in your state. As such, you will need to show the official your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and current vehicle registration. It also covers driving, slowdowns, making turns, and passing large trucks.
Thus, these are the fundamentals to know. In the meantime, the growth of Class A CDL Jobs in Bowling Green, KY, provides an excellent example of the economic progress in the trucking industry. It is a huge opportunity to create a career, and so knowing the above aspects and preparing for the exam properly can give you a job.