How to become a truck driver

Truck drivers play a key role in the U.S. economy by keeping goods moving across the country. For many, this career is appealing because it offers the chance to travel from state to state, earn a solid income, and enjoy a good level of independence. But before you can hit the road, there’s a process you’ll need to go through – including getting your CDL (Commercial Driver’s License), completing training, and learning the ins and outs of the job.

One of the most important steps is getting your CDL. We’ve already broken down this process in detail in the video below, where you’ll learn: -How to pass the DOT physical exam; -How to get your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) by passing the written test at the DMV; -How CDL school works and what to expect during the skills/road test.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the full process of becoming a truck driver in the USA, answer common questions, and share practical tips that can help you reach your goal faster and with fewer obstacles.

So, who can become a truck driver in the USA?

##Who can become a truck driver in the USA? We’d love to say that anyone can become a truck driver in the U.S., no matter their background – but the truth is, this is a serious profession with real responsibilities. It requires a certain set of skills and comes with specific requirements.

If you're thinking about becoming a truck driver, it’s important to understand what’s expected of you before you get started. It’s not just about age or paperwork – you also need the ability to handle long hours on the road, follow safety procedures, and manage your vehicle under different driving conditions. Let’s break down the basic requirements for becoming a truck driver in the United States.

Age Requirements

To drive interstate (between states), you need to be at least 21 years old. If you’re only planning to drive intrastate (within one state), you can start as early as 18 in most states.

Legal Documents and Work Eligibility

One of the most common questions is: “Can I become a truck driver without U.S. citizenship?”

The short answer is: yes, you can!

Foreign nationals can work legally as truck drivers in the U.S., as long as they have the proper visa that allows employment. One of the most common options is the H-2B visa, which permits foreign workers to take temporary, non-agricultural jobs in the U.S. – including trucking positions with approved employers.

If your current visa doesn’t allow you to work, you’ll need to apply for a Work Permit (also known as an EAD – Employment Authorization Document) before you can legally start driving for a company. To become a truck driver, you’ll also need to pass a criminal background check and have a clean driving record.

Even though having some past traffic violations doesn’t necessarily stop you from getting your CDL, it can make it much harder to find a job afterward. Many trucking companies are cautious about hiring drivers with a history of accidents, DUIs, or too many points on their record. That’s why experienced drivers often recommend cleaning up your driving record (if possible) before applying for CDL training or jobs in the industry.

Your CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) is the most important document for starting your trucking career. It’s not just a regular driver’s license – it gives you the legal right to operate commercial vehicles and haul freight across the country. Without a CDL, you can’t work as a truck driver in the U.S.

Here’s a quick checklist of the essential documents you’ll need to legally work as a truck driver in the U.S.: -Valid work visa or U.S. permanent residency (Green Card); -Commercial Driver’s License (CDL); -Work Permit (EAD), if required by your immigration status; -Valid DOT Physical (medical exam certificate); -Clean criminal background check.

Required Skills

Being a truck driver in the U.S. isn’t just about picking up a load and dropping it off. You’ll be driving a massive vehicle, often across long distances and under a variety of conditions. That means you need to be confident, well-prepared, and safety-focused.

Here are some key skills every truck driver should have: -Stress Management: You might be on the road for days or even weeks at a time. Learning how to manage fatigue, pressure, and unexpected situations is critical – not just for your performance, but also for road safety. -Basic English Proficiency: All training materials, road signs, and legal documents are in English. You don’t need to be fluent, but you do need to understand instructions and communicate clearly if needed. -Responsibility: This job comes with serious responsibility. Logistics companies and the general public depend on your safe driving – especially if you’re transporting hazardous materials.

Now that we’ve covered the basic requirements, let’s move on to one of the most common (and important) questions: how much do truck drivers actually earn in the USA?

Real Income

You’ve probably already heard that trucking is one of the better-paying blue-collar jobs in the U.S. – and that’s true. But let’s dig into the numbers so you can get a realistic picture of what to expect. We’ll look at average salaries, typical expenses, and taxes.

Average Salary

Your income as a truck driver depends on a few key factors: the state you’re based in, the company you work for, and your experience level. On average, truck drivers in the U.S. earn between $45,000 and $75,000 per year. In high-cost states like California or New York, pay can go even higher – up to $83,000/year or more.

New drivers – or those working in lower-paying states – typically earn around $40,000 per year. On the other hand, experienced drivers who take on long-haul routes and work for top-paying companies can make up to $100,000 a year.

Here’s a general idea of what truck drivers earn at different experience levels:

-Entry-level drivers – around $40,000 per year / $3,300 per month -Average drivers – $45,000 to $75,000 per year / $3,750 to $6,250 per month -Experienced drivers – up to $100,000 per year / $8,300 per month

Of course, keep in mind that this is gross income — meaning, before taxes and other deductions. Truckers still have to cover federal and state taxes, insurance, and possibly other work-related expenses, depending on their employment type.

Taxes

Just like any other job in the U.S., truck drivers are required to pay taxes. The American tax system can get pretty complex, so we won’t go too deep here – instead, let’s cover the basics that every driver should be aware of.

Main types of taxes:

-Federal Income Tax: This is a standard income tax paid to the federal government. The rate depends on how much you earn – it ranges from 10% to 40%, plus fixed contributions. -State Income Tax: Some states – like Florida and Texas – have no state income tax. Others, like California, may charge high state taxes, which can affect your take-home pay. -Social Security and Medicare (FICA Taxes): These are mandatory payroll taxes for retirement and healthcare. Together, they equal 7.65% of your earnings (if you're a company driver – owner-operators pay more).

A few more things to keep in mind:

-You can get some taxes back: Depending on your situation, you might be eligible for tax deductions or refunds – for example, for CDL training, truck lease payments, fuel, or even housing costs; -No separate “road tax” in the USA: Unlike in some countries, truckers in the U.S. don’t pay a road tax directly. It’s already built into fuel prices (via fuel tax).

On average, truck drivers can expect to pay about 30% of their gross income in taxes. However, with the right deductions and tax returns, your effective tax rate can drop to around 15% or even less.

Besides taxes, there are regular expenses that every trucker has to factor in.

Most Common Expenses

These are the day-to-day or yearly costs that come with working legally and safely on the road.

Here are the most common trucking-related expenses: -Fuel is usually the biggest ongoing cost for truck drivers. On average, drivers spend $15,000 to $20,000 per year on diesel – depending on mileage, fuel prices, and route types. -Insurance costs can range from $8,000 to $12,000 per year. The price depends on what kind of freight you haul, your driving record, and whether you're leased to a company or operate under your own authority. -Keeping your truck in top condition is critical – and costly. Yearly repair and maintenance costs typically fall between $5,000 and $10,000, depending on the age of your truck and how often it breaks down.

Don’t forget the day-to-day expenses that come with life on the road such as food, lodging (if your truck doesn’t have a sleeper cab, or if you prefer a real bed now and then), and possible fines.

Now that you have an idea of the average income and expenses, it’s time to make an important decision: do you want to work as a company driver or become an independent Owner-Operator?

Working for Yourself or for a Company?

Each option has its pros and cons – and choosing the right path depends on your goals, financial situation, and how much control you want over your career.

Working for a Company (Company Driver)

This is the most common and beginner-friendly option. As a company driver, you’re an employee – the company assigns your loads, provides the truck, and handles all the backend logistics.

Pros:

-Stable income – Working for a company means you’ll have steady freight and a regular paycheck. You also don’t have to worry about finding clients or chasing down loads. -Employee benefits – Many companies offer health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. -Less responsibility – You don’t have to worry about maintenance, insurance, or finding clients – the company takes care of it all.

Cons:

-Less flexibility – You’ll follow a set schedule and might be assigned long routes or routes you don’t like. -Limited freedom – You work under company policies and usually can’t choose what you haul or where you go.

Working for Yourself (Owner-Operator)

If you’re not a fan of strict schedules or being told what to haul and where to go, becoming an Owner-Operator might be the right path for you. To go independent, you’ll need to own or lease your own truck – that’s a must.

Once you have your truck, you won’t have to report to a dispatcher or follow company rules. Instead, you’ll build your own routes, choose your own loads, and run your operation your way.

Pros:

-Freedom to choose your loads: You decide who to work with and what types of freight to haul; -Higher earning potential: You keep more of the money since there’s no company taking a cut; -Flexible schedule: You control your time. Want a break? You set your own work-life balance.

Cons:

-Full responsibility: You’re on your own when it comes to breakdowns, delays, fines, paperwork, and dealing with clients or brokers; -High startup costs: Buying or leasing a truck, getting commercial insurance, registering your business – it all takes a significant upfront investment.

Make sure you take care of all the legal documents and permits required to run your own business.

If you decide to go the Owner-Operator route, you'll need the following documents:

-CDL (Commercial Driver’s License): This is your base requirement – you must have a valid CDL to drive a commercial truck. -Commercial Truck Insurance: Owner-Operators are required to carry commercial auto insurance, which is more expensive than regular driver coverage. Your rate will depend on the type of freight you haul, your driving history, and your operating area. -Business Registration: Since you’ll be running your own business, you need to register it with the IRS and your state. Most Owner-Operators choose to register as a Sole Proprietor or form an LLC (Limited Liability Company).

If you plan to haul hazardous materials (HAZMAT) or oversize/overweight loads, you’ll need to obtain additional endorsements or special permits.

As you can see, both career paths come with their own pros and cons. Before jumping in, take time to carefully weigh your options – understanding the responsibilities and paperwork involved will save you a lot of stress down the road and help you build a more successful, comfortable trucking career.

As you’ve probably noticed, a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) is one of the most important – and required – documents for working as a truck driver in the U.S. And in practice, getting a CDL is often where people have the most questions and run into the most confusion.

That’s why in the next section, we’ll walk you through the CDL process step by step – including how the exams work and what you need to do to get your license legally and successfully.

How to Get CDL?

Before you dive into training or testing, it’s important to know that the USA offers different types of CDL licenses, depending on the kind of vehicle you plan to drive.

In the U.S., CDL licenses are divided into classes, based on vehicle size and purpose:

There are three main CDL classes:

Class A – For heavy trucks with trailers, such as tractor-trailers or long-haul semi-trucks.
Class B – For large vehicles without trailers, such as straight trucks, dump trucks, and some buses.
Class C – For smaller commercial vehicles, such as passenger vans or vehicles used to transport hazardous materials (in smaller quantities).

For example, if you only plan to drive small commercial vans or light-duty vehicles, you don’t need a Class A license – a Class C license will be enough to get started.

Once you’ve decided which CDL class you need, the next step is to gather the required documents to apply for the written exam at your local DMV.

CDL Application Checklist

Before you can apply for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), you’ll need to gather the following documents:

-Valid ID: this can be a passport or any other government-issued document that proves your identity; -DOT Medical Certificate: also known as a DOT Physical, this form confirms that you're medically fit to drive a commercial vehicle; -Social Security Number (SSN): you must have a valid SSN, which is issued to individuals with legal status and work authorization in the U.S. It’s required to register in the federal driver database; -Regular Driver’s License (Class D): before applying for a CDL, you must already hold a standard U.S. driver’s license (non-commercial). Most states refer to this as a Class D license; -Driving Record (MVR): your Motor Vehicle Record is a report showing your driving history – it helps confirm that you don’t have serious violations that could disqualify you from getting a CDL.

After passing the written knowledge test at the DMV, you’ll receive a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). This permit allows you to legally practice driving a truck – but only with a licensed CDL driver in the passenger seat.

Important: You cannot start behind-the-wheel training or enroll in a CDL school’s driving portion without a valid CLP.

So, how exactly does the CDL exam work? What do you need to prepare for?

Let’s break it down step by step. The CDL exam has two main parts: a written knowledge test (theory) and a skills test (practical).

Part 1: The Written Knowledge Test

The first step is proving that you know the rules, procedures, and safety regulations required for professional truck driving. You’ll take a series of multiple-choice tests covering different topics.

The written exam usually includes:

-General Knowledge – covers basic trucking laws, safety, and driving regulations; -Combination Vehicles – focuses on driving trucks with trailers; -Air Brakes – required if your truck uses air brake systems (most CDL trucks do).

Tip: Use the CDL Help app to study – it includes real DMV-style questions and is great for first-time test takers.

Once you pass the written tests, you’ll receive your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and can move on to the driving portion.

Part 2: The Skills Test (Driving Exam)

This is where you prove that you can actually handle a commercial vehicle safely and professionally.

The CDL skills test has three parts:

Pre-Trip Inspection: You’ll walk around the truck and explain how you check key components for safety – like the brakes, tires, lights, and engine area. This shows you understand how to inspect your vehicle before driving.
Basic Control Skills Test: You’ll be asked to perform low-speed maneuvers in a controlled area – such as backing up, parking, and turning. This section checks how well you can control the truck and trailer.
Road Test: You’ll drive on public roads with an examiner, who will evaluate your ability to drive safely in real traffic conditions – obeying signs, shifting gears, merging, turning, etc.

After passing the practical exam, you can finally apply for your official CDL – and start your career as a commercial driver in the U.S.

Keep in mind: To pass all parts of the CDL exam, you need to prepare thoroughly and understand every important aspect of truck operation – from safety rules to vehicle control. The most effective way to prepare is by attending a certified CDL training school. In fact, in most states, you won’t even be allowed to take the driving test unless you’ve completed a formal training program.

So how do you pick the right school to prepare for the CDL exam – and boost your chances of passing on the first try? Let’s break it down.

Choosing the Right CDL School

Choosing the right CDL school isn’t just about getting your license – it’s also about saving money, getting better training, and starting your career with confidence.

But before you make a decision, it helps to understand what types of CDL schools are out there and how they differ.

Types of CDL Schools

There are several types of CDL schools:

Private CDL Schools: These are usually more flexible and offer faster programs. However, they tend to be more expensive than other options. Some private schools have strong connections with trucking companies, which can help you find a job after graduation.
Public CDL Programs (Community Colleges & Technical Schools): These programs are typically more affordable and offer in-depth training, but they also take longer to complete.

Costs and Payment Options

The cost of CDL training depends on the type of school and the program you choose. On average, tuition ranges from $3,000 to $7,000. Private schools are often more expensive, especially if the program includes truck rental for your driving test or other extras. However, many schools offer financing options or student loans to help cover the cost.

Is free CDL training available?

If you're on a tight budget, free or low-cost CDL training programs might be an option. Here are a few groups that may qualify:

-Military Members and Veterans: if you’re an active-duty service member or a military veteran, you may be eligible for free CDL training or tuition reimbursement programs. -Immigrants and Newcomers: many U.S. states offer free CDL courses for immigrants, especially those with legal work status who are looking to enter the trucking industry. These programs are often funded by workforce development agencies and delivered through community colleges or nonprofit training centers.

You can find more detailed information about training programs, school types, pricing, and admission requirements in our CDL School Guide.

You’ve made it this far – got your CDL, finished training, and you're ready to start driving. Now comes the most important part: finding your first job as a truck driver.

Finding a Job

The most common question for new drivers who’ve just earned their CDL is: “How do I actually find a job now?”

-"Where can I find job openings?" -"What should I include in my resume?" -"How do I talk to recruiters or pass an interview?" and many other questions...

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer – in the U.S., truck drivers use many different ways to find work: searching job boards and social media groups, applying directly to trucking companies, building connections in the trucking industry and so on.

If you’re ready to start working as a truck driver today, the easiest and fastest way to get started is by signing up through the CDL Help app.

It’s one of the most effective tools for new drivers to find real job offers – here’s why:

-You can create and post your driver profile and resume in just a few minutes; -The platform will guide you step by step with smart tips and prompts; -You’ll get helpful answers in the FAQ section or by chatting with a support agent; -Once your profile is verified, it will appear on the job board and become visible to logistics companies actively looking for drivers like you.

It’s now much simpler to receive a job offer from a trucking company. Here’s how it works:

Register in the CDL Help app
Create your driver profile and post your job ad
Start receiving job offers from real trucking companies

To get started right now, download the app and fill out a simple registration form.

Once your profile is submitted, your listing will automatically appear on TruckDriver.help, where it will be seen by carriers actively hiring new drivers.