Texas Driver Safety and Training

In spite of the economic slump that is affecting the nation, goods still need to be moved from place to place. One of the first indicators of an improving economy is the fact that manufacturers and suppliers are starting to move more goods and that means truckers will always be needed. However, that doesn't mean that it's an open job market. Truckers, like everyone else, need to stay competitive and the more competitive you are, the better your chances for finding a job.

The best way to stay competitive is to:

Have a safe driving record – Collisions mean lost productivity, late or missed shipments, and potential costly lawsuits so trucking companies are looking to hire drivers with safe driving records.

Qualify for endorsements on your CDL – The more CDL endorsements you have such as; hazmat, tanker, double, triple, and combination vehicles make you that much more competitive. Fortunately, you can qualify for an endorsement without having to spend a lot of money by taking the exam at your state DMV.

When looking for a job, one place to start is your State Workforce Agency. These are state employment offices that offer free job postings to employers and free job listings for those looking for a job. The office may also be able to provide help in creating a resume along with other services. They also allow job seekers to use their computers to build a resume, check email, and search for jobs. To find your local workforce agency visit: http://www.naswa.org/ and click on the map.

Typing "Truck Driving Jobs" into a search engine will bring up a lot of agencies that act as a go between for employers seeking employees and truckers looking for jobs. This is a good resource for anyone who may be looking for employment in another location but you will have to be careful when using one of these sites because they may charge a fee for their service and there are plenty of employment agencies who provide their services for free.

Check your local newspaper's business section to see if there are new companies locating in your area. You may also want to go online and check the newspapers of nearby cities. If you read of a new business opening in your area, go to their website online and see if there is a link to their hiring office.

For more information on qualifying for CDL endorsements or to take a CDL Practice Test, click on: http://www.testquestionsandanswers.com/

Labels: cdl endorsements, cdl license, commercial drivers license, hazmat, truck driving, truck driving jobs, truckers

Earning a CDL License in Texas can be a confusing task. Knowing the right procedure, list of requirements and passing the tests may sound easy, but here are a few tips to get you started into getting your Texas CDL License.

• Check if your local Texas driver's license office offers CDL testing. Not all driver's license offices are the same, some don't offer CDL testing, so check first with your local office or nearby counties for information. Here's a link to a Texas DPS page that offers information on some driver's license offices. (http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/driver_licensing_control/rolodex/search.asp) You might still need to call, so find contact numbers for the driver's license office in the county you are checking.



• Know the Requirements. A prerequisite for drivers is being at least over 21 years old and must already be licensed. Bringing your Social Security card along with your license is for verifying your identity.



• Know your vehicle's (truck's) weight class and fill out the appropriate Texas CDL license form. Each class has its own application form, so applying for the wrong one might take you more time in getting your CDL License.
  
  
  
  • Class A is for a combination of vehicles that weigh from 26,001 pounds or more,
  
  
  • Class B is for a single vehicle that weighs 26,001 pounds or more,
  
  
  • Class C is for single or combination vehicles that don't fall into either Class A or Class B criteria, and might be designed for a specialized purpose.
  
  
  
  



• Review the Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook. The written and skills exam questions will be based on the contents here. Here is a link to the PDF version of the handbook: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/InternetForms/Forms/DL-7C.pdf. Additionally, signing up for a CDL practice test will also help you pass your Texas CDL Licensing exams.



• Have a commercial vehicle for your driving test. Applicants are required to provide the vehicles they will be tested on. Usually, when applying for a Texas CDL, the driving test will be performed using the vehicle that the applicant will be driving, once they obtain their license.



• After you have passed, there will be a fee for your CDL license. It is usually just a little over $60. Applicants will also be required to take a photo and get their fingerprints on record after this process.

By following these tips and maintaining a good driving record, an applicant will stand a greater chance at obtaining their Texas CDL License quickly, with relatively less hassle and confusion.

Labels: commercial drivers license, texas cdl, texas drivers license

Getting your Texas Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is a wonderful accomplishment, because it means you are on your way to an exciting and rewarding career as a professional truck driver. But the process of obtaining the license can be confusing and the exam process very challenging, leading many potential drivers to delay or even forego earning a Texas CDL.

Before you begin, it is helpful to get a copy of the Texas CDL Handbook. The handbook will tell you what steps to follow to get your CDL license, and you'll also use it as a tool to study for your written exams at the Texas Department of Safety. You'll also need to pass a pre-trip inspection exam on the type of vehicle you wish to drive.

Next, get a learner's license so you can practice driving a commercial motor vehicle for the skills exams you'll take to earn your CDL. To earn a learner's license, you'll need to pass one or more written tests, depending on the type of commercial motor vehicle you want to drive. All applicants for a Texas CDL must take the General Knowledge exam. Other endorsements for which you may need to take written exams include:

• Passenger


• Double/Triple Trailers


• Tank Vehicles


• Hazardous Materials


• School Bus

Last, you'll take a set of skills tests to earn your CDL. If you can't pass the air brake inspection skills test, you won't be allowed to take the road test. The road test must be taken in the same class of vehicle for which you want to be licensed.

You'll need to present proof of your identity and social security number to receive your Texas CDL. To avoid making unnecessary trips to the Department of Public Safety, start gathering your paperwork early. If you want a Hazardous Materials Endorsement on your Texas CDL, you'll need to pass a federal threat assessment. This program requires a time-consuming fingerprint check, so start the process as early as possible.

While operating a commercial motor vehicle with a learner's license, you must have a licensed CDL operator with the proper class of license in the front seat with you. Remember, the CDL exams are difficult and even experienced commercial motor vehicle drivers who retake the exams often fail them. A CDL test prep course can help you retain more information, giving you a better chance of passing the written tests the first time you take them.

Labels: cdl practice test, commercial drivers license, texas cdl, texas cdl handbook