Truck driving is a profession, which is necessary to
have a special character marked mainly by the taste to drive and to put hours
to the highway. If you consider this profession is for you in USA for the
future. You will first need to know how to become a truck driver in USA. It
seems very simple, but it is not so much. Do you know all the types of licenses
that exist? Did you know that in addition to the corresponding permit? You also
need to get something called CAP. Here we explain all the details. Licenses to
drive trucks are basically classified into four: C1, C, C1 + E and C + E.
Getting one or the other will depend on our previous preparation and our
professional aspirations.
·
Permission C1: Can be obtained from the
age of 18 and enables to drive trucks up to 7,500 kg of MMA.
·
Permit C: Can be obtained from the age
of 21 and enables to drive trucks of any MMA.
·
C1 + E license: It allows driving the
vehicles authorized by the permit C1, previously required, plus a truck whose
mass oscillates between 750 kg and 12.000 kg.
·
C + E Permit: It allows driving the
vehicles authorized by the permit C.
The test to obtain any of these licenses consists of
a specific theoretical examination. A practical examination takes in closed
circuit. A practical examination takes of circulation in real traffic. The
European Parliament drew up a directive in 2003 where by Community truck
drivers need a Certificate of Professional Aptitude (CAP) in order to carry out
their work. The objective of this measure was to unify training in all European
countries. At the same time, ensure that in all member states there is a
specific preparation for the development of this profession. It considered that
although the driver's license ensures that a person has the skills necessary to
drive a truck and to move by road. It does not ensure that he is prepared for
the development of this professional activity. An extra document proving such
competencies is required.
The main requirement to obtain a license as a
commercial truck driver is that you must have a driver’s license, vans,
trailers or any commercial vehicle. To obtain a commercial driver's license,
applicants must pass the licensing examination. It is administered by the state
or other authorized facility. Normally these licenses are issued by the state
where the company. The test is related to the type of vehicle the driver
expects to operate. There are many requirements may vary by state. The legal
age requirements for receiving a commercial driver's license are as follows:
·
The applicant must be at least 18 years
of age.
·
The applicant must be at least 21 years
of age to transport hazardous materials.
·
The applicant must be at least 21 years
of age to drive from one state to another.
Drivers must be in good physical shape to drive a
truck. The driver must be able to pass a DOT physical exam. This test usually
consists of a general health examination, a vision test, hearing test, high
blood pressure detection and urinalysis. It is possible that in the blood test
check not only the health. Who successfully pass physical examination they will
receive a medical certificate. Drivers must carry a dated medical certificate
within two years. He / she meet the mandatory minimum federal physical
requirements necessary to operate as a motor vehicle. This certificate must
keep on the truck so that it can be accessed quickly if the driver stops for
any reason.