# How To Become A Truck Driver *By James Hills — Updated July 2025* Love driving, long road trips, big engines, and the freedom of virtually never having to go sit in a cubicle ever again? The trucking industry is booming, and while it's not an easy lifestyle, you can make a solid living while seeing new parts of the country. Here are some tips and advice for aspiring long-haul truck drivers. Truckers often get a bad name when talking about safety. While some are terrible drivers, the same is true for people who drive a regular car back and forth between home and work. Additionally, truck drivers have a challenging job dealing with a huge truck and careless automobile drivers who misjudge their stopping ability and visibility. That is not an excuse for any negligent actions by a truck driver. However, it is why people who are considering how to be a truck driver need proper education, so they can help avoid accidents. You can read more about some common legal questions automobile operators have when it comes to truck accidents, but let's focus on the positive side of becoming a truck driver right now.  Before anything else, your first step when considering becoming a truck driver should be to decide what type of truck driver job you want. While many people lump the entire industry into one pile, there are significant differences between long haul, regional, and local trucking. Even more than that, you'll need to decide what type of equipment appeals to you most. For instance, while the mechanics of "driving a truck" might be similar between a semi-truck pulling a 40-foot box trailer and a tanker, the training, certifications, skills, and routes are going to be dramatically different. For this article, we're going to focus mostly on long-haul trucking with standard cargo loads. ## Education and Certifications Needed to Become a Truck Driver While there is no specific education requirement to become a truck driver, most companies will require at least a high school diploma. Additionally, you will need to obtain a commercial driver's license aka a CDL.  ### Explore America's Great Inland Sea On Great Lakes Cruises There's more to cruising than the west coast cruises we love so much. CruiseWestCoast [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/1TozK5xyd4Ho1mP_Msjqww.444) ### Egypt's Red Sea Resorts: Dive, Golf, and Desert Thrills for a Guys Trip Men's guide to Egypt beach resorts: Red Sea adventures, luxury all-inclusive stays, and desert excursions. Experience championship golf and nightlife in Sharm El Sheikh. Perfect for groups seeking adventure and relaxation. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/1TozK5xyd4Ho1mP_Msjqww.1483) ### 14 Day Classic Highlights of Vietnam and Thailand A 14 day tour of Vietnam and Thailand with hand-picked accommodations, 24/7 support, and local cultural experiences for comfort-focused travelers. Viator (affiliate) $1,752.00[See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/1TozK5xyd4Ho1mP_Msjqww.555) ### 9-Day Cambodia and Thailand Private Sightseeing Tour A 9-day private tour of Angkor, Chiang Mai and Bangkok with guides, temples and canal boat rides, ideal for culture-loving luxury travelers. Viator (affiliate) [See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/1TozK5xyd4Ho1mP_Msjqww.553) Promoted by FlowAds Your journey towards obtaining a CDL will be similar to how you likely got your personal driver's license in your teen years. For instance, you will need to enroll in truck driver training classes. Luckily, there is such a high demand for new truck drivers that many companies will offer "pre-hire" contracts and there are various opportunities for scholarships and financial aid support too. After you have completed training, obtained your CDL as well as various endorsements (for instance Class A for articulated trucks and an endorsement for using air brakes) and passed a physical exam, you are ready to go start your career as a truck driver.  Here are some regulations and truck driver certification requirements from states including California, Texas, Florida, and Illinois: ## Man Gear Pick of the Month September's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### LiberNovo Maxis Electric Big and Tall Ergonomic Office Chair, Graphite 52cm Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. Stainless, no propane tank to wrestle, and hot enough to cook for four guys rather than reheat for one. $1,393.00 [Check The Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/Ojg-cm2_REJycFVL5d1KbQ.2350) [August's Pick Powerful Propane Torch Gun, Adjustable Flame Thrower Gun, Kitchen Torch with Detachable Design, Flamethrower Blow Torch for BBQ, Searing Steak, Welding, Camping Charcoal Lighter(Tank Not Included) $42.99](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/Ojg-cm2_REJycFVL5d1KbQ.2397) [July's Pick OYASUMI Funny BBQ Man Hot Dog Holders, 4 PCS Reusable Stainless Steel Sausage Stands, Portable Hot Dog Roasters, Barbecue Grill Accessories for Camping & Party Gifts $7.98](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/Ojg-cm2_REJycFVL5d1KbQ.2396) Promoted by FlowAds [CA DMV Commercial Truck Driver Licences](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/commercial-driver-licenses-cdl/) [Texas Commercial Drivers License](https://www.dps.texas.gov/driverlicense/commerciallicense.htm) [Florida Commercial Driver License](https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/commercial-motor-vehicle-drivers/commercial-driver-license/) [Illinois Commercial Driver's License FAQ](https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/drivers_license/CDL/faq.html) ## Become an Owner Operator or a Company Driver? Most people looking for how to become a truck driver fall into one of two categories - Owner Operator, or Company Driver, with many actually leasing their trucks instead of outright ownership. From a high-level perspective, the difference is obvious. Owner Operators have full control over their rigs and have the freedom to initiate contracts, pick up extra loads, and decide exactly how much they want to work as well as where they want to go. Company drivers don't have that freedom - but they also do have the high overhead of loan and lease payments. Possibly most important for many drivers is the fact that the job ends when you finish your load work at the terminal. As an Owner Operator, you are responsible for running a business that can seemingly never end. That requires you to manage cash flow and so the big check you get for delivering a load will need to cover expenses for your truck as well as your costs of living. While there are services out there such as [transportation factoring](https://www.tbsfactoring.com/freight-factoring) that helps to smooth out these issues, becoming a professional truck driver is something that requires constant attention. ## Becoming a Truck Driver Is More Than Just Driving a Truck One of the trends in the automotive space recently has been an emphasis on eliminating the driver. While that might be appealing for personal automobiles, truck drivers do a lot more than simply driving a truck from one spot to the next. As someone who is considering a new career and considering how to become a truck driver that can be scary! Don't worry though. While increased automation is certainly the future of the trucking industry, there will always be a space for human truck drivers. For instance, there's paperwork to do, routes to plan, negotiations for arrival and departure times, and when things go wrong - you still need a human to be able to check the load. On top of that, you are also responsible for managing paperwork, tracking fuel consumption rates, navigating complex routes to arrive at the terminal exactly within your window and more.   ## Maintaining Health and Fitness on the Road is Essential Truck drivers have gotten a bad reputation over the years as being old, dirty, and overweight. While there are certainly those in the industry who fit that description, to be successful, you need to stay healthy. That means making smart food choices when you stop to fuel up the truck, such as selecting a salad or fresh fruit for a snack instead of a burger and an energy drink. It also means that you need to make sure to [get proper exercise](https://www.livestrong.com/article/462361-exercises-that-truckers-can-do-in-their-vehicle/) even though you're likely to be spending long hours on the road. ## How Much Can You Earn as a Truck Driver? In 2015, the median pay for a truck driver was about $40,000 in the United States (roughly $19.36 per hour). [Owner Operators](https://www.truckdriverssalary.com/owner-operator-salary/) can earn an average salary of more than $140,000 though - but remember, there's a lot of expenses coming out of that. Those expenses include: insurance, truck loan / lease payments, maintenance, fuel costs, taxes, and more. That leaves the average take-home salary of just a big higher than a company driver.  Life as a professional truck driver isn't for everyone. It's tough work, but for those who love life on the road and are willing to work hard running an independent business, it's a great opportunity to chase the American Dream.  Top Picks Flow Voyages ### Book your next cruise with Heather at Flow Voyages Flow Voyages is a travel advisor specializing in cruises and resorts. [Contact Flow Voyages](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/U9bbnJHHGKQVf2TWITC6bQ.617) Promoted by FlowAds Details Written by: Heather Hills Published: 17 December 2019 Last Updated: 05 July 2025 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Is Your Money Better Spent on Lobsters and Beer Than a Week Glued to Cruise Ship WiFi? Oct 26, 2026 [Is Your Money Better Spent on Lobsters and Beer Than a Week Glued to Cruise Ship WiFi?](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/is-your-money-better-spent-on-lobsters-and-beer-than-cruise-ship-wifi.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) ### Products & Gift Ideas #### UGREEN HomeAgent HA100 Preview: Real Home Assistant In A Living Room Hub Oct 30, 2026 [UGREEN HomeAgent HA100 Preview: Real Home Assistant In A Living Room Hub](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/ugreen-homeagent-ha100-preview.html) #### The UGREEN MagFlow Pro Qi2 25W 3-in-1 Charger Keeps My Phone Cool While It Charges Fast Oct 26, 2026 [The UGREEN MagFlow Pro Qi2 25W 3-in-1 Charger Keeps My Phone Cool While It Charges Fast](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/ugreen-magflow-pro-3-in-1-wireless-charger-review.html) #### Nocs Zero Tube Monocular Review - The 7.2 Ounce Optic That Packs Easily and For EDC Oct 04, 2026 [Nocs Zero Tube Monocular Review - The 7.2 Ounce Optic That Packs Easily and For EDC](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/nocs-zero-tube-monocular-review.html) ### Top Guys Trip Ideas: #### Exploring Carnival Sunshine: SportsSquare Nov 30, 2015 [Exploring Carnival Sunshine: SportsSquare](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/exploring-carnival-sunshine-sportssquare.html) #### Tony From Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau Shares His Top Guys Weekend Ideas May 24, 2021 [Tony From Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau Shares His Top Guys Weekend Ideas](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/interview-yosemite-mariposa-guys-weekends.html) #### Ultimate Guide For Planning A Memorable Baseball Guys Trip May 28, 2023 [Ultimate Guide For Planning A Memorable Baseball Guys Trip](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/ultimate-guide-for-planning-a-memorable-baseball-guys-trip.html) ### Related Articles #### Exchange Rate Hacks Every Globe-Trotting Guy Should Know [Exchange Rate Hacks Every Globe-Trotting Guy Should Know](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/exchange-rate-hacks-for-international-travel.html) #### How Not to Look Like a Tourist in Cargo Pants [How Not to Look Like a Tourist in Cargo Pants](https://www.mantripping.com/style-and-fashion/how-not-to-look-like-tourist-cargo-pants.html) #### Here's How to Help Your Wife Look Great When You Go Out Together [Here's How to Help Your Wife Look Great When You Go Out Together](https://www.mantripping.com/style-and-fashion/help-your-wife-look-great-when-going-out.html) #### The Families Behind the Bottle: 8 Spirits to Savor With Dad This Father's Day [The Families Behind the Bottle: 8 Spirits to Savor With Dad This Father's Day](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/fathers-day-spirits-roundup.html) #### From Vibe Coding to Agentic Tools: These Are The Tools I Use To Code From the Road [From Vibe Coding to Agentic Tools: These Are The Tools I Use To Code From the Road](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/vibe-coding-tips-from-the-road.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- *Source: [How To Become A Truck Driver](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/become-a-truck-driver.html)* **Tags:** Advice, Work, Trucks