How to Be Commercial Vehicle Driver - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 1, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Being a commercial vehicle driver can be an extremely rewarding career. For those who have the aptitude, dedication and a valid commercial driving license, the potential to earn a good living is clear. With the increase in demand for goods and services, there is an ever-growing need for skilled drivers who can deliver cargo safely and efficiently.

A successful commercial vehicle driver must possess strong communication skills and be prepared to deal with a variety of situations on the road. They must also have the ability to navigate unfamiliar roads and adhere to traffic laws and regulations. The long-term rewards for those who choose to become a commercial vehicle driver include job security, competitive wages, and the opportunity to travel and see new places.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Commercial Drivers License (CDL). To become a commercial vehicle driver, you must obtain a CDL from the state licensing agency. You can apply for a CDL at any state licensing office or online.
Pass the CDL Exam. Before you can obtain a CDL, you must pass a written exam and a skills test. The skills test will include driving maneuvers such as parallel parking, backing up, and turning.
Join a Driver Training Program. After you pass the written and skills tests, you can join a driver training program. Most programs offer on-the-job training with experienced drivers and classroom instruction.
Obtain Insurance. It is important that you obtain insurance for your commercial vehicle before you begin driving. Many states require commercial vehicle drivers to carry liability insurance in case of an accident.
Take a Drug Test. All commercial vehicle drivers are required to pass a drug test before they can begin driving. This test can be administered by an employer or a third-party testing agency.
Maintain Your Vehicle. As a commercial vehicle driver, it is important that you maintain your vehicle in good working condition. This includes regularly checking the brakes, tires, and oil levels.

To become a skilled and capable commercial vehicle driver, one must first obtain the appropriate license. This involves completing a driver training course and meeting the necessary qualifications, such as passing an eye exam, having a clean driving record, and taking a written test. Furthermore, it is important to stay up to date on all the rules and regulations for operating a commercial vehicle, as well as safely operating the vehicle itself.

Once these steps are taken successfully, the driver will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to become a safe and responsible commercial vehicle driver. As a result, the driver can provide a valuable service to their employer while also ensuring their own safety and the safety of others on the road.

You may want to check Dump Truck Driver, Limousine Driver, and Pet Taxi Driver for alternative.

Job Description

Delivery Driver: Responsible for safely transporting goods from one location to another. Must possess a valid commercial drivers license and be able to read maps and follow directions.
Bus Driver: Responsible for safely driving a bus of passengers from one destination to another. Must possess a valid commercial drivers license and be able to follow a predetermined route.
Tow Truck Driver: Responsible for safely towing vehicles and hauling them to designated locations. Must possess a valid commercial drivers license and be familiar with the operation of a tow truck.
Tanker Truck Driver: Responsible for safely operating a tanker truck to transport liquids and gases. Must possess a valid commercial drivers license and be knowledgeable of hazardous material regulations.
Garbage Truck Driver: Responsible for safely operating a garbage truck to pick up and transport waste materials. Must possess a valid commercial drivers license and be familiar with the operation of a garbage truck.
Dump Truck Driver: Responsible for safely operating a dump truck to transport dirt, sand, gravel, and other materials. Must possess a valid commercial drivers license and be familiar with the operation of a dump truck.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of relevant safety regulations and laws
Familiarity with loading and unloading procedures
Ability to read and understand maps and directions
Strong communication skills
Proficiency in vehicle maintenance and repair
Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
A valid drivers license with a clean driving record
Ability to lift heavy objects
Good customer service skills
Excellent problem-solving skills
Time management skills

Driving a commercial vehicle is a difficult and challenging job that requires specific skills in order to be successful. The most important skill to have is the ability to drive safely and responsibly, as the safety of other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians is dependent on it. To do this, drivers must be able to pay attention to their surroundings and react quickly and appropriately to any potential hazards.

They must also be aware of the laws and regulations that apply to commercial vehicles and abide by them. commercial vehicle drivers must be knowledgeable of their route, have good navigation skills, and be able to efficiently manage their time. Finally, they must also possess good customer service skills to ensure they deliver goods and services on time and with a high degree of professionalism.

All of these skills combined will ensure that drivers are successful in their jobs and can safely transport goods and people.

School Bus Driver, Construction Vehicle Driver, and Van Driver are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have driving commercial vehicles?
How many hours per week are you willing to commit to driving?
What safety precautions do you take when driving a commercial vehicle?
What emergency situations have you encountered while driving a commercial vehicle?
How do you ensure that the cargo is safely secured before embarking on a journey?
How do you handle difficult or unexpected situations while driving?
Are you comfortable with using GPS devices or other navigational technologies?
What steps do you take to inspect the vehicle and check for any safety issues before leaving?
What is your approach to managing fatigue while driving?
Are you familiar with the rules and regulations related to the specific type of commercial vehicle you plan to drive?

Common Tools in Industry

Logbook. A written record that truck drivers must keep when operating a commercial vehicle, including details of their rest stops, hours of service, and other important information (eg: number of miles driven).
Trip Planning Software. Software that helps truck drivers plan and optimize their routes, taking into account traffic, fuel costs, and other factors (eg: Waze).
GPS Navigation System. A device that uses satellite signals to provide real-time directions and location information (eg: Garmin).
CB Radio. A two-way radio system used by truck drivers to communicate with other drivers on the same frequency (eg: Cobra).
Commercial Vehicle Inspection App. An app that helps truck drivers quickly and accurately inspect their vehicles for safety and compliance with regulations (eg: DVIRPal).
Electronic Logging Device (ELD). A device that automatically records the hours of service for truck drivers, in compliance with federal regulations (eg: KeepTruckin).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Trucking Associations
Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
National Association of Small Trucking Companies
National Private Truck Council
Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association
Truckload Carriers Association
Women in Trucking Association
National Tank Truck Carriers
National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools
National Association of Minority Truckers

We also have Tractor Trailer Driver, Boat Captain/Driver, and Motorized Handcart Driver jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

CDL (Commercial Drivers License). A license issued by the state that allows a person to legally operate commercial vehicles.
DOT (Department of Transportation). A government agency responsible for regulating the safety of transportation systems.
Hours of Service. Regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that limit the amount of time a commercial vehicle driver can be on the road during a certain period.
Pre-Trip Inspection. A check of the vehicle conducted prior to the start of a trip, to ensure it is in safe operating condition.
Vehicle Maintenance Log. A log in which all maintenance and repair work on the vehicle is recorded.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age requirement to obtain a Commercial Vehicle Driver's License?

The minimum age requirement to obtain a Commercial Vehicle Driver's license is 21 years old.

How many hours of rest is required for a Commercial Vehicle Driver?

Commercial Vehicle Drivers must take a minimum of 10 consecutive hours of rest between shifts.

What is the maximum number of hours a Commercial Vehicle Driver can work in one day?

A Commercial Vehicle Driver cannot work more than 11 hours in a single day.

What type of documentation is needed to obtain a Commercial Vehicle Driver's License?

To obtain a Commercial Vehicle Driver's License, applicants need to provide proof of residency, a valid driver's license, and a valid medical card.

What are the qualifications to become a Commercial Vehicle Driver?

To become a Commercial Vehicle Driver, applicants must have a valid driver's license and pass the necessary written and road tests. They must also be at least 21 years old and have the ability to read and speak English fluently.

Web Resources

Commercial Vehicle Driving - Indian River State College irsc.edu
Commercial Vehicle Driving - Florida State College at Jacksonville www.fscj.edu
Commercial Vehicle Driving - Sheridan Technical College www.sheridantechnicalcollege.edu