CDL Direct Blog
Personal Safety Tips for CDL Drivers on the Road
Truck drivers are on the road earlier in the morning and later in the day than most drivers. They are frequently by themselves. For these reasons, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers while on the road and what simple steps can be taken to protect yourself.
- Don’t leave the truck unattended or unlocked. If you walk away for any reason, take the keys with you and lock the doors. Check all doors and locks at every truck stop.
- Avoid stopping in dark isolated places. When at a truck stop, park in well-lit high-security areas.
- Be mindful of how you carry your wallet and valuables.
- Don’t make yourself a target by openly showing money or jewelry.
At CDL Direct, our goal is to assist all commercial vehicle drivers to be safe and successful in their careers. We provide online ELDT courses that provide both the training needed to obtain your commercial learner’s permit along with the practical instructions that help along the way.
3 Tips for Good Driving Posture
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Bad posture in your truck can affect both your health and how long you can comfortably drive. A few simple tips will help you stay comfortable and drive more effectively.
- Adjust your seat so that your feet can comfortably access all of the pedals. Recline your seat no more than 20 degrees to prevent added pressure on your lower back.
- Some trucks have a telescoping wheel. Adjust the wheel so that your arms can comfortably reach it and that it is not too close to your body.
- Make sure you can access all of the controls easily, especially the gear shifter, since it will be used the most.
At CDL Direct, our goal is to assist all commercial vehicle drivers to be safe and successful in their careers. We provide online ELDT courses that provide both the training needed to obtain your commercial learner’s permit along with the practical instructions that help along the way.
Top 5 Reasons to get a CDL License in 2022
1. Competitive Pay
Pay is a significant factor when deciding on a career. According to a recent survey, the average pay for a CDL driver as of December 2021 is over $58,000! This means that, as a CDL driver, you are in greater demand and are better compensated!
2. Freedom
Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t prefer to be outside rather than being in an office! Most professional drivers can enjoy the freedom that comes from having more control over their work schedule and the peace associated with being alone at work (CDL Bus or Passenger Endorsements excluded, of course). If you could choose between sitting 20 feet from your boss or working miles away from your boss, what would you prefer?
3. Job Security
Many have experienced economic hardships and loss of employment. There are also enormous supply chain issues throughout the world. Note how Businessinsider.com places great weight on the need for more CDL drivers. Professional drivers with CDL Class A and Class B certifications play an enormous role in keeping the supply chain moving. Demand on this level is unlikely to change anytime soon.
4. Easy to Begin
Time is often a major factor when someone is considering a career move. Higher education can take years to complete. When you decide to make commercial driving your career, it can be done quickly and get you on the road and earning money in a matter of weeks. First, the current requirement is to get your ELDT (Entry Level Driver Training) Theory Certification. This can be done online and will prepare you for the knowledge test at the DMV to receive a CLP (Commercial Learner’s Permit).
5. Low Cost
The cost of education continues to grow. Many students complete their education with a degree and enormous student loan debt. Choosing driving as a career will make you some bank, not break the bank. Yes, the pun was intended. Online driver training options are extremely affordable and worth the investment.
Online Classes
CDL Direct has helped thousands of truck drivers get started. Whether you need your start with an ELDT training course, or are looking to add endorsements, we can assist you as well!
4 Important reasons to do a pre-trip inspection
Doing consistent pre-trip inspections can be likened to investing in your business. The important reasons listed below will prove that it pays valuable dividends.
1. Safety
Any professional driver will agree that safety is a vital aspect of being a truck driver. Regardless of what type of CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) you possess, the pre-trip inspection will identify any potential problems before they become more serious. Tire pressure, brakes, fluid levels, and gauges can reveal where your truck may need attention.
2. Time
A pre-trip inspection may take about 30 minutes to perform. This upfront investment will help prevent time lost to dealing with an incident while on the road and keep you in your truck driving.
3. Money
Fixing any issue yourself that has been identified during the pre-trip inspection can save a lot of money compared to the cost of towing and repairing something that has to be fixed or replaced by someone else while on the road. Since the DOT monitors and audits your inspection protocol having good records of your completed inspections can even help lower the cost of your insurance rates.
4. Liability
The law requires truck drivers to do a pre-trip inspection. If a professional driver is involved in an accident, regardless of who may be found at fault, he can be found liable if he is unable to provide proof of a pre-trip inspection. This can have enormous repercussions thus showing conclusively how vital the pre-trip inspection is to the success of any truck driver.
At CDL Direct, we specialize in ELDT online courses to help you get on your way to your CLP, (Commercial Learner's Permit), and CDL, (Commercial Dricer's License.) Visit us today to see how we can help you get on the road!
5 Steps to Get Your Commercial Driver's License Under the New FMSCA Regulations
Who do the new ELDT (Entry Level Driver Training) regulations apply to?
The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) has set commercial driver training standards that went into effect on February 7, 2022. If you already had a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) before this date, you are not required to complete this standardized training. However, the following three scenarios will help you understand whether the ELDT training requirements apply to you to obtain your CDL.
- You are seeking a CDL Class A or CDL Class B for the first time.
- You are seeking to upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL
- You are seeking any of the following CDL endorsements for the first time:
Step 1: Complete an Approved EDLT Theory Course
Once you have completed the ELDT training course, your registered training provider will remit your certification to FMCSA via the Training Provider Registry. This step can be taken online. The ELDT training provider link listed below is valid for online ELDT training in all 50 states:
Step 2: Take the written test
The written test can be taken at your local Department of Motor Vehicles. Most states require you to provide proof of residency and to bring proof of passing the DOT (Department of Transportation) physical requirements. They will also examine your current driving record. The online theory training in Step 1 will prepare you for this test. Once passed, you can be issued your CLP (Commercial Learner’s Permit).
Step 3: Behind the wheel training with an approved CDL Training Provider
No matter how well you understand rules for truck driving safety, there is no substitution for the skills gained from being behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle and benefitting from the experience of a CDL training instructor. Getting behind the wheel will get you ready to hit the road!
Step 4: Take the behind the wheel skills test
Not every CDL training facility is an approved facility to administer a road test. If you choose an in-person training facility that can save time and effort, it will simplify matters.
Step 5: Return to the DMV to get your CDL
Be sure to check with your local DMV to ensure that you have all the required documentation you need and are aware of any fees they will charge you. After receiving your certificate from your behind-the-wheel CDL driving school, showing proof you have taken and passed all required training steps, you can return to the DMV for your CDL and then be on your way!