Driving a dump truck can be a solid source of income, but getting there requires some special training and licensing. We here at White’s International Trucks think that sounds hard enough, so we’ve put together a brief roadmap to get you there without too much digging around beforehand. If you have any questions, or you want to see the dump trucks we have for sale, contact one of our seven stores across North Carolina, today!
Requirements
First, find the commercial driver’s license (CDL) testing manual and look at the Requirements listed. They include a minimum age, certain physical capabilities, and more. For dump truck driving, you’ll have to pass a drug test, background check, and have a clean driving record.
Permit
Like a regular license, you’ll get a permit first. A Class B permit will enable you to work with smaller dump trucks, but for more freedom you’ll need a Class A permit. Pass a few written exams, including a general knowledge test, an air brake test, and combination vehicles test, and you’ll get yours.
Training
Once you have your permit, you’ll need to train to get a full CDL. You need to hold the permit for at least 14 days before you may try for the full license, and you’ll want to spend that time and more practicing with a qualified driver. Different states have different requirements on how many hours of training you need.
CDL training programs can help bolster anything you learn on the road and give you a head start on skill-based tests.
Endorsements
There will be additional CDL endorsement tests that will change depending on the endorsements you want. For a dump truck driver, you’ll want the following endorsements:
- Combination vehicles.
- Air brakes.
- Tanker vehicles.
- Hazardous materials.
- Double and triple trailers.
The hazardous materials test will also require a full background check before it can be added to your license.
Skills Test
Finally, aside from the endorsements, there’s the three-part driving exam. There will be a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and a driving test. That test will either be at a state CDL test site or an approved third-party site somewhere in the state in question. You’ll be tested with the vehicle you’re aiming for licensure in. If you don’t make it happen your first time, check with your state laws to see how much time you have to wait before trying again.
Try to take your test in the largest and most complex vehicle possible to avoid limitations on your license. For instance, in some states if you take the test with a truck that has automatic transmission, your license may limit you to driving only those trucks.
We hope you get it on the first try, though! For more information, or to see the dump trucks we have available, contact us at White’s International Trucks. We proudly serve the people of the great state of North Carolina—let us serve you today!
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