Once you have made the decision to become a truck driver and you are working on your CDL, you will inevitably wonder about what it will be like once you start looking for your first trucking job. With so many companies and types of jobs to choose from it may seem a bit overwhelming. Drive My Way provides a vast number of resources and information to students and established drivers alike, which can provide you with a starting point as you begin looking for your first trucking job.
The three most important tips we have for student drivers looking to land their first trucking job are: do your research, build a network, and keep your options open.
Do Your Research: As with any new job hunt, the first step for a student driver is to do research on potential employers and create a list of companies that offer positions and benefits that align with your personal preferences and goals. You will also want to determine whether you want to work for a large carrier, small carrier, public or a privately owned company.
Some key qualities to look for in a trucking employer include:
- Compensation
- Benefits
- Training/Mentoring
- Opportunities for Advancement
- Home Time/Schedule
- PTO
- Driving Distance
For any company you research, make sure to read testimonials of current and past employees to get an idea of whether it will be a good fit for you.
Build a Network: From the time you begin truck driving school, you will be encountering several people, from other students to instructors. It is important to build a network with everyone you meet, because you never know who could be a referral for your first job, or when you want to change jobs down the road. As a first-time truck driver, you will also meet people on the road who will be important contacts to maintain for the future.
Keep Your Options Open: Whether you are a rookie or a veteran in the trucking industry, it is always a good idea to keep your options open when it comes to finding, and getting hired, for a new trucking position. This is especially true for student truck drivers looking for their first opportunity. Even if the job you are researching is not a perfect fit, it is always worth applying for and finding out more information about the role. Student truck drivers may also benefit from applying for team driving jobs, which would allow them to gain vital experience and skills alongside a more seasoned driver. By keeping your options open, you give yourself the best chance of finding a position immediately after receiving your CDL.
Drive My Way offers job listings for student truck drivers who are looking for their first trucking job and can provide additional support in landing a job that best fits with their lifestyle. For more information about our program, please create a Free Driver Profile with us today! We look forward to helping you find your first job in the exciting and evolving trucking industry.
Like with any test, the best way to pass the CDL test is to study. 
With the written portion of the CDL test done, it’s time to show off your driving skills. First and foremost, make sure you know the truck. The last thing you want is to try and make a simple air vent adjustment and be fumbling with the buttons. With the evaluator watching, even routine adjustments can feel like they have a lot of pressure. Know the inside of the cab like the back of your hand. 
When you take the CDL driving test, it’s easy to focus on the things that will be challenging, but don’t forget the basics. These are the things that are probably almost second nature to you, and you do them any time you drive. 
Make sure you know the automatic failure points so you can avoid them, but set your sights higher. Don’t focus on just barely passing. When you are in the cab with the evaluator, remember to stick to your purpose. You’re not in the cab to make friends, so don’t get too chatty. Some evaluators may consider this distracted driving. 
