Driving a truck isn’t like driving any other type of vehicle. Even the most skilled everyday driver couldn’t just hop into the cab of a tractor trailer and know how to handle that type of machine. That’s why training is such an important part of becoming a responsible truck driver.

Truck driving schools give prospective drivers the time, space, structure, and instruction to safely and correctly learn how to operate a commercial vehicle on public roadways to help ensure safety for everyone. But the benefits don’t stop there. Keep reading to learn why truck driving school is the way to go for your driving career.

How to Stay Safe and Remain Compliant

Trucking regulations and compliance guidelines change regularly. From federal policy changes to state-level mandates to emerging truck technology, there are a lot of industry factors that drivers need to be aware of at all times. Training providers stay up-to-date on these changes and help drivers learn what they must do to remain compliant in their driving practices.

Another way that the trucking industry differs from other industries is in how the workday is structured. Some might assume it’s like any other job: drive for 8 working hours, rest and sleep, get up the next day and do it again. But trucking doesn’t exactly work like that.

For example, to combat fatigue and help to ensure safety, truck drivers adhere to federal Hours of Service rules. And that’s just one example of how the industry develops safety protocols and driving regulations to meet the needs and demands of the job. Driving schools relay this information to new drivers and provide them with resources so they can continue to stay updated with official information regarding trucking’s industry-specific safety protocols.

Gaining the Necessary Skills and Experience

Driving a truck requires more skill than the ability to drive. Truck drivers need to know how to properly conduct pre-trip inspections, as well as how to maintain their vehicle, troubleshoot issues on the road, and how to respond in emergency situations. Comprehensive driving school training covers all of these skill areas in their programs. 

While the beginning stages of training should take place in a safe, controlled environment, eventually new drivers need to test their skills on public roadways. Driving with an instructor helps to ensure that new skills are implemented correctly when around other cars. The goal is to be able to successfully drive on your own, and guided hands-on training with a skilled, registered driving instructor gives prospective truck drivers that necessary experience.

Practical experience includes learning emergency protocols and the more difficult aspects of operating a truck, such as backing. So much of driving involves backing into loading zones — often in the presence of other tractor trailers. Because backing is one of the most commonly executed maneuvers (as well as one of the trickiest), the ability to practice that skill to near perfection before testing for your CDL is crucial.

Career Opportunities and Job Placement

Trucking is one of the most in-demand sectors because so many other industries rely on trucking for everyday transportation needs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that from 2022 to 2032, there will be “about 241,200 openings for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers…each year, on average, over the decade.” Trucking operations are constantly hiring new drivers for local, regional, and OTR routes.

But even with this amount of opportunity, it helps to have some guidance when securing a driving job for a good company. That’s why attending truck driving school doesn’t simply enhance job prospects; it can actually help you land a job. Some schools have partnerships with corporations and carriers, and they’ll assist newly-licensed drivers as well as alumni in finding the right driving job. These established partnerships also offer a sense of security in knowing that you’re working with trusted businesses.

Investing in Your Future Career

Investing time and money into a new endeavor can seem intimidating, but remember: Truck driver training programs are typically shorter than training for other professions. Shorter training programs enable prospective drivers to test for their CDLs sooner, ultimately getting them in the driver’s seat of their own truck that much faster. As long as they pass their evaluation on the first try, many truck drivers complete training and testing in just a few months.

Additionally, many truck driving schools are affiliated with major trucking companies and can assist with job placement. And that’s not just immediately after completing your certification; several schools offer job placement assistance regardless of how long it’s been since you last attended.

Formal training provides a great foundation as you continue to improve your skills. You may decide you want to test for new endorsements or licenses, and by attending truck driving school, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect throughout that process. You can also take additional training classes provided by your employer to build out your skill set. More endorsements and certifications help to increase your salary as you advance your career.

Truck Driving Schools in Utah

Prospective drivers looking to get started on their training must use a FMCSA-certified training provider. While there are several great options for truck driving schools out there, we’ve rounded up a few suggestions to get you started.

All of the following driving programs can be found on the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry.

Apex Trucking 

Apex Trucking offers a variety of courses, evaluations, and training to meet every driver’s needs. Whether you’re in need of full CDL training and certification or looking to brush up on new skills to earn new endorsements, Apex Trucking has different combinations of classes and programs to fit your needs.

Dixie Technical College (Dixie Tech)

Dixie Technical College is focused on providing students with the training they need to succeed in 25 different technical fields, including transportation technology. Students can enroll in the Class A CDL program as well as the Class B CDL program, depending on the training they need for their current career stage.

Mountain West Commercial Driving School

Since 2001, Mountain West Commercial Driving Schools have provided students with the training and skills needed to earn a CDL. Mountain West also offers continuing education courses so drivers can stay on top of their driving skills. The school has campuses in both Utah and Wyoming.

Sage School

Located in Sandy, Utah, Sage Schools offers a state-of-the-art trucking facility and a top-rated CDL program that prepares students for high-paying trucking jobs in Utah. Students get individualized behind-the-wheel time and real on-the-job truck driving experience needed to prepare to take the Utah CDL test. 

Uintah Basin Technical College (UB Tech)

Students at UB Tech have the opportunity to earn their CDL certificate, as well as receive hazardous material transport training. UB Tech also offers local and nationwide job placement assistance.

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Truck driving schools provide essential education for both new and veteran truck drivers, and at Pride Transport, we also place a high value on driver education. We offer additional training so drivers can keep their skills sharp while staying safe on the road. Check out our driving opportunities today!