How to Become a Truck Driving Instructor in California

How to Become a Truck Driving Instructor in California

Truck driving instructors always start out as truckers.If you want to become a truck driving instructor in California, you have to start out with a commercial driver's license and a clean driving record. These are the two biggest things you'll need in order to eventually become an instructor with a school; without either one, or at least the ability to obtain either one, you won't get far. Among the other tools you'll need is a proficiency in English, since all road signs throughout the state are written only in one language.

- Get a license to drive a commercial truck. You can't teach people how to be a truck driver unless you yourself know. If you don't already have a California commercial driver's license, you'll need to attend a truck driving school in your area to become certified to drive a commercial truck. The type of license you receive must be for the class of vehicle you wish to teach others to drive.
- Gain at least a few years work experience as a driver, and maintain a clean driving record. Instructor applicants cannot have a license suspension or revocation within the past two years, either in California or any other state. Also, instructor applicants are normally expected to have a minimum of two to three years professional driving experience before they're considered for a job as an instructor.
- Satisfy the educational requirements. Instructors have to be proficient in reading, writing and speaking English, since all road signs in California are only in one language. However, some driving schools hire instructors who are proficient in another language, most notably Spanish, since some students may not be proficient English speakers.
- Get an instructor's license. Driving instructors must pass a written test given by the California Department of Motor Vehicles before they become licensed. The test covers traffic laws, safe driving practices, first aid and other job-related topics. You must provide proof of a commercial driver's license and a copy of your high school diploma or equivalent. You must also pay a non-refundable application fee.
- Apply for a job with truck driving schools after you get your instructor's license. There are truck driving schools located all over the state; you'll want to work at the one that makes the most sense for you. Pick one or more schools to apply to for based on your pay expectations, willingness to commute, expected workload and other factors. There are a number of websites, including drivingdirectory.com and jobsintrucks.com that have free online listings and links to the websites of trucking schools throughout California.