Nebraska CDL License Requirements

CDL training schools in Nebraska provide a solid way to gain commercial driving knowledge, helping you to start your career in the right gear. Luckily, AllTruckJobs provides great resources that will help you find the perfect school to advance your future trucking career. These schools will provide training inside and outside the classroom, helping you to gain experience behind the wheel in a controlled setting, in addition to learning the proper way to inspect your vehicle prior to hitting the road.

The costs of CDL training programs in Nebraska average around $2,563 but often vary, even the area in which you’re searching. Nationally, costs can range anywhere from $2,000-$8,300 depending on what materials you’ll need for class, as well as any additional courses offered. These classes cover your main experience behind the wheel and in the classroom. Similar to most college programs, students looking to become commercial drivers can apply for FAFSA student aid in order to help with the starting costs of tuition. Additionally, other sources of assistance may come from a federal Pell Grant, which can be awarded through participating institutions. 

Attending a company-sponsored training program is another option many pursue. In this scenario, trucking companies will actually pay for you to go through CDL training in Nebraska, in exchange for your employment. Drivers work to pay off their debt to these companies by working for a period of time until the costs have been reimbursed. This allows a smooth transition into a regular salary from that point on and the peace of mind that a job is lined up upon receiving your CDL license. It is important to stress that this is a strict financial agreement, so as long as you’re absolutely serious about becoming a commercial driver, this is a great option to consider.

CDL Prep in Nebraska

After you’ve studied all you could in school and clocked the right amount of hours on the road, what else is there to do? Reviewing all of your materials is never a bad idea, but when it comes to taking your actual written test you may want to get a feel for the experience with our practice CDL test! Feel free to take it as many times as possible in order to feel confident while taking those final steps to gain your CDL in Nebraska. Beyond the written exam, you’ll also want to practice your driving portion in the same vehicle that you’ll use to complete your final road test. Students will want to consider a rental option in order to guarantee you’re getting the right class of vehicle for the job.

Nebraska CDL Endorsement & Waivers

While working toward meeting all of the Nebraska CDL requirements, you’ll also need to consider whether you will be required to have any specialized knowledge that would allow you to handle specific cargo. These are referred to as endorsements and require additional testing to ensure you have met state and federal standards. By completing these additional requirements, you’ll have much more job opportunities in more specialized niches. The following endorsement types are common throughout Nebraska and the rest of the United States:

• School Bus - S
• Passenger - P
• Tank Vehicles - N
• Double/Triple - T
• Hazardous Materials - H
• Combination Tank / Hazardous Materials - X

Waivers, also referred to as restrictions follow a similar coding system to the way endorsements are displayed on one’s CDL. These restrictions make it easy for employers and officials to determine quickly whether you are authorized to be hauling certain cargo, transporting passengers, etc. Restrictions may also denote special circumstances such as medical anomalies and other information about your history as a driver.

CDL Tests in Nebraska

Finally, the time has come that you’re ready to take your written test and road test to meet all of your CDL requirements in Nebraska. You’ve spent many hours behind the wheel and studying diligently, and now you’ll finally be able to prove what you’ve learned. As with most tests, it’s important to know what you’re getting into – below is a preview of what you’re likely to find before your life as a commercial driver in Nebraska can begin!

Generally, the knowledge portion of the written exam is around 50 questions and will cover a wide range of information – everything from trucking regulations, road safety, to handling equipment and other important industry knowledge. In order to pass your Nebraska CDL knowledge test, you’ll need to earn at least an 80% to show you’ve understood the basics. After that, it’s on to the road test to really display your abilities as a commercial driver.

CDL Skills Test in Nebraska

Aside from the written knowledge test, instructors will test your familiarity with your vehicle, as well as how thoroughly you know the proper procedures for handling cargo, utilizing your breaking system, and other important mechanical processes involved during transport. This also includes going over your pre-trip inspection tests, entering weighing stations, and being able to determine whether your vehicle is safe to operate.

Finally, you’ll be onto the road test where you’ll be asked to perform turns, backing up, changing lanes, and identify traffic signs in order to respond safely and effectively. Doing well in this portion is essential to your success because it really demonstrates your aptitude and allows instructors to be confident in your abilities, especially if they are the ones sponsoring your education in the first place.

Job Outlook in Nebraska

With the current driver shortage projected to continue growing, it’s obvious that the trucking industry needs more talented drivers each year to meet demands. Getting an education means you’ll be on the fast track to earning a consistent salary and moving on to better positions as time goes on. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, trucking jobs in the United States are expected to increase 5% by the year 2024. Meeting all of the Nebraska CDL requirements and earning your own license means you’ll be part of this in-demand labor force for many years to come.

Nebraska Truck Driver Salary

Based on the most recent data, the average annual salary for a trucking job in Nebraska is currently $42,590. Although pay rates can vary across the state, gaining more experience on the road will make you a much more valuable hire as you continue your career as a commercial driver. The longer you drive, the more you’ll eventually earn! Start looking for Nebraska Commercial Driving jobs today and keep your future moving forward with AllTruckJobs.com!