Nevada CDL License Requirements
There are a few things to know before you take the next step and become a licensed CDL driver in Nevada. According to Nevada CDL requirements, you must be at least 18 years old, pass a vision test, provide an up-to-date physical examination, and have a valid driver’s license. Since the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) regulates interstate transportation of cargo, you must be at least 21 years old if you want to travel across state lines to deliver cargo.
All CDL applicants then need to pass a general knowledge exam and a skills test, which includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic vehicle knowledge test, and a road test in which you’ll be operating a commercial vehicle in Nevada. Notably, the vehicle that you take the test in must also fall under the correct CDL license class that you are working to earn. You can also take exams for additional endorsements allowing you to operate under special conditions such as passenger transportation or moving hazardous materials.
Find CDL Schools in Nevada
Finding a formal training program to earn your CDL is a great way to ensure you haven’t overlooked any of the necessary requirements or missed vital information that can help you in your career. Considering that the current driver shortage is characterized as an issue of quality rather than quantity, setting yourself apart with a solid education can show you’re serious about becoming a go-to professional in the commercial driving industry in Nevada.
Whether you take courses through a public, private, or community college, you’ll be sure to gain all of the necessary skill sets – everything from how to properly inspect your vehicle to the fine details of life on the road and operating your vehicle with precision. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn from instructors who are very familiar with the ins and outs of commercial driving. Search for CDL schools in Nevada and start your road to education today!
CDL Training Costs in Nevada
The costs of CDL training programs in Nevada average around $2,700 but often vary depending on the state and 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, and will 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 very popular option for new commercial drivers. In this scenario, trucking companies will actually pay for you to go through CDL training in Nevada, in exchange for your employment. As a newly hired company driver, you’ll work to pay off any debts to the sponsoring company by working for a designated period of time until they have been reimbursed. This allows a smooth transition into earning a regular salary and provides the peace of mind that a job is already lined up as soon as you earn your Nevada CDL. 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 Nevada
After you’ve spent the time needed to gain the right knowledge and have clocked a considerable amount of hours on the road, what else is there to do? Studying hard and 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! This resource can be used as many times as possible in order to feel confident for when the real test comes. Beyond the written test, it’s advised that you’ll want to practice your driving portion in the same vehicle that you’ll use to complete your final road test. Consider a rental option in order to guarantee you’re getting the right class of vehicle for the job. With these considerations in mind, earning your Nevada CDL can be a breeze!
Nevada CDL Endorsement & Waivers
With a Nevada CDL, your employer might require an extra “endorsement.” These endorsements cover more specific skill sets that are not acquired with the basic CDL training in Nevada. The following types of endorsements are common throughout Nevada and other states.
- School Bus - S
- Passenger - P
- Tank Vehicles - N
- Double/Triple - T
- Hazardous Materials - H
- Combination Tank / Hazardous Materials - X
Waivers are also referred to as restrictions and are used to designate certain limitations to what a CDL holder can and cannot do. Using a similar coding system to the way endorsements are displayed, restrictions allow employers and road officials to quickly and accurately determine a driver’s ability to be operating certain vehicles or hauling specific loads.
CDL Tests in Nevada
Now the time has finally come and you’re ready to take your final written and road tests to meet all of your CDL requirements in Nevada. You’ve spent many hours behind the wheel and hitting the books, and you’ll finally be able to prove what you’ve learned. As with any test, 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 Nevada commercial driver can begin!
CDL Knowledge Tests in Nevada
Generally speaking, the knowledge portion of the written exam will consist of 50 questions and will cover a wide range of topics – everything from trucking regulations, road safety, to handling equipment and other important industry knowledge. In order to pass your Nevada 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 confidently display your abilities as a commercial driver in Nevada.
CDL Skills Test in Nevada
The Nevada CDL skills test is designed to ensure that you have the proper knowledge and ability to operate a commercial vehicle. The test will be broken down into three portions. The pre-inspection portion will ensure that you’re able to properly assess your vehicle before taking it on the road. The next portion will cover the operating techniques and identification of all aspects of the vehicle. Finally, you will need to perform various maneuvers like turning, backing up, and merging lanes that will be a common occurrence on the road. This is one of the most important aspects of your entire CDL training in Nevada, so be sure to practice as much as possible to really nail it on the first time around!
Job Outlook in Nevada
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 right track to earning a consistent salary and moving on to better positions as time goes on. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, commercial driving jobs are expected to increase 5% from now until 2024. Meeting all of the Nevada CDL requirements and earning your own license means you’ll be part of this in-demand labor force for many years to come.
Nevada Truck Driver Salary
Based on the most recent data, the average annual salary for a trucking job in Nevada is currently $49,590. 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 Nevada Commercial Driving jobs today and keep your future moving forward with AllTruckJobs.com!