CDL Requirements in Ohio
Starting on the path to becoming a commercial driver in Ohio can be both exciting and a little overwhelming – that’s why we’ve taken the time to help new drivers find their way through the essentials of earning a commercial driver’s license. Meeting all of the CDL requirements in Ohio won’t happen overnight, but the sooner you start, the closer you’ll be to a career in commercial driving.
Since the U.S. Department of Transportation has established the guidelines for transporting cargo across state lines, you’ll need to be 21 years old to work as an interstate commercial driver. Otherwise, you will need to be at least 18 years old (to drive intrastate routes), pass a vision test, provide a current physical examination, and have a valid driver’s license for personal use ahead of time.
Earning your CDL in Ohio means you’ll be required to pass a general knowledge exam, a skills test pertaining to your class of vehicle, as well as an official road test during which you’ll prove you have the ability to work as a commercial driver. Notably, the vehicle used for your test will determine the class of license you’ll receive – either a CDL class A, B, or C. You can also receive additional endorsements on your license to indicate you have specialized knowledge in transporting specific cargo types or the ability to transport passengers.
Find CDL Schools in Ohio
Finding a formal training program to earn your CDL is a great way to ensure you haven’t overlooked any of the necessary information in order to start your career as a commercial driver. Considering that the current driver shortage is characterized as an issue of candidates’ quality rather than quantity, setting yourself apart with a solid education can let employers know that you’re serious about becoming a leading professional in this growing industry.
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 and operate your vehicle, to learning the procedures for life and work on the road. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn from instructors who are very familiar with the ins and outs of commercial driving after having spent years in the profession. Search for CDL schools in Ohio and start on the road to education today!
CDL Training Costs in Ohio
The costs of Ohio CDL training programs can be on the more expensive side with the average training program costing around $6,310. Yet these prices will also vary depending on the type of school and programs available in your area. Nationally, CDL training can cost anywhere from $2,000-$8,300 so it could be best to shop around for the best value and schedule that works for you. Still, this is about getting a quality education and training, so don’t sacrifice quality for a cheap price!
These average costs of tuition cover all of the materials you need for class, any additional endorsement courses you’ll be taking, as well as your main experience behind the wheel and in the classroom. Like most college programs and institutions, students seeking to become commercial drivers can apply for FAFSA student aid to make covering the costs of tuition a little more manageable. Other financial options can include loans or a federal Pell Grant, which can be awarded through participating institutions.
Attending a company-sponsored training program is another very viable option for up-and-coming commercial drivers. In this scenario, trucking companies will actually pay for you to go through CDL training in Ohio, allowing you to reimburse them for a certain amount of time following your hiring. This allows a smooth transition into earning a regular salary and provides the confidence that a job is already lined up as soon as you graduate from your Ohio CDL program. However, it is important to stress that this is a strict financial agreement, so as long as you’re absolutely committed to becoming a commercial driver, this is a great option that will open up a lot of opportunities!
CDL Prep in Ohio
Once you’ve logged the hours required to gain all the right knowledge for the job, spent time behind the wheel and taken the necessary courses, what else is there to do? Studying hard and reviewing your materials won’t hurt, but when it comes to taking your official written test it’s better that you’re not caught off-guard. Get an idea of what you can expect with our free practice CDL test available here on AllTruckJobs.com! This test can be utilized as many times as you need in order to feel confident for when it’s finally time for the big day!
Beyond the written exams and tests, it’s highly recommended you practice your road test with the exact same vehicle (or at least the same class of vehicle) that you’ll use for the final driving portion of your Ohio CDL road test. Many students utilize rental trucks if the program doesn’t already provide a test vehicle, however, it is increasingly common that your institution will have vehicles available – especially if you’re attending a company sponsored program. With these considerations and CDL prep tips in mind, be sure to ask around to learn what others have experienced during the process to really succeed. It’s good to learn from others’ mistakes if possible without making them yourself!
Ohio CDL Endorsement & Waivers
In Ohio and the rest of the United States, special endorsements are required to transport specific types of cargo or to operate a certain class of vehicles safely and legally. Beyond earning your basic class A, B, or C CDL in New York, common endorsements requiring additional courses include:
- 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 as to what a CDL holder is able to do on the road. Using a similar coding system to the way endorsements are displayed on a commercial driver’s license, restrictions allow employers and road officials to quickly determine a driver’s ability to be operating certain vehicles or hauling specific loads. These can include medical exemptions, as well as indicators of your ability to use specific braking systems, or even certain types of equipment like a pintle hook and other trailer connection types.
CDL Tests in Ohio
You’ll want to know what to expect once the time finally comes and you’re ready to schedule your final written and road tests. You’ll soon be able to prove what you’ve learned after spending many hours behind the wheel and hitting the books. But as with any test, it’s important to be aware of the overall procedures and prepare ahead of time. Below is a preview of most of what you’ll encounter before taking the final steps to becoming an Ohio commercial driver!
CDL Knowledge Tests in Ohio
To start, you’ll answer a standard 50 question test that covers a wide range of commercial driving information similar to a personal use driver’s license test. This includes vehicle regulations, road safety, and rules, how to handle equipment, proper loading and unloading procedures, and other basic knowledge required for all commercial drivers. Earning an 80% or above is a passing grade, allowing you to move on to your skills and road tests where you’ll really display your newly learned abilities as a budding commercial driver.
CDL Skills Test in Ohio
The Ohio CDL skills test ensures that you have the proper abilities and knowledge required to operate a commercial vehicle in the state and while traveling across the United States. The process of earning your CDL will consist of three main sections, each designed to cover all of the aspects of commercial driving.
Separate from the written knowledge test, instructors will evaluate your familiarity with the class of vehicle you’re using for your test, as well as how well you know the proper procedures for handling cargo, utilizing your vehicle’s braking system, and other important mechanical processes involved before, during, and after transport. This also includes going over your pre-trip inspection tests and being able to determine whether your vehicle is safe to operate given certain weather or road conditions.
Finally, for your road test, you will need to perform various maneuvers like turning, backing up, and merging lanes – essentially, everything you’ll need to know for safe travels on the open road. This is one of the most important aspects of your entire CDL training in Ohio, so be sure to practice as much as possible to really nail it on the first time around! Here you can display just how confident you are behind the wheel – something that company-sponsored programs really like to see!
Job Outlook in Ohio
Since the driver shortage is an issue of quality rather than quantity, setting yourself apart with an education means you’ll have a great shot at earning a consistent salary and moving on to better, higher paying positions quickly. With thousands of new drivers are needed each year in order to keep the industry afloat, getting your Ohio CDL is a solid way to enter a career field where talented employees are in high demand!
According to recent projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the commercial driving jobs are expected to increase 5% from now until 2024, so earning a CDL in Ohio is a way you’ll be able to earn a respectable living for many years to come.
Ohio Truck Driver Salary
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. Based on the most recent data, the average annual salary for a trucking job in Ohio is currently $44,110. The longer you drive, the more you’ll eventually earn! Start looking for Ohio commercial driving jobs today and keep your future moving forward with AllTruckJobs.com!