Oregon CDL License Requirements & Training :: AllTruckJobs.com

CDL Requirements in Oregon

Starting on your path to an Oregon commercial driving career can feel like an exciting and slightly overwhelming task – that’s why we’ve decided to break it down to help you begin in the right gear! Meeting all of the necessary Oregon CDL requirements won’t happen overnight, but the sooner you start the better. 

First off, you must be at least 18 years old, pass a vision test, provide a current physical examination, and have a valid driver’s license for personal use. For interstate trucking, you’ll need to be at least 21 years old according to the regulations set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

Earning your CDL license in Oregon means you’ll need to pass a general knowledge exam for road rules and regulations, a skills test that includes pre-trip vehicle inspections and a basic understanding of your vehicle's class and procedures, and finally your official road test during which you’ll be operating a commercial vehicle. It is important to note that the vehicle used for your test will determine the class of license you’ll receive, either CDL class A, B, or C. You can also receive additional endorsements on your license indicating a specialized knowledge in transporting specific cargo types or the ability to transport passengers. Keep this in mind when moving forward with your training!

Find CDL Training Schools in Oregon

Considering that the current shortage of drivers is due to quality rather than quantity, an education or formal training course can really set you apart from the competition. To ensure you haven’t overlooked any critical information for becoming a commercial driver in Oregon, it’s important to find a trusted training program in your area. 

Whether you receive your training through a public, private, or community college or institution, you’ll be sure to gain all of the necessary skill sets for life as a commercial driver. This includes learning how to properly inspect your vehicle, ensuring safety standards during transport, and being aware of the best practices for the profession. During your training you’ll learn from instructors who have spent years on the road themselves, providing first-hand knowledge that will really help you become familiar with the ins and outs of the profession. Search for Oregon CDL training schools and start your road to a CDL education today!

CDL Training Costs in Oregon

The costs of Oregon CDL training programs average around $3,681, 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. Just keep in mind that lower prices don’t always equal a better Oregon CDL training program! 

These costs cover the materials you need for class, any additional endorsement courses you’ll be taking, as well as your main experience in the classroom and behind the wheel. Similar to other college programs or technical training, students looking to become commercial drivers can apply for FAFSA student aid to take the edge off of the starting costs of tuition. Other financial options can include loans or a federal Pell Grant, which can be awarded through participating institutions and used toward the cost of tuition. 

Attending a company-sponsored training program is another very popular scenario for new commercial drivers. With this option, trucking companies will actually pay for you to go through CDL training in Oregon, agreeing to a reimbursement period following your hiring. This allows a smooth transition into earning your regular salary and provides the confidence that a job is already lined up as soon as you earn your commercial license. It is important to be aware that this is a strict financial agreement, so as long as you’re serious about becoming a CDL licensed driver, this is a great option that will open up a lot of opportunities in a short amount of time!

CDL Prep in Oregon

Once you’ve logged the time required to gain all the right knowledge for the job, spent time behind the wheel and taken the necessary courses, what is left to do? Studying hard and reviewing your materials will never hurt, but when it comes to taking your official written test you won’t want to be caught off-guard. Get a feel for what you can expect with our practice CDL test available for free here on AllTruckJobs.com! This resource can be used as many times as is necessary to feel confident for when it’s finally time to take your real test. 

Beyond written exams, it’s highly recommended that you practice your road test in the exact same vehicle (or at least the same class of vehicle) you’ll use for the final driving portion of meeting your Oregon CDL requirements. Many students utilize rental trucks if the program doesn’t already provide a test vehicle, however, it is becoming increasingly common that they will. 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!

Oregon CDL Endorsement & Waivers

In the state of Oregon and the rest of the United States, special endorsements are required to haul certain types of cargo or to operate a specific class of vehicle effectively. Beyond earning your basic class A, B, or C CDL in Oregon, common endorsements 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 to what an Oregon CDL holder can and cannot do. Using a similar coding system to the way endorsements are displayed on one’s license, restrictions allow employers and road officials to quickly and accurately determine a driver’s ability to be operating certain vehicles or hauling specific loads. These can include medical exemptions, as well as indicators as to the extent of your ability to use specific braking systems or even certain types of equipment like a pintle hook. It’s very important that you never work beyond your endorsements or restrictions. Doing so can cause severe penalties and your termination as an employee!

CDL Tests in Oregon

Once the time finally comes and you’re ready to schedule your final written and road tests, you’ll want to know what to expect. After spending many hours hitting the books and behind the wheel, you’ll soon be able to prove your skills as a driver. But as with any test, it’s important to be aware of the overall material you’ll be covering. Below is a preview of most of what you’ll encounter before the final steps to becoming a commercial driver in Oregon are completed!

CDL Knowledge Tests in Oregon

Similar to earning a personal driver’s license test, you’ll answer a standard 50 question test covering a wide range of information. This includes commercial vehicle regulations, road safety, and rules, how to handle your equipment, proper loading and unloading procedures, and other essential knowledge required of 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 soon-to-be commercial driver.

CDL Skills Test in Oregon

The Oregon CDL skills test ensures that you have the proper knowledge and abilities required to operate a commercial vehicle in the state. The test will be broken down into three different sections, each designed to cover all of the aspects of commercial driving. 

Different from the written knowledge test, instructors will test 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 breaking system, and other important techniques 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 a variety of road and weather conditions. 

Finally, for your road test, you will need to perform various maneuvers like turning, backing up, and merging lanes – basically, everything that will be a common occurrence on the road. Be sure to take your time and be as relaxed as possible. This is one of the most important aspects of your entire CDL training in Oregon, 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 and instructors really appreciate!

Job Outlook in Oregon

Considering that thousands of new drivers are needed each year in order to remedy the current driver shortage, getting your Oregon CDL is a sure-fire way to enter onto a career path where talented employees are in high demand! The issue is really one of quality rather than quantity, so setting yourself apart with a CDL education means you’ll have a great shot at earning a consistent salary and moving on to better, higher paying positions quickly.

 Given 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 Oregon is something that will really allow you to earn a solid salary for years come.

Oregon Truck Driver Salary

Based on the most recent data, the average annual salary for a trucking job in Oregon is currently $43,920. 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 Oregon Commercial Driving jobs today and keep your future moving forward with AllTruckJobs.com!