Commercial Driver’s License In Connecticut
It’s time to embark on your new trucking career journey. According to Connecticut CDL requirements, you must be at least 18 years old, pass a current physical examination, and have a valid driver’s license. The USDOT regulates interstate transportation of cargo, so if you want to travel across state lines to deliver cargo, you must be at least 21 years old. 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 hands-on test in which you’ll drive on the road. The driving test also must be taken in a vehicle that matches the class of CDL license you are trying to obtain. Other endorsements may also be tested for including air brakes, school buses, and vehicles that carry hazardous material.
Find CDL Schools in Connecticut
We have a complete list of trucking schools that will be happy to show you the ropes when it comes to driving a commercial vehicle. These schools will ensure that you’re taught what you need to know inside and outside of the classroom. You’ll gain experience behind the wheel in a controlled setting as well as learn the best practices of driving a class A, B, or C vehicle.
CDL Training Costs in Connecticut
Although the cost of CDL prep school can be intimidating, there are actually a variety of ways that you can make Connecticut CDL school financially feasible. The average cost of CDL schools in Connecticut is about $5,400. Applying for financial aid through FAFSA is a great first step if you need help paying for a Connecticut CDL education. If you qualify through FAFSA, a federal Pell Grant awarded through participating institutions is money that can be used for school and differs from a loan in that it doesn't need to be paid back. In many cases, a trucking company will pay for you to go to schools in hopes that they’re rewarded with a competent driver that’s ready to hit the road in no time.
CDL Prep in Connecticut
Once you graduate CDL training school in Connecticut, you still have a lot of work to do. Luckily for you, we have a few tips and tricks that will help you conquer the Connecticut CDL exam. Our practice test can give you an idea of what to expect when you take your actual exam. You’ll also want to make sure that you practice in the same vehicle as you take the test in. It’s always a good idea to make sure that you’ve spent a lot of time in your vehicle. You must complete the road portion with a vehicle that falls under the correct CDL requirements.
Connecticut CDL Endorsement & Waivers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the regulatory body that oversees CDL endorsements throughout the United States including Connecticut. The Connecticut’s CDL endorsements include:
- Air Brakes
- Combination Vehicles
- Tankers
- Doubles/Triples
- Hazardous Materials
- Passenger Transport
CDL Tests in Connecticut
You’ve spent hours studying and even more time behind the wheel, and now it’s time to show off what you’ve learned. Below we’ve given you a preview of what you can expect during your Connecticut Commercial Driver’s License test. Both the knowledge portion and the skills tests are described in detail.
CDL Knowledge Tests in Connecticut
The knowledge portion of the Connecticut CDL test consists of 50 questions that cover subjects like safety, pre-trip inspection, driving techniques, and road signs. To pass this portion a Connecticut resident must achieve at least an 80% on the exam. Fortunately, we have a practice exam on our site that you can take advantage of. Our test offers 50 questions that will help you prepare for your upcoming CDL exam.
CDL Skills Test in Connecticut
The Connecticut 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 be asked to perform various maneuvers like turning, backing up, and merging lanes that will be a common occurrence on the road. Once these are completed, you’ll finally become a licensed trucker in Connecticut.
Job Outlook in Connecticut
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, trucking jobs in the United States are projected to grow 5% by the year 2024. This is right below the expected growth rate of 7% for all occupations and is yet another sign that points towards an industry that’s trending upward. It’s time to join the crowd that’s flocking to Connecticut to become licensed CDL drivers.
Connecticut Truck Driver Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average driver in Connecticut makes about $47,420 per year. This is just above the national average of $43,590. The investment you put into your CDL license education will surely be worth it when you land a trucking job that offers a stellar wage.