REQUIREMENTS

Skills

  --  Understand and follow traffic laws to the letter;
  --  Move hands, eyes and feet together to control the vehicle;
  --  Drive for long distances in all weather, day and night time, without 
      stopping for long periods;
  --  Deal with pressures of frequent road and traffic dangers; 
  --  Handle emergencies such as accidents or equipment failure; 
  --  Follow strict safety rules 

Training/Requirements

  --  High school diploma preferred;
  --  Truck driver training course available through private schools 
      licensed by the Private Post-secondary Education Council.

      Average length of training: 12 weeks
      Average cost for truck driver training programs:  $4,000

  --  DMV Commercial drivers' license;
  --  DMV Endorsement to transport hazardous materials;
  --  Safe driving record;
  --  Experience (length of/kind);
  --  Age:  At least 25 (to be insurable)

  There are 27 schools currently licensed in California, usually located in 
  larger cities.

  Some driver "trainees" start as helpers and get enough on-the-job
  experience riding with licensed drivers to qualify for the DMV commercial 
  license.  They do not have to pay for a training program. 

OCCUPATIONAL CODES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles):          905.663-014
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System:       971020

Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department,
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
         (916)  262-2162

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