Category: Yuma Truck Driving School News

Due to their size and length, trucks have numerous blind spots that cannot be seen directly from the cab. These blind spots pose a safety hazard to both truck drivers and the vehicles around them. Your mirrors provide the valuable information you need about traffic and other conditions around your truck to help you remain safe on the road.

Visualize Your Surroundings

The main value of your truck’s mirrors is their ability to help you visualize your surroundings. Your mirrors are mounted in a way to compensate for many of your truck’s blind spots, giving you a clearer picture of the cars, pedestrians, and structures around you as you drive. Checking your mirrors constantly allows you to spot potential hazards, such as vehicles or pedestrians next to your truck, preventing accidental collisions during lane changes and turns. However, it’s important to remember that even with your mirrors, your truck still has large blind spots and you should always handle changes in course with care.

Keep Up with Road Conditions

In addition to providing the location of the cars around you, your truck’s mirrors also provide information about where these cars are going and how fast they are moving. As you drive, you can use your mirrors to ensure you are keeping up with traffic and to note changes in the flow of traffic around you. You can also use your mirrors to visualize the movement of cars and make predictions about how they will move in the future to ensure you are moving at a safe speed and have sufficient time and space to react to sudden changes in road conditions or unexpected moves made by aggressive drivers.

At HDS Truck Driving Institute, you’ll learn how to handle a truck safely during your CDL training in Tucson. You can find out more about our nationally recognized truck driver training and how to enroll in our program by calling (877) 205-2141 or clicking through our website.

Before you can obtain your CDL and start working in the commercial truck driving industry, you must pass a medical and physical examination. Keep reading to learn more about the requirements for these tests so you are prepared to pass when you finish your school program:

Vision Requirements

Since a person with a CDL will be operating a large commercial vehicle, it is essential that he or she has good vision. Before qualifying for a license, a driver must get a vision test that proves he or she has 20/40 correctable vision in each eye. It is okay if the driver requires glasses or contact lenses to reach this prescription.

Diabetes Requirements

A person operating a commercial vehicle cannot have diabetes that is controlled with needle-injected insulin. If a person has diabetes that can be controlled by diet, however, they can still qualify for the CDL. Every driver must have a blood sugar level below 200.

Blood Pressure Requirements

The DOT also has specific blood pressure requirements for drivers before they can get a CDL and start working in the industry. A driver must have blood pressure of 140/90 or less in order to get the 24-month DOT Medical Certificate. If blood pressure ranges from 140-159/90-99, they can qualify for a 12-month certificate. Drivers with blood pressure of 160-179/100-109 can get a 3-month temporary certificate. Anyone with blood pressure over 180/110 cannot get a certificate until the blood pressure is under control.

Other Medical Requirements

There are other medical requirements that can affect your ability to obtain your CDL. If you have sleep apnea, a back injury, or a hernia, it might affect your chances of getting the license.

The teachers at HDS Truck Driving Institute can help you figure out what you need to do to get your CDL and start working. Our truck-driving school gives you the information you need to get your license quickly. To learn more about our programs, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

 

The trucking industry is responsible for transporting practically every kind of good used in the United States. If you are looking for a new career with plenty of job security, you should consider becoming a truck driver. Keep reading to find out why it is one of the most common jobs in the country:

There Are Always Job Opportunities

Since the trucking industry is so integral to business in America, there are always plenty of job opportunities for people who want them. If you make the effort to go to truck-driving school and obtain your CDL, you can start working in an industry that has plenty of work. Cement your future by breaking into the truck driving industry.

You Have a Choice Over Your Schedule

Most truck drivers have a lot of input in their schedules, which helps them fit work around their lives. If you prefer staying on the road for long periods of time and having a few days off in a row, you can work with a company that has long-haul jobs. If you prefer to stay close to home, though, you can work with a company that has plenty of local driving opportunities.

You Have the Freedom of the Road

Not everyone is cut out for sitting in an office all day long. If you would rather spend long stretches of time in a vehicle on the highway, you should think about joining the truck-driving industry. While you are at work you have the opportunity to see the most beautiful parts of the country without ever leaving the truck.

If you think that the world of commercial trucking sounds right for you, sign up for the truck-driving program at HDS Truck Driving Institute. We help our students learn all about the industry so they can get their CDL and start working as a driver. To learn more about our programs, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

Before you can officially get your CDL in Tucson and start working as a commercial driver, you must first obtain a CDL instruction permit. Use this guide to figure out how to get this permit so you can be one step closer to your new career as a truck driver.

Getting a Permit Before a License

If you are applying for your CDL for the first time, you must first get the CDL instruction permit, which is valid for six months. Drivers must be 21 years old to get a CDL. If you are at least 18, you can apply for an intrastate CDL that is only valid in Arizona. If a driver is under 21, though, he or she cannot transport hazardous materials.

Applying for the Permit

When you are ready to apply for your permit, you must get a physical examination and a Medical Examiner Certificate or an ADOT card. You also have to have your social security card and your regular driver’s license as well as another form of identification with your picture. You must be able to prove that you have had at least one year of driving experience in a vehicle that is not a motorcycle. If you have a current Arizona driver’s license, this information will be in the database.

Taking the Class and the Test

Once you have applied for your permit, you have to enroll in a class of license before you can sign up for your permit exam. You have to pass a knowledge test before you can obtain your permit.

If you are interested in driving a commercial truck for a living, HDS Truck Driving Institute is here to help you. We offer nationally recognized training programs that help you learn the skills and the knowledge that you need to get your CDL and start working in the industry. To learn more about our program or how to apply, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

Once you finish your program in truck-driving school and earn your certification to work in the industry, you have to figure out how to navigate the real world of being a truck driver. Keep reading to find out how to get insurance for a commercial truck if you ever decide to become your own boss:

Meet the State Minimum Liability Policy

Every state has different rules when it comes to the minimum amount of liability insurance that you need to cover your vehicle, your business, and your employees. You must have at least the minimum required by your state. Commercial trucks, agricultural trucks, flatbed trucks, fifth wheel trucks, tank trucks, tow trucks, and front loaders must all be covered by commercial vehicle insurance policies.

Get the Coverage You Need

When you get commercial insurance for your vehicle, it will protect your company and your assets. It also covers all of your permanent employees as well as temporary drivers that you use to transport your vehicles. Commercial vehicle insurance can even provide higher coverage for vehicles that are associated with more risk.

Determine Your Rates

There are a few different factors that an insurance company will use to figure out your rates. They will take into account the age and driving record of anyone who will operate your commercial vehicle. They will also look at the type of license that each driver holds and the make and model of the truck. The insurance company must also know what kind of cargo you carry, the amount of passengers in the vehicle, and the mileage that the vehicle does in a year.

Before you can own a trucking company, you must first complete truck-driving school. Apply to HDS Truck Driving Institute to start on the path toward a successful career in the industry. Our programs are designed to help you become the best driver that you can be. To learn more about our program or our financial aid options, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

When you are driving for long periods of time over all kinds of terrain, it is extremely important that your truck operates at its best. Keep reading to find out how to choose the right kind of oil for your commercial truck to keep it running smoothly:

Use the Right Viscosity

It is extremely important to look for the right weight when choosing oil. The wrong viscosity might lower the fuel economy of your vehicle and zap the power. Look at your oil filler cap to find out what viscosity you need for your vehicle to function properly.

Choose Better Grades

Making an investment in the short run can save you from paying a lot of repair costs in the future. Instead of choosing a kind of oil that barely meets the requirements for your vehicle, you should splurge a little bit on the kind with the highest grade. This ensures that your truck gets the lubrication it needs to drive as efficiently as possible. Oil helps keep all of the parts in the vehicle moving and removes sludge deposits and other buildup that might negatively affect the way the truck drives.

Read the Owner’s Manual

If you are unsure about the kind of oil to use in your vehicle, you should check out the owner’s manual to get a better idea of what you need. Make sure you change the oil every 3,000-5,000 miles so your truck operates at its best. This also helps you avoid any unnecessary maintenance issues that might leave you stuck on the side of the road.

At HDS Truck Driving Institute, we help you learn all of the skills that you need to start working as a professional truck driver in the commercial industry. Our programs are designed to help you on your path toward your CDL. To learn more about our admissions policies or how we can help you find a career, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

Once you complete truck-driving school, you have a wide range of career opportunities. Keep reading to learn more about some of the different kinds of trucking jobs that you can get with your CDL:

Pulling a Dry Van

When a driver first starts out in the industry, he or she usually works pulling a dry van to get some experience behind the wheel of a truck. This job entails driving a 53-foot trailer that is full of dry or non-perishable goods. These jobs are usually the lowest paying, but they give drivers the opportunity to build on their commercial driving experience.

Hauling Flatbed Loads

You can also find work as a flatbed hauler. This kind of trucking job has you transporting large materials like airplanes or scaffolding. You might even transport military tanks. Since the load is open, it must be secured. You also might need to attach a tarp in bad weather. This job offers a higher paycheck than some of the other trucking jobs.

Pulling a Low Boy

Other trucks that can handle huge loads are low boys. The middle of this kind of truck is low to the ground. If you pull a low boy, you might have to have some escort vehicles that keep you free from the majority of traffic.

Driving a Tanker

Tanker trucks are often full of liquid. Tankers are responsible for transporting anything from gasoline to milk. Some tankers carry dangerous materials like chemicals and gasses that are explosive. Tanker drivers often require special training to ensure that they are ready to handle the gravity changes associated with transporting liquid.

Come to HDS Truck Driving Institute to learn all of the skills that you need to start working as a truck driver. No matter what kind of vehicle you want to drive, we can help you learn the skills you need to get your CDL and start working. For more information on our program and how to apply, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

Before you can start working as a professional truck driver, you have to earn your Arizona CDL. Once you finish your truck driving school program, you will have to apply for your CDL. Keep reading to learn the steps of applying for this license so you can begin the next phase of your career.

Apply for Your License

The first step to attaining your CDL is to complete the application. The application is two pages and asks you about pertinent information that proves you are ready to get your CDL. Make sure you fill out every line so the Department of Transportation can start to process your paperwork.

Prove Your Citizenship

Before you can get your license, you have to prove that you are legally able to work in the United States. You have to submit at least two documents to prove your citizenship, one of which has your photograph. If you do not have any documents with a photo, you can submit three acceptable forms of identification. You must bring in original documents that are written in English and certified by the agency that issued them.

Bring Identification and Proof of Age

You also have to provide a government-issued ID and something that has proof of your age. It is imperative to bring in two forms of identification and at least one has to have your picture. The Arizona Department of Transportation must also verify your social security number.

Proof of Residence

In order to obtain your CDL in the state of Arizona, you have to prove that you reside there. This means that Arizona must be your permanent home and principal residence.

Start your journey toward your CDL by applying for the program at the HDS Trucking Driving Institute. We make it easy to learn the information and the skills you need to earn your license. For more information on our program and financial aid opportunities, visit us online or call 1-877-205-2141.

 

Once you have completed your program in truck driving school, you have to pass your CDL test before you can officially start to work as a driver. Use the following tips to conduct a thorough and successful pre-trip inspection that will help you make a good impression on the day of your test.

Look at the Entire Truck

You should spend some time inspecting the entire truck to ensure that everything is in working order. This overall safety check lets you know the vehicle is ready for use and feel confident that it will not cause any unexpected problems that could lead to hazardous driving situations. Look at the tires, the headlights, the taillights, the mirrors, and the windshields.

Make Sure the Parts Are in Order

You should also look at all of the important hoses to make sure there are no holes or other problems that could cause an operating issue. Look on the ground for signs of any leaks. You should also check out all of the belts to see if they are all still snug and in the best condition.

Check on the Driving Functions

It is also important to spend some time going over the clutch, the gearshift, the brake, and the accelerator to make sure there are no problems that might make it dangerous to drive. You should also look at the oil pressure gauge and the steering functions. Take some time to see if there is any emergency equipment on board. This equipment should include electrical fuses, reflective triangles, and a fire extinguisher.

This pre-trip inspection and the skills you learn at HDS Truck Driving Institute can prepare you for a long and fulfilling career as a truck driver. Our classes and instructors are here to teach you all of the information and the skills that you need to obtain your CDL in minimal time. To learn more about our programs or how to apply, visit us online or call 1-877-205-2141.

While you are learning the ins and outs of the industry in truck driving school, it is important to pick up some operating tips that will help you on the road. Keep reading to find out why you should consider using synthetic oil as you start to work as a professional driver.

Less Wear and Tear

When you use a quality product like synthetic oil, you do not have to spend as much on maintenance costs for your truck. If you make the effort to fill your truck with the best products, it helps you get the most out of your fuel mileage so you do not have to spend as much to fuel the vehicle. Taking care of your vehicle helps you get the most out of every mile.

Increased Resistance to Temperature Changes

Another benefit of opting for synthetic oil is its ability to withstand a wide range of temperatures. Although regular oil tends to perform well in milder weather, the synthetic will get you the best results throughout the year. If you drive across the country, you will probably experience a wide range of temperatures. The best way to handle these different temperatures is to use synthetic oil that performs well in every kind of weather.

The Best Performance

Synthetic oils are specifically designed to give you the best performance in your vehicle. If you want to start improving your fuel mileage and spend less time repairing your truck, you might want to think about flushing your system and changing it out with synthetic oil that will help you get the optimal performance so you can do the best at your job.

Learn more about maintaining your vehicle at HDS Truck Driving Institute. With one of the best truck driving schools in Tucson, we make it easy to learn all the skills you need to pass your CDL. For more information about our programs or how to apply, visit us online or call 1-877-205-2141.

 

 

If you are looking for a career with plenty of job opportunities, you might want to think about becoming a professional truck driver. Keep reading for some tips that can get you started in the industry and on the path toward a job that you love.

Find a Quality CDL School

Before you can start looking for work, you have to apply to a truck driving school that will get you qualified to obtain your CDL. You should only look at schools with full accreditation to ensure that you can use your education for any kind of job. The best programs are those that have the experience and the resources to produce desirable drivers that a lot of companies want to hire.

Give Yourself Time to Get Used to Driving a Truck

You will get some practice driving while you are in school, but it will probably take a while before you feel truly comfortable behind the wheel of a commercial truck. Once you graduate and obtain your CDL, you should start off with smaller jobs that do not require as much driving so you have the time to really adapt to the road.

Remember to Rest

In the beginning of your career when you are trying to impress your new bosses, you might try to drive even when you start to get tired. If you drive a commercial truck, though, it is extremely important to take a break when you are tired. Driving while you are drowsy can lead to dangerous situations that put you and other vehicles at risk. If you are feeling tired, you should take the time to rest.

When you are ready to jump into the professional truck driving field, sign up for the driving school at Arizona’s HDS Truck Driving Institute. Since 1991, we have provided a quality program to help people in Tucson achieve their career goals. To learn more about our program or how to apply, call 1-877-205-2141.

Operating your own vehicle is only a small part of working as a professional truck driver. Once you start actually driving on the highway, you will need to figure out how to share the road safely with other drivers. Keep reading to learn more about your role in driving safely with other vehicles.

Signal Early

A commercial truck takes up a lot of space. If you want to be a conscientious driver, it is important to signal early to alert others of your plans to turn or change lanes. When you signal early, it helps other people alter their own driving to make room for you in the lane.

Avoid Tailgating

It is very dangerous to tailgate when you are driving a commercial vehicle. Trucks are big and heavy, which means they take more time to stop than smaller cars. If you tailgate, you might not have the braking distance you need to stop in time. Leave at a least a few car lengths in between you and the vehicle in front of you to avoid this issue.

Be Aware of Your Blind Spots

With a long trailer attached to your cab, you will have a lot of blind spots as a commercial truck driver. Make an effort to be aware of these areas by checking your side mirrors once every 10 seconds. You should also try to minimize changing lanes as much as possible.

Use Flashers and Flares

If you have to pull over for any reason, it is important to use flashers, reflective triangles, and road flares so other drivers can see you. Even if you pull over doing the day, you should still take these safety precautions.

Enroll at HDS Truck Driving Institute to learn more about driving a truck so you can prepare for your CDL exam. Our programs are designed to help you become the best and safest driver you can be. To learn more, visit us online or call 1-877-205-2141.