What Are Truck Driver Training Requirements?

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Large commercial truck drivers must meet specific requirements to do their job. Unfortunately, sometimes drivers don’t receive the proper training or don’t have the proper qualifications to operate large trucks safely. That can lead to devastating accidents.

If you were injured in a truck accident, Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers has what it takes to help you recover the compensation you need to recover financially after an accident. Call us at (973) 364-8300 to review your case and legal options.

One of the most critical requirements for truck drivers involves obtaining their CDL (commercial driver’s license). Below, we’ll discuss standard truck driver training and CDL requirements.

New Jersey CDL Qualifications For Truckers

The driver must have a valid CDL to operate a commercial vehicle in New Jersey. Just to qualify to apply for a CDL, a driver must meet specific criteria. Commercial drivers must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a basic New Jersey driver’s license – A person who does not have a basic Class D New Jersey license will be required to pay a fee of $24 to be licensed in New Jersey.
• Have 20/40 vision in each eye – This can be achieved with corrective lenses if needed.
• Be able to recognize green, red, and amber lights
• Be physically fit – The state may require a person to submit a valid medical examiner’s report to ensure the applicant is fit.

To obtain a CDL, you will also have to pay certain fees:

• A person will pay $42 for a four-year CDL – They will also pay an additional $2 for each endorsement they want to apply to the CDL. Endorsements speak to the type of vehicle the person plans to drive when they receive their CDL.
• A person will pay $125 for a CLP examination test receipt – The CLP examination test receipt is required before a person can proceed with any further step in acquiring a CDL.

To apply for a CDL, the person must complete the following steps:

• Study the CDL Manual
• Complete the Commercial Driver License application – This is a specific form that a person must fill out and present to the state to apply for their CDL.
• Pass the 6 points of ID verification – New Jersey requires a person to identify themselves as a legal United States citizen properly. The six points are represented by various documents that are given specific values. For instance, a person can show a birth certificate, which is worth four points, and a New Jersey driver’s license, which is valued at two points. A complete list of the various types of ID verification can be found here.
• Pay the $125 test receipt fee – This can be paid with cash, a money order, a certified check, or a credit or debit card.
• Pass the driving test – The driving test is a paper test that will occur during an appointment with a licensing center at a motor vehicle agency.
• Practice driving for 14 days – During this period, the driver will practice driving the type of commercial vehicle they will be driving once they obtain their CDL.
• Take the road test – If the person passes, they return to the motor vehicle agency to get the CDL.

CDLs are valid for four years in New Jersey. To continue working as a commercial driver in the state, a truck driver must renew their CDL once the four-year period ends.

Injured In A Truck Accident? Call Us Today

Truck drivers who lack the proper training or qualifications to operate a large commercial vehicle can present a significant risk to other motorists. Even truck drivers with the proper qualifications can engage in negligent driving behaviors and end up causing an accident.

If you were injured in a truck accident, contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with one of our seasoned truck accident attorneys. During your consultation, we’ll discuss the details of your case and evaluate your options. If you have sustained a serious injury as defined by the state of New Jersey, you might qualify to file a third-party insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party or parties.

You shouldn’t stress about the claims process while recovering from your injuries. Our attorneys will handle every aspect of your truck accident case while you focus on improving. If you were injured in a truck accident, call our team today at (973) 364-8300.