How Long Can a Truck Driver Drive: Truck Driving Lifestyle

Truck drivers are an expected sight on the road, no matter where you’re headed. In many ways, this can cause them to fly under the radar when it comes to potential careers because they fade into the background. There are about 3.5 million truck drivers in the United States, and due to the way items are moved around the country, there’ll always be a demand for truck drivers. Learning more about their day can help you to decide whether this is the right career path for you.

How Long Can Truck Drivers Drive Every Day?

In the past, truck drivers had regulations that weren’t very strict and this could create issues for dangerous driving conditions. Feeling tired behind the wheel can be more dangerous than many people realize, and being behind such a large vehicle, increases the potential for disaster.

There are some regulations now that help a driver stay safe behind the wheel. There are three limits that you need to follow at all times that lays out the maximum duty limits placed on drivers. These include the seven days, 60 hours or 8 days, 70 hours limits, an 11-hour driving limit, and the 14-hour driving window limit.

What Is a Typical Day like for a Truck Driver?

A typical day for a truck driver is often different from other careers, especially for drivers that don’t have a set route. A day will usually start by performing an inspection of the vehicle, and performing any necessary maintenance, such as filling up the gas tank or window washing fluid. Then, messages are checked about the route and items being hauled.

Once this is completed, the driver is able to go about their business driving their route. Some drivers take their hauls long-distance and may only make a few stops in picking up the items and dropping them off all at once. Other truck drivers, may make several stops throughout their routes picking up items as they go and dropping off others along the route.

Drivers are able to stop to eat and take care of other things as the day passes as long as they’re following the rules for how long drivers are able to drive. After driving for the set amount of time allowed on their route, drivers are able to sleep or explore the area that they are driving in.

As there is a set amount of time before a driver can start driving again, drivers that are out of town away from home need to find things that can occupy their off time. Some use the internet to watch movies or talk with their families. Others go to a movie theater, restaurants, or other attractions to spend their time.

Why Is It Important to Learn Everything You Can in a Formal Class before Taking the Driving Test?

A formal class can make a big difference in your performance on your driving test. Taking a class gives you the opportunity to learn about all of the different aspects of driving a truck. Covering driving safety, transportation of different materials, how to best plan a route, learning maintenance, and operation of the vehicle can go a long way towards being able to pass your test.

Getting an opportunity to practice parking, backing up, and shifting extensively will assist you in being able to become proficient in these skills to earn your Class A CDL. As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect and having the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors and get hands-on experience can make a big difference in your performance.

Are you interested in taking a course for Tractor-Trailer Driving? Contact Advanced Technology Institute today to discuss our classes for commercial driving. Our experienced admissions staff can discuss our programs with you today and how it can positively impact your future career.