You can start driving trucks without prior experience, but you will need a valid Class A CDL first

Most trucking companies hire drivers who have never driven commercially before, but they will not put you behind the wheel until you hold a Class A Commercial Driver's License. The path is: get your CDL, then find a company that will hire you as a new driver. Some companies run their own training programs and will hire you before you have your license — they train you, you pass the test on your own dime or theirs, and then you drive for them. Others require the license first. Either way, you start as a company driver (not owner-operator), which means you work for a fleet and drive their truck.

The job market for new Class A drivers is active. Trucking companies face ongoing driver shortages, which means they regularly hire people with zero experience. Pay starts lower than for experienced drivers — typically $35,000 to $45,000 per year for a first-year driver — but increases as you log miles and gain experience. Most positions are over-the-road (OTR), meaning you live in the truck for weeks at a time. Some companies offer regional or local routes if you prefer to be home more often, though those usually come after you have proven yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass the Class A CDL written and skills tests before any trucking company will let you drive commercially, even if they provide training.
  • Some companies will hire you before you have your license and cover training costs; others require you to obtain your CDL independently first.
  • Your first job will almost certainly be over-the-road (OTR) driving, meaning you live in the truck and are away from home for extended periods.
  • First-year pay ranges from $35,000 to $45,000 annually, with increases tied to experience, safety record, and miles driven.
  • You will need a valid state driver's license, a medical certificate from a Department of Transportation (DOT) physician, and a clean driving record to be hired.

What companies look for in a new Class A driver

Trucking companies care most about three things: a valid Class A CDL, a clean driving record, and a DOT medical certificate. The medical certificate comes from a certified DOT physician and confirms you are physically able to drive a commercial truck. You can obtain one before you even explore for jobs — it costs between $100 and $200 and is valid for two years. Having it ready shows you are serious and speeds up the hiring process.

A clean driving record means no major violations in the past three to five years. A single speeding ticket is usually fine. A DUI, reckless driving charge, or multiple violations will disqualify you from most major carriers. Some smaller companies or regional fleets are more lenient, but the big national carriers (Swift, Schneider, Werner, Heartland Express, PAM) have strict standards. If you have a questionable record, be honest about it during the process — lying will get you rejected faster than the violation itself.

Companies also run background checks and verify your employment history. They want to see that you have held jobs and did not leave them under bad circumstances. If you have been fired multiple times or have gaps you cannot explain, that raises red flags. A solid work history — even in unrelated fields — helps. If you have been out of work, have a straightforward explanation ready: "I was caring for family" or "I was between jobs and preparing for my CDL" is fine.

Two paths to getting hired: company-sponsored training or independent CDL first

The company-sponsored training route works like this: you explore to a trucking company that offers training, they hire you as a trainee, you attend their training program (usually three to four weeks), you take the CDL test, and once you pass, you start driving for them. The company covers the cost of training — typically $3,000 to $8,000 — but you sign a contract agreeing to work for them for a set period (usually one to two years). If you leave before the contract ends, you may owe them back the training cost. Major carriers like Swift, Schneider, and Werner all run these programs and hire new drivers regularly.

The independent CDL route means you pay for your own training and testing, then explore for jobs once you have your license. You attend a CDL training school (four to eight weeks, costing $3,000 to $7,000), pass the written and skills tests on your own, and then explore to companies. You have more freedom to choose your employer, and you do not owe anyone back training costs if you change jobs. However, you pay upfront, which is a barrier if you do not have savings. Some people finance training through loans or attend community college programs that offer CDL courses at lower cost.

Which route is right depends on your situation. If you have no money saved, company-sponsored training removes the financial barrier. If you have savings or can borrow money, independent training gives you more control. Both paths lead to the same job market — once you have your CDL, you can explore anywhere.

Where to find Class A driver jobs with no experience

The largest trucking companies actively recruit new drivers and have dedicated hiring pages. Visit the careers section of Swift, Schneider, Werner, PAM, Heartland Express, or Marten Transport and filter for "entry-level" or "new driver" positions. These sites let you explore directly and often show you the training program details and pay structure upfront. Many of these companies have recruiting offices in multiple states, so you can sometimes attend training near home.

Job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor list trucking positions from both large carriers and smaller regional fleets. Search "Class A CDL driver entry level" or "new driver no experience" and filter by location. Regional fleets often hire new drivers too and may offer better home time than national carriers, though their pay is sometimes lower. Check reviews on Glassdoor to see what current and former drivers say about pay, equipment, and treatment.

Trucking schools often have job placement services. If you attend a CDL school, ask whether they have partnerships with hiring companies. Many schools have relationships with fleets and can connect you to jobs when ready after you pass your test. This is one of the fastest paths to employment. You can also contact local trucking companies directly — call the dispatch or driver recruitment line and ask if they hire new drivers. Smaller, regional companies are sometimes more willing to take a chance on someone with no experience.

What to expect during your first year on the road

Your first job will almost certainly be over-the-road (OTR) driving. You will be assigned a truck, given a route, and expected to drive long distances — often 500 to 1,000 miles per day — and sleep in the truck's sleeper cab. You will be away from home for two to four weeks at a time, then get a few days off before the next run. This is the industry standard for new drivers because it keeps you productive and generating revenue for the company. Regional or local routes come later, after you have proven yourself.

Pay is usually calculated by the mile — you earn a set amount per mile driven, typically $0.30 to $0.45 per mile for a new driver. This means your paycheck depends on how many miles you drive. If you are sitting idle waiting for a load, you are not earning. Most companies may provide a minimum weekly pay ($400 to $600) to smooth out slow weeks. After your first year, if you have a clean safety record, you can often move to a regional route or switch companies for better pay.

You will also have a trainer or mentor for your first few weeks or months, depending on the company. This person rides with you, teaches you how to handle the truck, and evaluates your performance. Some trainers are patient and helpful; others are harsh. You have limited control over who you get, but most companies will reassign you if there is a serious personality clash. Once you are cleared to drive solo, you are on your own — you manage your own time, your own rest, and your own safety.

Documents and requirements you need before explore

Before you explore to any trucking company, gather these documents: a valid state driver's license, your Social Security number, proof of citizenship or work authorization (passport, birth certificate, or green card), and your employment history for the past five to ten years. Have the names and phone numbers of previous employers or supervisors ready. Companies will call to verify you actually worked there.

You will also need a DOT medical certificate. Schedule an appointment with a DOT-certified medical examiner (find one at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website or ask your local CDL testing center). Bring your driver's license and be prepared to answer questions about your health history. The exam takes about 30 minutes and costs $100 to $200. Once you pass, you receive a certificate valid for two years. Some companies will hire you without this certificate, but having it ready speeds things up.

If you are pursuing company-sponsored training, you will also need to pass a background check and drug test. These are standard and happen after you are hired but before training starts. Be honest on all forms — lying about your past will disqualify you when ready.

How long it takes from decision to first paycheck

If you choose company-sponsored training, the timeline is roughly: explore (1 week), get hired and start training (1 to 2 weeks), complete training (3 to 4 weeks), pass your CDL test (1 week), and start driving (when ready). Total: two to three months from process to your first paycheck. Some companies move faster; others slower. Once you start driving, you typically get your first paycheck within two weeks.

If you pursue independent training first, the timeline is: attend CDL school (4 to 8 weeks), pass your test (1 to 2 weeks), explore for jobs (1 to 2 weeks), get hired (1 week), and start driving. Total: two to four months. After that, your first paycheck comes within two weeks of starting.

The company-sponsored route is usually faster because the company controls the timeline and wants to get you trained and productive. The independent route takes longer but gives you more flexibility in choosing your employer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a high school diploma or GED to become a Class A driver?

No. The CDL test has no education requirement. You need a valid driver's license, a DOT medical certificate, and the ability to pass the written and skills tests. Some trucking companies prefer a high school diploma or GED, but it is not required by law. If a company asks and you do not have one, be honest — many will still hire you.

What if I have a DUI or other serious violation on my record?

A DUI will disqualify you from most major carriers for at least three to five years. Smaller regional fleets or owner-operator opportunities may be open to you sooner, but your options are limited. If your violation is older than five years and you have a clean record since, major carriers may reconsider. Be upfront about it during the process — hiding it will get you rejected faster.

Can I get a Class A CDL if I wear glasses or have other vision issues?

Yes, as long as your vision meets DOT standards. You can wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) during the test and while driving. The DOT medical examiner will check your vision and let you know if you meet the standard. Most people with corrected vision pass without issue.

What happens if I fail the CDL test on my first try?

You can retake it. Most states let you retake the test within a few days or weeks. If you are in company-sponsored training, the company usually covers the retake fee. If you are training independently, you pay the retake fee (typically $50 to $100). Most people pass on the second attempt if they studied the first time.

Is it true that trucking companies will hire almost anyone?

Not quite. They will hire people with no experience, but they still check your driving record, run a background check, and verify your work history. A clean record and stable employment history matter. However, they are more forgiving of gaps in employment or unrelated work experience than many industries. If you have a serious criminal record or multiple DUIs, you will face rejection from major carriers.