Basic Qualifications and Skills For Truckers
Driving a commercial vehicle is much more than just getting behind the wheel of a big rig. The skills necessary and the responsibility inherent in driving what can be an 80,000 pound big rig are numerous. The best truck accident attorneys understand this and have respect and admiration for truck drivers. Victims of commercial vehicle crashes need confidence that their truck crash attorney understands the qualifications and skills necessary to drive a semi truck in order to ensure successful results from any truck crash claim.
State and Federal regulations set strict requirements to ensure truck drivers are equipped to safely operate large, potentially dangerous vehicles on interstate highways and local roadways. Truck accident claims are often complex, but an experienced truck accident attorney will know that you have to start by examining the driver’s qualifications and training.
Here we quickly break down the basic qualifications necessary for someone to obtain a commercial driver’s license and operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) on Colorado’s roadways.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): The Basics
in Colorado, a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required to operate vehicles that are heavier, carry more passengers, or transport hazardous materials.
A driver must have a CDL if they are behind the wheel of a vehicle that:
- Has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or Gross Vehicle Weight of at least 26,001 lbs, whichever is greater;
- Is designed to transport at least 16 passengers including the driver; or
- Is transporting a quantity of hazardous materials requiring placarding.
There are three general classes of CDLs:
- Class A: Required to drive any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, including a towed unit heavier than 10,000 pounds. Think semi-trucks and tractor-trailers.
- Class B: Required for single vehicles over 26,001 pounds, or towing a vehicle under 10,000 pounds. Examples include box trucks or dump trucks.
- Class C: Required for vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers (like a shuttle bus) or carrying hazardous materials.
- Exempt Vehicles: Military vehicles, fire trucks, snow plows (in emergency situations) and farm vehicles used within 150 mile radius of the farm are exempt from CDL requirements.
Requirements For A CDL In Colorado
Like the commercial motor vehicles themselves, getting a CDL in Colorado is more complicated and requires more preparation than a regular driver’s license. The following is a quick review of the requirements for a CDL:
- A valid Colorado Driver’s License or a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP):
- Must be at least 18 years old to drive a CMV within Colorado (21 for interstate driving).
- Need a valid Colorado driver’s license.
- Pass a CDL general knowledge test and a vision exam.
- Submit a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT medical card) confirming you meet physical health standards.
- Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence.
- Submit a driving record.
- Pass an Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a Registered Provider.
- As of 2022, all new drivers must complete ELDT from an FMCSA-approved provider before taking the skills test.
- Training includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training.
- THE ELDT covers General Knowledge, Air brakes, and Combination Vehicles. The General Knowledge section covers driving and transporting cargo safely, including questions pre-trip inspection, vehicle controls, driving in inclement weather, securing cargo, and accident procedures. As CMVs use air brake systems, the ins and outs of these systems must be understood. The combination vehicle portion covers safe driving practices and inspections for tractor trailers.
- CDL Skills Test:
- After holding a CLP for at least 14 days and completing training, the driver takes a three-part test:
- Pre-trip vehicle inspection – covers steps taken to ensure your vehicle is in a safe condition to operate.
- Basic vehicle control – driving test including straight line backing, offset backing, and docking that must be completed in a specified time;
On-road driving test – exactly what it sounds like, the driver is required to show that they have the skills and competency to operate a commercial motor vehicle on the roadway. If the driver passes, he/she will be issued a CDL valid for four years in Colorado.
Endorsements for Tankers and Hazmat Vehicles
Federal regulations require special training beyond what is necessary for a CDL to drive tanker vehicles, (“N” tank vehicle endorsement) or vehicles carrying hazmat material (“H” hazardous materials endorsement).
A “N” tank vehicle endorsement is necessary to drive a CMV that is designed to transport any liquid or gas with a capacity of more than 119 galls and a rated capacity of 1,000 gallons.
A “H” hazardous materials endorsement is required to transport materials such as toxic chemicals, nuclear waste, fuel, or other flammable liquids or gases. In practice, hauling these types of materials will require an “X” endorsement – which covers both tanker and hazmat hauling.
Drivers hoping for one of these commercial driving jobs must demonstrate skills and competence to safely operate these vehicles in Colorado and across the United States.
How It Compares To A Non-Commercial Driver’s License
In general, there are significant differences between what is needed for a non-commercial driver’s license for general passenger vehicles versus a commercial driver’s license.
Regular Driver’s Licenses are issued to anyone over the age of 16. And while they require passing a written test covering the rules of the road and a road test. The complexity of both is significantly less than what is required for a CDL as outlined above. No medical certification or background checks are necessary beyond a basic vision test, and special schooling or training is not required.
Final Thoughts
A truck crash attorney has to understand that driving a commercial vehicle requires skills and training. The best truck crash attorneys understand and respect what someone has achieved in obtaining a commercial driver’s license. Driving a semi is also a physically demanding job that requires constant attention and effort to accomplish; without diligence on the road, drivers can succumb to fatigue, inattention, distraction, or other common factors in truck crashes. And this understanding helps us hold drivers and carriers to a higher safety standard to PREVENT crashes.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, you need truck crash lawyers with experience and education in commercial truck accident cases. General personal injury lawyers simply do not have the same level of knowledge as an experienced truck accident lawyer. Attorneys at the Law Offices of Peter M. Anderson have the experience and education needed to handle accidents involving commercial vehicles and semi trucks. Peter M. Anderson is board certified in truck accident law, one of only two such qualified in the state of Colorado. He can navigate the complex federal regulations applicable to your injury claims. The Law Offices of Peter M. Anderson will fight insurance companies on behalf of truck accident victims and get you the compensation you deserve.