Receiving a New Hampshire commercial driver’s license (CDL) allows one to have a career in truck driving within the state, as well as other countries such as Canada if one has the necessary qualifications. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of truck drivers in this state is around $38,990. When considering the average salary, you must remember that the average will also vary depending on the type of industry you are working.
Becoming a commercial truck driver in New Hampshire does not require a 2 or 4 year degree. The most important thing you need to start working in this industry is a CDL. Obtaining a CDL can only take a few months and enrolling in a CDL training course or program helps ensure that you get your CDL on time. Studying the New Hampshire CDL Manual will also help you better prepare for the knowledge test. This manual can be acquired by visiting your nearest DMV office. The manual contains important information regarding truck driving as well as the areas which applicants will be tested on.
The main requirements to obtain a New Hampshire CDL include:
• A valid New Hampshire driver’s license, a DOT issued medical certificate, and a minimum age of 18;
• All applicants are required to relinquish all and any other CDL license issued in other states;
• Three (3) official documents that clearly show an applicant’s name, address, and date of birth. Social Security card, Driver’s license, and a birth certificate can be submitted to meet these requirements;
• A driver must be at least 21 years old if he/she wants to drive interstate;
• Applicants must pass a general knowledge test; and
• Passing a skills test, which consists of three parts
One cannot take the skills test without passing the written knowledge test. In addition to the general knowledge test, other tests must be taken for each endorsement required to drive a specific type of commercial vehicle. Those endorsements include air brakes, double/triple trailers, school busses, tank trucks, transporting passengers, and hauling hazardous materials. (Applicants aiming to transfer hazardous materials are now required to undergo a background check by the Transportation Security Administration.)
If you pass the general knowledge exam, the state will provide you with a temporary learner’s permit. This permit will allow you to drive a truck within the state while under the supervision of a licensed driver. Getting this permit will help applicants gain driving experience before taking the road skills test.
The skills test consists of a typical pre-trip inspection, a fundamental vehicle control test, and an on-the-road driving exam. Applicants must be able to pass all three parts of the skills test to receive their CDL. Failing in one area of the exam means starting again from the beginning.
Truck Driving Schools in NH Listed By City
Berlin
White Mountains Community College
2020 Riverside Drive,
Berlin, NH 03570
Phone: (630) 444-1326
Brentwood
Northeast Heavy Construction Academy
48 Pine Rd
Brentwood, NH 03833
(888) 262-8598
Concord
Commercial Driving School
70 Pembroke Road,
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 715-2559
Laconia
Lakes Region Community College
379 Belmont Road,
Laconia, NH 03246
(603) 524-3207
Salem
CDL Truck Driver Courses
3 Fir St
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 247-2400
Do you know of a CDL school that belongs on this directory list? If so you can submit the name of the facility, its address and phone number for inclusion through our contact form located here.
hours. Some of the documents which are required for a CDL is a current driver’s license, a filled out application form, medical and visual test, a DOT medical certification, a background check, and a written and road test. An applicant would need to pass all of these tests and requirements in order to get a license.