{"id":1685,"date":"2025-02-07T01:02:07","date_gmt":"2025-02-07T01:02:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prepsaret.com\/ged\/?p=1685"},"modified":"2025-02-07T13:47:02","modified_gmt":"2025-02-07T13:47:02","slug":"do-you-need-a-ged-to-get-into-trucking-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prepsaret.com\/ged\/do-you-need-a-ged-to-get-into-trucking-school","title":{"rendered":"Do You Need a GED to Get into Trucking School?"},"content":{"rendered":"

A GED is not legally required to enroll in and attend a trucking school in order to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, many trucking schools and companies may prefer or even require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED credential. This is because a diploma or GED demonstrates basic skills in areas like reading, writing, and math that are important for successfully completing\u00a0<\/span>CDL training and working as a commercial driver.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, if you need to use federal financial aid or grants to pay for their CDL training, you will need to have a high school diploma or GED.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But it is still possible to obtain a CDL without these credentials, you would just have to pay for the training out-of-pocket.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more: <\/b>How Do You Get a GED?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Requirements for Trucking School<\/b><\/h2>\n

Valid Driver’s License<\/b><\/p>\n

Applicants must hold a valid, non-commercial driver’s license in order to enroll in a trucking program. This demonstrates that the person already has basic driving skills and experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

Medical Certification<\/b><\/p>\n

Prospective trucking students must obtain a valid medical examiner’s certificate. This involves passing a comprehensive medical exam to ensure that one meets the physical and mental health requirements for operating a commercial vehicle. This includes vision, hearing, and other health assessments.<\/span><\/p>\n

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT)<\/b><\/p>\n

As of February 2022, all new CDL applicants must complete an <\/span>ELDT program<\/span><\/a> before taking the written and skills tests for their CDL. This federally-mandated training covers topics like vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and safe operating procedures.<\/span><\/p>\n

Background Check<\/b><\/p>\n

Trucking schools and employers will conduct a thorough background check on applicants, looking for any criminal history, driving violations, or other red flags that could disqualify them from obtaining a CDL.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additional Certifications<\/b><\/p>\n

Depending on the type of CDL license being pursued (Class A, B, or C) and the type of vehicle the individual wants to operate, there may be additional certifications or endorsements required, such as for hazardous materials, passenger transport, or tank vehicles.<\/span><\/p>\n

Policies of Trucking Schools Regarding Educational Requirements<\/b><\/h2>\n

Educational Prerequisites<\/b><\/h3>\n

Many trucking schools require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED as a prerequisite for enrollment. This ensures that students have the basic language, writing, and math skills necessary to complete the program successfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alternative Options<\/b><\/h3>\n

Some trucking schools may accept an Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) test<\/a> as an alternative to a high school diploma or GED. This test demonstrates that the applicant can benefit from the training program, even if they do not have a formal education.<\/span><\/p>\n

Company-Specific Requirements<\/b><\/h3>\n

Large trucking companies often require a high school diploma or GED for hiring. This is because they want to ensure that their employees have the necessary skills to complete the training and perform their job duties effectively.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trucking Schools and Their Admission Criteria<\/b><\/h2>\n

HDS Truck Driving Institute<\/b><\/h3>\n