What Does it Take to be a Concrete Truck Driver?

If you’ve considered the possibility of driving a concrete truck as your profession, you are certainly not alone. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that heavy and tractor-trailer truck driving jobs will continue to grow at about 4% a year through 2031, which means there will be thousands of positions available nationwide. Below, you can learn more about what it takes to become a concrete truck driver.

What Does a Concrete Truck Driver Do?

A concrete truck driver is someone who drives a specialized truck to and from job sites and pours concrete from a mixer on the back of the truck. You will be required to load the truck with the correct materials, drive the truck safely to the jobsite, empty the concrete at the jobsite, then return the truck to its original location. You may be required to log your mileage, undergo truck inspections, and perform a variety of maintenance tasks. In many cases, the parent company owns the trucks and hires drivers to operate them, but in some cases, the drivers may benefit from owning their own trucks, instead.

What are the Requirements?

There are relatively few qualifications required to become a concrete truck driver. To get started, you will need to have a high school diploma or GED, and some experience in the construction industry is a plus – especially if you can demonstrate that you are knowledgeable when it comes to occupational safety. You will need a clean driving record and a commercial driver’s license before you can operate a concrete truck, and you will likely need to undergo background checks and drug screenings as part of the employment requirements.

Getting a Commercial Driver’s License

The requirements for obtaining a commercial driver’s license, or CDL, are different from state to state. In general, you can follow these steps:

• Obtain a copy of your state’s CDL manual. You can find it online or pick up a printed copy from a licensing branch in your local area.
• Apply for the correct CDL class. There are three classes for operating school buses, tank trucks (like a concrete truck), and tractor trailers. You will need to pass a skills test and a written test before you can obtain your CDL.
• Get the Commercial Learner’s Permit, or CLP. This gives you the authorization you need to practice driving on public roadways with a licensed CDL holder with you.
• Complete entry-level training. You will need to pass training with a registered training provider before you can be issued your CDL.
• Get your CDL. When you have fulfilled the requirements of your permit, passed your background checks, and passed your entry-level training, you will need to take a three-part skills test. This test consists of the Vehicle Inspection Test, the Basic Controls Test, and the Road Test. Passing all three shows that you have the knowledge and ability to operate the vehicle safely.

For more information about getting the correct licensure to operate a concrete truck in your state, visit the CDL Knowledge website and find your state. This is an exciting career opportunity for anyone who enjoys driving and who has some knowledge of the construction industry. It’s also a great way to begin a career in the construction industry, especially if your goal is to develop your heavy equipment operation skills and make a great living along the way. If you’ve got questions or are interested in a Concrete Truck Driver career, just visit the Standard Materials job page and apply for one of our open positions. We’re even offering signing bonuses for select positions!