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How to Start a Truck Driving School in Texas

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There are approximately 132,000 truck drivers employed in the state of Texas earning an average hourly wage of $17.69, as of 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). With employment opportunities for truck drivers nationwide expected to increase nine to 13 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the BLS, opportunities to train drivers in the state of Texas exist. You can cash in on this opportunity and learn how to start a truck driving school in Texas.

Obtain equipment. Purchase or lease tractor-trailers and semis. Get insurance to cover both property damage and injuries. Buy other supplies such as cones for teaching how to park and maneuver in tight spaces.

Find a facility. Seek a place with a classroom, so you can discuss the rules and regulations of operating a truck on public roadways. The classroom is also the place to provide basic instruction on how to operate and maneuver semis before students advance to the driving portion of the class. Locate an open space or private area where students can learn to drive a semi. For example, some truck driving schools use campuses at Texas colleges because they often have less traffic on weekends or nights.

Hire employees. Find a Texas Department of Motor Vehicles-approved instructor. Acquire certification if you also want to teach. Employ a support staff person who can answer the phone and assist the instructor, students and administration with the school&#039;s overall operation.

Arrange classes. Set the dates you will offer classes as well as their duration. Make sure the instructor is available during all portions of the course. Determine how you will handle the driving portion. Some schools arrange that individually with each student once the classroom section has been completed, while others group the students together for the actual driving portion.

Promote the school. Advertise your courses in the classified sections of local newspapers in the Help Wanted area. This allows readers to see that training is available to get the truck driving jobs listed on the same page. Post fliers around your community and advertise via social media such as Facebook. Network with a representative from the local workforce center or unemployment agency, since they can refer laid-off workers to you for job retraining.

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Allison Dodge has been a writer since 2005, specializing in education, careers, health and travel. She has worked at educational institutions for more than 10 years. Dodge has a master's degree in education administration.