Aspring Professional Driver - Need Advice On CDL Requirements

Hey Guys and Gals.

I just joined recently because this site has been so informative while doing my search on how to become a truck driver (aka professional driver/road warrior) and I wanted to throw this out there to see if anyone could help me.

I've been living in Tennessee for a little over a year and a half. I'm originally from California. I've looked over the Tennessee CDL requirements and it's been a little overwhelming. Why? Because since moving here, I haven't really found a steady place to live. After a couple of months living on a friend's couch, I ended up living in my car. Then I found an apartment and lived there for seven months. But I left that place recently for many reasons and am currently living off the grid.

Of course, I love driving and traveling. I know what it's like to find a place to park every night and sleep. And trip planning has become second nature. And after reading many positive/negative experiences on truck driving, I know the lifestyle perfectly pairs with what I'm comfortable with. I'm so tired of renting apartments -- it's just a waste of money, in my opinion. At the same time, this is a huge concern for me.

I just checked the CDL requirements for Tennessee and I have to have proof of residence. This is really stressing me out because the documents (I need to provide two) that can be accepted are:

Current utility bill including landline telephone, electric, water, gas, cable, etc. (Wireless telephone bills cannot be accepted). Current vehicle registration (personal vehicle not company vehicle) dated within the last 12 months. TN vehicle title showing TN address (but can’t use a title and vehicle registration as both proofs). Mortgage papers – such as the property deed or mortgage payment coupon/book. Copy of Lease Agreement or Contract with notarized signatures OR accompanied by signed realty agency letterhead confirming lease validity. Voter registration card – NOT the application for voter registration. Military LES papers listing Tennessee as home of record. Current filed tax return - not tax return booklet.

I moved out of my apartment end of February this year.

I'm just curious, if anyone has been in a similar situation, if there's a way around this? Can I still claim my old address as my current address or are there other options? Thank you!

After digging around, I found this:

Easiest way to prove residency is to take your birth certificate, SS card to the town clerks office and register to vote. Most states will accept a voter's registration card as proff of residency.

Read more: http://www.city-data.com/forum/tennessee/529672-im-really-having-problems-without-proof.html#ixzz31MCC9iDs

So I guess I could do that + bring my apartment lease or my vehicle registration (after I get it registered).

So besides CDL required documents, I also have to get my passport. Then, I can contact recruiters to send in my application. I hope. Or can I contact them now even though it may take me about two months to have all my necessary documents?

Also, another question. I see that some company-sponsored cdl training will have you register your CDL in the state that you get your training in. How does that work? Please, any info will be great! I just want to cover my butt before I start the whole application process.

Nomad girl, Welcome aboard!

The way it works with getting your CDL from a Company-Sponsored Training program is that you will get the license in the state where you go to school and then when you return to the state of your residence you can get it transferred to your home state, just like someone would do if they moved to another state. The school provides you with a temporary residence address. You can use a friend or relative's address for your license if you need to - this has been a common practice for truckers who don't have a home of their own for years.

Check out the Truck Driver's Career Guide for some great insight into trucking. You also may enjoy reading Brett's Book, it's a free on line version that is easy to read and packed with lots of great stories from the road.

And don't forget the best way to prepare yourself for taking those state exams is to work your way through the High Road Training Program

Just remember you will need to put some kind of address on the apps. Could be a friend's or families and it can not be a PO Box.

Also remember that almost all apps are done online now so will need internet connection until you leave for school.

And you will not need a passport.....sometime in the future, you may want to get a TWIC card....but you are a ways away from that....So take little steps....and check with the employment division about the WIA program, to pay for your cdl schooling....And stick around here....you will learn LOTS.... welcome to TT !!!

Welcome aboard nomad girl!

You will definitely need a street address you can use. Like they said above, it can be a friend or relative - doesn't matter really. But for your CDL license and to satisfy employer criteria you will need to list a permanent street address. Once you get that you should be all set.

But everything you've said makes it sound like you'd enjoy the travelling lifestyle in trucking. Just get yourself a permanent street address and you'll be ready to move forward.

Awesome. thanks for the advice. yep, i know those mailing/po addresses don't work. i tried getting auto insurance with my mailing address and they wouldn't accept it. i have my car title and passport linked with my old address. i have a friend who lives two hours away in another county. i probably could get away with that right?

i have a friend who lives two hours away in another county. i probably could get away with that right?

I don't see why not. You can use any address that someone will agree to let you use. Just keep in mind that you might receive sensitive materials like check stubs and bank statements so make sure you can trust the people who live at the address you're using.

I am currently looking to start my trucking career. I wanted to avoid some of the hiring freezes from Florida, not I didn't want it as my home state. I asked my ex's brother if I could use his address in Georgia. With a little effort I have a Georgia license and CDL permit. I intend to get a PO box to as a mailing address. Just make sure you trust the person with important documents