New exam will help Montana trucker receive CDL training

The oil boom in eastern Montana has prompted Governor Brian Schweitzer and Attorney General Steve Bullock to create an additional driver exam that will be able to supplement the demand for truckers with the proper CDL training to become part of the workforce.

Before the creation of the exam, many prospective Montana truckers were unable to obtain certifications to become drivers, leading trucking companies in need of drivers to look outside of the state to fill their jobs.

"Fortunately, by working with the governor’s office, we’ve found a way to increase services all across Montana so we can speed up the licensing process, ensure that safe drivers are on the road, and put people to work sooner," said Bullock. 

Gas-tax funds are being used to fund the new exam, which is aiming to place transportation professionals in new positions.

Carmella Campanian, school director of a truck driver training program in Billings, told the Billings Gazette that over 90 percent of the graduates from the school are able to find employment within Montana, and many entry-level jobs for truckers have a pay range of $35,000 to $75,000.

New exam will help Montana trucker receive CDL training

Thursday, March 22nd, 2012