Over the Road (OTR) Driver Training
Training Doesn't Stop After CDL School
Following completion of trucking school, new drivers begin over-the-road (OTR) training with a qualified trainer, followed by a road test and solo driving, before they can graduate training and become a Knight Driving Associate.
While training with Knight Transportation, you will get real-world driving experience and learn critical skills needed for your truck driving career — all while earning an income. Training is performance based and it takes around four weeks to complete.
Our driver trainers are experienced drivers who are there to ensure your success. Learn the ropes from a professional who knows the ins and outs of life over the road.
Career Growth
Real World Experience
Learn Critical Skills
Work/Family Balance
OTR Training Timeline
Apply to Knight Transportation and a recruiter will reach out to qualify you and get the hiring process started.
Not every carrier offers over the road training to new CDL holders. Due to the volume of applications we receive, our hiring process is thorough. We are looking for drivers who are committed to the trucking lifestyle of over the road driving.
Trainees must attend Driver Qualification Process (DQP), and pass a physical and drug test before being hired. Prior to this, you will also discuss with your recruiter what over the road training will entail.
This process may take up to one week.
Drivers go over the road with a Knight driver trainer and get real-world experience.
Typically 4 weeks long.
After completing your OTR training, you will get assigned your own truck begin driving solo.
Once you drive 30k solo miles you are able to bring a rider with approval and also gain a few other perks of being a solo driver.
After driving 60k solo miles of safe driving and meeting a few other requirements, you may apply to become a trainer and pass the torch to the next generation of drivers!
Featured Jobs
Location:Phoenix, AZ
Salary:$.45 to $.63 CPM
At Knight Transportation we have one mission: Deliver More. We are committed to delivering more for our drivers. More Miles. More Pay. More Respect!
What does it mean to be part of the most profitable and fastest growing truckload carrier in the country? So much MORE.
Job Details:
While training with Knight Transportation, you will get real-world CDL A driving experience and learn critical skills needed for your truck driving career — all while earning an income. Training is performance based and lasts about four to six weeks.
- Paid OTR training
- 2-6 weeks of performance based training
- Learn critical skills
Location:Nashville, TN
Salary:$.45 to $.63 CPM
At Knight Transportation we have one mission: Deliver More. We are committed to delivering more for our drivers. More Miles. More Pay. More Respect!
What does it mean to be part of the most profitable and fastest growing truckload carrier in the country? So much MORE.
Job Details:
While training with Knight Transportation, you will get real-world CDL A driving experience and learn critical skills needed for your truck driving career — all while earning an income. Training is performance based and lasts about four to six weeks.
- Paid OTR training
- 2-6 weeks of performance based training
- Learn critical skills
Location:Denver, CO
Salary:$.45 to $.63 CPM
At Knight Transportation we have one mission: Deliver More. We are committed to delivering more for our drivers. More Miles. More Pay. More Respect!
What does it mean to be part of the most profitable and fastest growing truckload carrier in the country? So much MORE.
Job Details:
While training with Knight Transportation, you will get real-world CDL A driving experience and learn critical skills needed for your truck driving career — all while earning an income. Training is performance based and lasts about four to six weeks.
- Paid OTR training
- 2-6 weeks of performance based training
- Learn critical skills
Frequently Asked Questions
Our trainees go 2-6 weeks in our training program, depending on how much experience they have before they come on board with Knight. Training is proficiency based and trainees can expect to be away from home during training.
Yes, on average $650 a week for a full week of training.
Yes, solo drivers (after training) are eligible for a monthly safety, fuel, & production bonus.
Knight offers referral bonuses to active drivers in which terms and conditions apply.
Training is proficiency based. A road test may be given to determine your level of proficiency.
If you do not have a Class A CDL, you must be a graduate of an accredited 120 hour trucking school.
After training is complete and you drive 30k solo miles, Knight has a rider policy with terms and requirements.
After training is complete and you drive 30k solo miles, Knight has a dog policy with terms and requirements.
Once you complete 60k miles and meet a few other qualifications, such as driving a winter season, you may apply to become a driver mentor!
You are eligible to team drive after completing 30k miles of solo driving and a safety review.
During the training period, you might be away from home for 4 weeks. Once you are driving solo, depending on the freight, you can potentially be home on weekends. We also offer slip seating.
Yes. To be eligible you must have 1 year of verifiable OTR experience and have been with Knight a minimum of 90 days as a company driver.
Yes, we offer tuition reimbursement for our trainees. Terms and conditions apply.
Knight does a DOT urine test as well as a 6 panel hair drug screen test that is tested by a third party.
Knight reviews each application as a whole and has our safety department review past criminal charges.
Give us a call at 1-888-4KNIGHT and a member of our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Knight Life
Drive For Knight
If you’re a professional truck driver looking for opportunities that work for YOU, then you’ve come to the right place. Check out available truck driving job listings, or call us to learn more about your options.
