How Much Does Truck Driving School Cost? 2024 Guide

Truck driving is becoming an attractive profession for many in Vietnam, offering stable job opportunities and good income. However, unlike driving a car, operating a truck requires advanced skills and the ability to handle complex situations. Therefore, learning to drive a truck is not just about getting used to the steering wheel, but also a serious investment journey. So, is learning to drive a truck difficult, and how much does it currently cost? This article from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình (My Dinh Trucks) will provide you with a comprehensive overview of this issue.

Is Driving a Truck Really Difficult?

Many people who are just starting to learn about the truck driving profession often ask if this job is too difficult. In reality, the difficulty of learning to drive a truck depends on many subjective and objective factors.

Subjective Factors:

Personality and Psychology: Diligent, quick-witted people with a good ability to learn often find it easier to learn to drive a truck. Conversely, those who are impatient and unfocused may face more challenges.
Personal Skills: The initial driving skills (if any), hand-eye coordination, as well as confidence when operating large vehicles, greatly affect the learning process.
Learning Method: The approach to knowledge, the proactive practice, and the ability to apply theory to practice determine the learner’s progress rate.

Objective Factors:

Training Quality: Dedicated and experienced teachers with scientific teaching methods play an important role. A reputable training center will provide a good learning environment and a systematic curriculum.
Driver’s License Type: Learning to drive with a Class C license will be more difficult and require more time than a B1 or B2 license due to the requirements for more in-depth skills and knowledge.
Training Vehicle Type: A new, well-maintained training vehicle will help learners get familiar with and practice skills more easily.

In summary, learning to drive a truck is not too difficult if you have the effort, determination, and choose the right learning method. Most importantly, you need to invest time and effort to practice skills in a systematic way.

Types of Truck Driver’s Licenses You Need to Know

According to current regulations in Vietnam (Circular 12/2017/TT-BGTVT), there are many different types of driver’s licenses, including the following popular truck driver’s license classes:

Class B1 Driver’s License: For non-professional drivers, allowing the operation of passenger cars with up to 9 seats, trucks under 3.5 tons (automatic and manual transmission). The B1 automatic transmission (B11) license only allows driving automatic transmission vehicles, while the B1 manual transmission (B12) license allows driving both manual and automatic transmission vehicles.
Class B2 Driver’s License: For professional drivers, allowing the operation of vehicles similar to the B1 license and trucks, tractor-trailers under 3.5 tons. The B2 license is popular for drivers of small trucks and tourist cars.
Class C Driver’s License: For professional drivers, from 21 years of age or older, allowed to drive trucks and specialized vehicles over 3.5 tons, tractor-trailers, tractor-trailers with one trailer over 3.5 tons, and vehicles specified in the B1, B2 licenses. The C license is a popular choice for those who want to drive medium and heavy-duty trucks.

Truck driver's license types, including B1, B2, and C licenses, with the driving training center logo in the right corner.

For those who want to drive trucks for a living, a Class C driver’s license is the most suitable option, as it allows the operation of a variety of trucks with different tonnage.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Class C Truck Driver’s License?

The time to learn to drive a Class C truck usually takes longer than other license classes due to the higher requirements for knowledge and practical skills. According to regulations, the training time for a Class C driver’s license is 5 months. However, the actual time may vary depending on:

Training Center: Some centers may shorten or extend the training time depending on the curriculum and the learner’s progress.
Learner’s Diligence: Learners who fully participate in theoretical and practical classes, and actively practice, will complete the course faster.
Schedule: A flexible schedule that fits the learner’s time also affects the learning progress.

Currently, many driving training centers create maximum conditions for learners by arranging flexible schedules, even allowing learners to complete the course earlier than expected if they make good progress.

How Much Does a Truck Driver’s License Cost? Detailed Costs for 2024

This is definitely the question that many people are most interested in when learning about truck driving. The cost of learning to drive a Class C truck can vary depending on many factors, but in general, it will include the following expenses:

1. Application and Registration Fees:

Health Check Fee: Approximately 300,000 – 500,000 VND (depending on the hospital/clinic).
Registration Fee: Includes the cost of preparing documents, taking photos, photocopying documents, tuition fees, etc. Approximately 1,000,000 – 2,000,000 VND.
Learning Material Fee: Books, theoretical exam preparation materials, etc. Approximately 200,000 – 500,000 VND.

2. Training Fees:

Theoretical Tuition: Includes learning theory at the center, exam preparation software, etc. Approximately 2,000,000 – 4,000,000 VND.
Practical Tuition: Accounts for the majority of the total tuition, including the cost of renting a training vehicle, gasoline, instructor fees, etc. Approximately 8,000,000 – 15,000,000 VND (depending on the number of hours and type of vehicle).
Gasoline and Practice Yard Fees: Some centers may charge separately or have included it in the practical tuition.

3. Examination Fees:

Theoretical Exam Fee: 90,000 VND/time.
Simulation Exam Fee: 300,000 VND/time.
Practical Exam Fee in the Practice Area: 300,000 VND/time.
Road Driving Exam Fee: 60,000 VND/time.
License Issuance Fee: 135,000 VND.

Total Cost of Learning to Drive a Class C Truck:

Basic Package (only learning and taking the exam): Ranges from 12,000,000 – 18,000,000 VND. This package is often suitable for people who already have driving experience or want to study on their own.
Full Package (learning theory, practice, and taking the exam): Ranges from 15,000,000 – 25,000,000 VND. This package includes all courses and is suitable for beginners.
VIP Package (guaranteed pass, study until you pass): Ranges from 20,000,000 – 30,000,000 VND or higher. This package commits to supporting learners until they pass the exam, without limiting the number of retakes (usually with specific conditions).

Note:

The prices above are for reference only and may vary depending on the center, area, and time of registration.
You should carefully research information about the learning packages and any additional costs (if any) before registering.
Choose a reputable center with good facilities and a quality teaching staff to ensure effective learning.

Price list of driving courses at the training center, with different packages and corresponding prices.

Tips to Save Money on Truck Driving School

Learning to drive a truck is a significant investment, but you can definitely save money by:

Comparing Prices Between Centers: Research and compare tuition fees, training quality, and facilities of many centers before deciding.
Choosing the Right Learning Package: If you already have driving experience, the basic package may be a cost-effective option. If you are a beginner, the full package will ensure that you are thoroughly trained.
Learning in Groups (if available): Some centers have policies to reduce tuition fees when registering in groups.
Maximizing Learning Time: Participate fully in classes, actively practice to shorten the learning time and avoid incurring additional hourly learning costs.
Passing the Exam on the First Try: Prepare knowledge and skills thoroughly to confidently pass the exam on the first try, avoiding additional re-examination fees.
Asking About Promotions and Discounts: Many centers have discounts, gifts, etc., on special occasions.

Conclusion

Learning to drive a truck is a wise decision if you want to pursue a professional driving career with an attractive income. The cost of learning to drive a truck may vary, but understanding the fees, choosing the right learning package, and applying cost-saving tips will help you reduce the financial burden.

Hopefully, this article has provided you with useful information about the cost of learning to drive a truck. If you have any other questions, please contact Xe Tải Mỹ Đình (My Dinh Trucks) for more detailed advice. We wish you success on your journey to conquer your truck driver’s license and your driving career!