Here’s how to become a driveaway driver: have a valid driver’s license, be at least 21, get two years of commercial driving experience within the last five years, keep a clean record, and pass a DOT physical and drug screen. Then apply with a driveaway carrier, complete onboarding, and run your first load.
How to Become a Driveaway Driver in 6 Steps
Step 1: Build Your Commercial Driving Experience
Norton requires at least two years of commercial driving experience within the last five years. Driveaway means moving the commercial vehicles themselves, so real experience matters. For most Norton opportunities, you’ll need a valid Class A or B CDL.
Step 2: Check Your Record
You’ll need no DUI, felonies, or Clearinghouse violations in the previous five years, and no two or more moving violations within the last five years. See the full list of driveaway driver requirements.
Step 3: Learn How Driveaway Works
Driveaway is a different rhythm than hauling freight. Read what driveaway trucking is and how driveaway works so you know what to expect, from inspections to travel between loads.
Step 4: Apply
Fill out the Norton driveaway driver application. It takes a few minutes, and you’ll confirm you meet the basic requirements up front.
Step 5: Pass Screening and Onboarding
You’ll complete a Federal DOT physical (see the FMCSA medical requirements) and drug screen. Norton carefully reviews every driver who applies to make sure they have the proper credentials and experience.
Step 6: Run Your First Load
Request a load, travel to the pickup, inspect, drive, and deliver. Our guide to your first driveaway load walks you through it.
What You Get When You Drive With Norton
- The best pay in the industry, paid per mile, plus bonuses and incentives
- Same-day pay
- No forced dispatch. The loads you want, when you want them.
- A dedicated dispatcher who knows you by name, plus 24/7 support
- An in-house travel department that helps plan every step of your trip home or to the next load
Skills That Set New Driveaway Drivers Up to Win
- Planning: Thinking about the next load before you finish this one
- Communication: Keeping dispatch and customers in the loop
- Careful inspections: Documenting everything at pickup and delivery
- Self-management: Running your week like a business
- Adaptability: Getting comfortable in a new vehicle fast
If you’re still deciding how to become a driveaway driver, keep learning with our driveaway training overview and the rest of our driveaway resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a driveaway driver?
If you already have two years of recent commercial driving experience, the main steps are applying, passing a DOT physical and drug screen, and completing onboarding. Timing depends on the carrier and how quickly screening is completed.
Can I become a driveaway driver without experience?
Not at Norton. You need at least two years of commercial driving experience within the last five years, because you’re moving the commercial vehicles themselves.
Do I need a CDL to become a driveaway driver?
For most Norton opportunities, you’ll need a valid Class A or B CDL along with commercial driving experience.
What disqualifies you from becoming a driveaway driver at Norton?
A DUI, felony, or Clearinghouse violation in the previous five years, two or more moving violations in the last five years, being under 21, or being unable to pass a DOT physical and drug screen.
Is driveaway a good second career?
Many drivers come to driveaway after traditional trucking, the military, or other careers. If you have the commercial experience and want variety and control over your schedule, it can be a strong fit.
Hear From Real Driveaway Drivers
Want the unfiltered version? These Six-Figure Trucker podcast episodes feature drivers who do this work every day:
- EP91: Driveaway 101: An Introduction to Driveaway Trucking with John Madewell. John Madewell’s Driveaway 101 introduction for drivers considering the switch.
- EP152: Learning Curve of Driveaway with Clive Williams. Clive Williams on the learning curve of driveaway.
- EP181: New to Driveaway, Not New to Hustle with Sherrod Henry. Sherrod Henry on being new to driveaway but not new to hustle.
- EP30: Don’t Be Intimidated, Just Do It with Edward Thomas. Edward Thomas’s advice for new drivers: don’t be intimidated, just do it.
Now you know how to become a driveaway driver. The next step takes a few minutes: apply to drive with Norton Transport. Prefer to talk first? Email onboarding@nortontransport.com or call (423) 617-0218.