How To: Be an ice cream truck driver

Want to fulfill your dream of becoming an ice cream truck driver? If the idea of rolling around in the sunshine selling ice cream sounds good to you, here's what you need to do.

You Will Need:
• A driver's license
• A clean criminal record
• Basic math skills
• A high tolerance for squealing children and a cloying jingle
• Other required permits (optional) (optional) (optional)
• Charm (optional) (optional) (optional)
• Business savvy (optional) (optional) (optional)

Step 1: Have a driver's license
Have a driver's license issued by the state you'll be working in, with no DWIs or reckless driving convictions. Some companies require applicants to be 18. Be able to pass a criminal background check.

Step 2: Get other permits
Check with the city, county & state department of health offices to see whether you need a food vendor's permit or any other special permits or licenses.

Step 3: Find a job
Check Internet job listings & call ice cream vendors in your area, asking if they know any truck owners who are looking for drivers. Or, you could buy your own franchise from a vendor.

Step 4: Learn the ropes
Generally, drivers load up their trucks themselves in the morning at the vendor's garage and turn in their receipts and cash when they return the truck at night. They keep anywhere from 10 to 25 percent of the profits.

Step 5: Work your route
You might be limited to a certain area, but you can maximize profits by keeping track of where and when you make most sales, and adjust your schedule accordingly.

Step 6: Try to make early sales
Make as many sales as you can early enough in the day that customers might splurge on a second treat later in the evening.

Step 7: Don't give out freebies
Resist the urge to give out a free ice cream to every cute kid you see, or soon their 24 closest friends will be hitting you up for a freebie.