A Step-By-Step Guide to Acquiring a CDL (Commercial Driver's License)

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Complete training for your trucking career in 4 easy steps
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Trucking school is a necessary and required part of getting a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and embarking on a professional trucking career. While the exact requirements of becoming a truck driver depend on the state you reside in, the process of getting a CDL is pretty straightforward—and we’re here to walk you through it. Read on to learn why training is a necessary part of becoming a trucker, how you can get your own CDL, and some important factors to keep in mind along the way.

Can you get your CDL without going to school?

No—federal law requires all prospective commercial drivers to complete a training course with a certified training group. While it’s possible to get your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) independently, it’s impossible to get your CDL without attending trucking school.

Section 1 of 4:

Is it possible to get a CDL without going to a trucking school?

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  1. As of 2022, the US government requires all new truck drivers to finish Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) before testing for and receiving their CDL. This training needs to be completed with a certified training organization—in other words, you need to attend a special CDL school. [1]
    • While you can learn as much about the trucking field as you can independently, you’ll ultimately have to go through the official channels to get your permit and license.
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Get a CDL

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  1. Like a regular learner’s permit, you’ll need to pass a factual test to get your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) at your local DMV. Unlike a regular learner’s permit, however, you’ll need to receive a physical from the DOT (Department of Transportation), get a DOT medical card, and get your driving history thoroughly inspected. Some states may require extra paperwork before they issue you your CLP. [2]
    • You don’t need to attend a special school to get your CLP.
  2. The specific requirements for CDL training ultimately depend on where you live— consult your state’s CDL manual to confirm how many hours of training you’ll need before you can take your CDL test (many states require 160 hours). Enroll with a certified training provider to get the process started. [3]
    • You can get your CLP before entering trucking school.
    • Not sure what the status of your certification is? Check your progress on the DOT's website .
  3. The CDL skills test has 3 components: vehicle inspection, basic controls, and driving on the road. If you pass this exam, you might be able to get a copy of your CDL on the same day—ultimately, it depends on where you live. In some places, your license might be mailed to you after the fact. [4]
    • Confirm with your trainers to see what documentation you’ll need to bring with you to your skills test.
    • Important note: You need to have your CLP for at least 2 weeks before you can take the skills test.
  4. Even after receiving your CDL, you’ll need to travel with a trainer before getting clearance to travel on your own. [5] Look for companies that specialize in training entry-level drivers and getting them prepared for the road.
    • Some companies train and hire new drivers while they’re working to get their CDL. This type of employment can help cut out the middle-person in your professional trucking career.
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Section 3 of 4:

CDL Manuals by State

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State Manual (PDF)
CDL Manuals (by State)
Alabama AL CDL Manual
Alaska AK CDL Manual
Arizona AZ CDL Manual
Arkansas AR CDL Manual
California CA CDL Manual
Colorado CO CDL Manual
Connecticut CT CDL Manual
DC DC CDL Manual
Delaware DE CDL Manual
Florida FL CDL Manual
Georgia GA CDL Manual
Hawaii HI CDL Manual
Idaho ID CDL Manual
Illinois IL CDL Manual
Indiana IN CDL Manual
Iowa IA CDL Manual
Kansas KS CDL Manual
Kentucky KY CDL Manual
Louisiana LA CDL Manual
Maine ME CDL Manual
Maryland MD CDL Manual
Massachusetts MA CDL Manual
Michigan MI CDL Manual
Minnesota MN CDL Manual
Mississippi MS CDL Manual
Missouri MO CDL Manual
Montana MT CDL Manual
Nebraska NE CDL Manual
Nevada NV CDL Manual
New Hampshire NH CDL Manual
New Jersey NJ CDL Manual
New Mexico NM CDL Manual
New York NY CDL Manual
North Carolina NC CDL Manual
North Dakota ND CDL Manual
Ohio OH CDL Manual
Oklahoma OK CDL Manual
Oregon OR CDL Manual
Pennsylvania PA CDL Manual
Rhode Island RI CDL Manual
South Carolina SC CDL Manual
South Dakota SD CDL Manual
Tennessee TN CDL Manual
Texas TX CDL Manual
Utah UT CDL Manual
Vermont VT CDL Manual
Virginia VA CDL Manual
Washington WA CDL Manual
West Virginia WV CDL Manual
Wisconsin WI CDL Manual
Wyoming WY CDL Manual
Section 4 of 4:

Important Factors to Consider

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  1. Unfortunately, there isn’t a universal set of rules and regulations out there for all American truck drivers—it ultimately depends on where you live. Studying your state’s CDL manual is the best way to familiarize yourself with your state’s trucking policies. [6]
  2. Before you apply for your CLP and CDL, determine whether you’ll want a Class A, B, or C license. It helps if you have an idea of the trucking career you’d ideally like to pursue before you make this decision. [7]
    • Class A: Necessary for drivers handling a vehicle that’s greater than 26,001 lb (11,784 kg) and is carrying cargo that weighs more than 10,000 lb (4,536 kg).
    • Class B: Necessary for drivers handling a vehicle that’s greater than 26,001 lb (11,784 kg) and is carrying cargo that weighs less than 10,000 lb (4,536 kg).
    • Class C: Necessary for drivers handling vehicles that are carrying a large volume of passengers or hazardous waste.
  3. Endorsements are extra tests that a truck driver must pass to operate vehicles in a specific field (like driving a school bus ). Any given trucker can get up to 3 endorsements on their CDL. These endorsements are abbreviated by certain letters, like: [8]
    • T: Double/Triple Trailers (multiple trailers hitched to one another)
    • P: Passenger (a large, non-school bus vehicle carrying lots of passengers)
    • N: Tank vehicle (a tank-style truck carrying materials like oil)
    • H: Hazardous materials
    • S: School bus
    • X: A tank vehicle that carries hazardous waste (a combo of H and N)
  4. Since you’ll be handling extremely heavy and dangerous machinery, you need to be in sound health to get a CDL and operate any type of large commercial vehicle. Truckers specifically need to have: [9]
    • Good hand-eye coordination
    • 20/40 vision
    • Solid physical health (without any long-term conditions like high blood pressure or seizures)
    • Good hearing
  5. The US government requires all CDL drivers to get checked out by a doctor and ensure that they’re in great shape. Some trucking companies may also require random or periodic drug tests to make sure that their drivers are staying of sound mind and body while on the road. [10]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/how-do-i-get-commercial-drivers-license
      2. ↑ https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/how-do-i-get-commercial-drivers-license
      3. ↑ https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/how-do-i-get-commercial-drivers-license
      4. ↑ https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/how-do-i-get-commercial-drivers-license
      5. ↑ https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/heavy-and-tractor-trailer-truck-drivers.htm#tab-4
      6. ↑ https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/how-do-i-get-commercial-drivers-license
      7. ↑ https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/how-do-i-get-commercial-drivers-license
      8. ↑ https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/drivers
      9. ↑ https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/heavy-and-tractor-trailer-truck-drivers.htm#tab-4
      1. ↑ https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/heavy-and-tractor-trailer-truck-drivers.htm#tab-4

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