How to Get Your CDL: A Complete Guide to CDL Certification

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Learn about CDL costs, class types, endorsements, & more
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A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) lets you drive delivery trucks, 18-wheelers, school buses, and even pull heavy trailers. Because of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements, anyone wanting to get a CDL for the first time must undergo training and testing, which can take a few weeks or a few months, depending on several factors. In this article, we'll explain how long it takes to get a CDL , the certification process , how much it costs , and the class types, endorsements, and restrictions you must know about.

CDL Certification Length & Cost

It typically takes 3 weeks to 6 months to get your CDL. The length of time depends on factors like the length of your training course, how many endorsements you want to get, testing center availability, and more. A CDL permit alone usually costs less than $50, but expect to pay upwards of $3000 for a training course.

Section 1 of 9:

How long does it take to get a CDL?

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  1. The amount of time it takes to complete your certification depends on several factors. Those include: which CDL training course you take, whether you're able to attend classes full-time or part-time, which endorsements you're training for, and more. It also depends on how many times you have to take the CDL tests. You can try an unlimited number of times to pass, but your state may require you to wait a few days or a couple of weeks between test attempts. [1]
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Section 2 of 9:

Factors That Impact CDL Certification

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  1. 1
    CDL training length Colleges, driver's schools, and even some high schools offer CDL training courses. Most of them take only about 4 weeks to complete. Others take longer. For example, the CDL training program at Minnesota State University runs for 6 weeks. [2]
    • If you're getting a CDL for the first time or upgrading from Class B to Class A, make sure your training course is ELDT-compliant. ELDT stands for Entry-Level Driver Training and is a curriculum required by federal law for new and upgrading CDL drivers. Learn more about ELDT training below!
  2. 2
    CDL license class type There are 2 different types of CDL licenses you can get: Class A or Class B. Each one requires a different amount of training because they prepare the driver to operate different types of vehicles. For example, a Class B CDL permits drivers to operate a truck or a bus, but not pull a trailer. For that reason, students can sometimes complete their Class B training in 3 weeks. Class A CDLs allow drivers to pull a trailer and other types of heavy-duty vehicles. That's why they typically train for at least 4 weeks. [3]
  3. 3
    Full-time or part-time training The time you have available to attend class also dictates how long it will take to get your CDL. If you're not working or only working part-time, take a full-time training course and get it knocked out quickly. If you need more flexibility because of work, health, or childcare responsibilities, join a part-time program to make slow but steady progress toward your CDL.
    • Some training courses are self-paced. This means you can complete them as fast or as slowly as you want.
  4. 4
    Endorsements Endorsements are extra authorizations that drivers can add to their CDL. They allow the drivers to operate special types of vehicles and carry special cargo. To get them, you must take extra tests, which can add time to the certification process. [4]
  5. 5
    Experience Your experience level matters, too. If, for example, you're renewing your CDL, you can skip Entry-Level Driver Training. Veterans with at least 2 years of experience driving heavy military vehicles can often waive the CDL driver's test altogether. [5]
  6. 6
    Testing availability Once you've finished your CDL training course, it's time to take the knowledge and skills tests. You may not be able to sign up for the tests right away if the testing centers near you are full. Call your local testing center and see when their next test day is, so you can sign up as soon as you're ready.
  7. 7
    Ability Another factor to keep in mind is your ability. Everyone learns at their own pace, and there's nothing wrong with that! Take as much time as you need to practice your skills, so you can use your CDL responsibly.
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Section 3 of 9:

How to Get a CDL

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  1. Every state has a manual with its own set of rules, regulations, and requirements for CDL drivers. This is essential information to help you pass the tests to get your CDL. Look up the one in your state by searching the name of your state and "CDL driver's manual" on Google. You can usually download it on your computer or your mobile device for free as a PDF. You can also check if your local library has a copy! [6]
  2. 2
    Decide which CDL class and endorsements you want. If, for example, you want to drive a school bus , you must get at least a Class B CDL with an S* endorsement. The S* endorsement requires additional knowledge and skills tests, so you might need extra training on top of your regular Class B coursework. [7]
  3. 3
    Get a commercial learner's permit (CLP) to practice driving. Any CDL course you take that provides behind-the-wheel training will require you to have a CLP. Having a CLP allows you to practice driving heavy vehicles on public roads, as long as you have a qualified CDL holder with you. To apply for a CLP, contact your local driver's license office and ask them what documents they require. They may ask you to bring your regular driver's license, social security card, and other identifying information. [8]
    • You'll also need to receive a physical from the Department of Transportation (DOT), get a DOT medical card, and let the state inspect your driving record.
    • You may also have to pay an application fee. For example, the state of Texas charges a $33 fee to people aged 18-84 years old who get a Class A, B, or C license for the first time. [9]
    • Learn more about the types of CDL classes , endorsements , and restrictions below.
  4. 4
    Take an ELDT-compliant CDL training course. If this is your first time applying for a CDL or you're upgrading from Class B to Class A, you need to go to school to get the Entry-Level Driver's Training course required by the FMCSA. Many colleges and driver's schools across the country teach curricula that meet the ELDT requirements. To find one near you, search the FMCSA Training Provider registry .
  5. 5
    Pass the CDL knowledge and skills tests. When you feel you've trained and practiced enough, register at a nearby testing center to take the CDL tests. There are two tests you'll be required to take: a knowledge test and a skills test. The knowledge test is a series of questions you'll have to answer on paper. If you get at least 80% of them right, you'll pass. [10] The skills test will assess your practical driving ability. If you score high enough, you'll pass and get your CDL. [11]
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Section 4 of 9:

Cost of a CDL Permit

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  1. Permits often cost less than $50, but training courses cost $3000 or more. Whether you decide to go with a driver's school, a college, or some other institution, the CDL training courses aren't cheap. They routinely cost around $4000 and can even cost more than $10,000 in some cases! The good news is that when you're ready to get your CDL, the license itself typically costs less than $50 at your local DMV. Lastly, you'll have to pay test fees to the state, but these are usually inexpensive.
    • For example, a new Class A or B CDL license in Arizona costs $25, and the Skills test costs $25. That means you would have to pay $50 to the state, plus your training course tuition, to get your CDL. [12]
    • If you take a CDL training course at a college, talk to their financial aid department about scholarships, grants, and student loans. You may not have to pay for your training out of pocket!
Section 5 of 9:

What is ELDT training?

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  1. ELDT is federally mandated training for CDL drivers. As of February 8, 2022, anyone getting a CDL for the first time or upgrading from Class B to Class A must pass ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training). This training is federally mandated and teaches drivers basic road skills and regulations they need to know to pass the CDL tests. [13] There's no minimum amount of time it should take, but ELDT-compliant courses take anywhere from 3 weeks to 6 months to complete. During the training, you'll learn about the following topics: [14]
    • Basic operations
    • Safe operating procedures
    • Advanced operating practices
    • Vehicle systems and reporting malfunctions
    • Non-driving activities (i.e., what to do after a crash, fatigue and wellness awareness, drugs and alcohol, etc.)
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Section 6 of 9:

Types of CDL Classes

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  1. Class A drivers can operate any combination of vehicles with a combined weight of 26,001 lb (11,794 kg) or more. This number can include a towed vehicle weighing up to 10,000 lb (4,536 kg), as long as it doesn't push the total weight of all the vehicles above 26,001 lb. Basically, it means they can drive 18-wheelers, big rigs, and other heavy vehicles like buses and construction equipment. However, they can also pull a trailer, which is not something that most Class B CDL drivers can do. [15]
    • The Class A CDL is the most flexible option. When you have a Class A certification, you can drive any vehicle under Class B or C.
  2. 2
    A Class B CDL only allows drivers to operate heavy-duty trucks and buses. Class B drivers can drive any single vehicle with a weight of 26,001 lb (11,794 kg) or more. They can also tow another vehicle behind them, but it must weigh less than 10,000 lb (4,536 kg). The main difference between Class B and Class A drivers is that Class A drivers can carry more weight on the road. [16] They typically drive straight trucks, dump trucks, construction vehicles, and school buses.
    • With a Class B CDL, you can also drive Class C vehicles, but you can't operate Class A vehicles.
  3. 3
    Class C CDLs permit the handling of passenger vehicles and hazardous waste. When you get a Class C CDL, you can drive passenger vehicles that hold 16 or more passengers (not including the driver). That includes school buses. You'll also be able to transport hazardous materials in a delivery truck or a hazmat truck. [17]
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Section 7 of 9:

Types of CDL Endorsements

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  1. Endorsements qualify a CDL driver to operate specialized vehicles. For example, if you're getting a Class C CDL and want to drive a hazmat truck, you'll need to take an extra knowledge test to get a hazardous materials endorsement (H*). Each endorsement comes with an abbreviation, which is added to your certification class on your CDL. That way, anyone who checks your license knows exactly which vehicles you're qualified to drive. Below is a full list of endorsements and what they allow you to do as a CDL driver: [18]
    • T : Operate double/triple trailers
    • P *: Operate passenger vehicles
    • N : Operate a tank vehicle
    • H *: Transport hazardous materials
    • X : Combines tank vehicle and hazardous materials endorsements
    • S *: Operate a school bus
Section 8 of 9:

Types of CDL Restrictions

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  1. For example, let's say you take the skills test and fail the air brakes portion of the test. In that case, you'll get an L restriction on your license. The L means you'll be restricted from driving a vehicle with a full air brake system. The good news is you can retake skills and knowledge tests as often as needed to meet your goals as a CDL driver. Here's a list of restrictions you should be aware of: [19]
    • L : Restricts the driver from operating a vehicle with a full air brake system. This happens when the driver fails the Air Brakes Knowledge Test, doesn't correctly label the air brake system components, doesn't perform an air brakes system check correctly, or chooses not to take the Skills test for air brakes.
    • Z : Restricts the driver from driving a vehicle with a full air brake system. This particular abbreviation means that the driver took their Skills test in a vehicle with an air over hydraulic brake system.
    • E : Restricts the driver from operating a vehicle with a manual transmission. This restriction is for drivers who take their Skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission.
    • O : Restricts drivers from operating a vehicle with a fifth wheel connection. This restriction is for drivers who take their Skills test in a vehicle that doesn't have some type of fifth wheel connection on it (like a pintle hook).
    • M : Restricts Class A CDL drivers from operating Class A passenger vehicles or school buses. The only time this restriction applies is if someone gets their Class A, but got their passenger vehicle or school bus endorsements while driving a Class B vehicle. The "M" means they can only drive Class B or C passenger vehicles and school buses, not Class A vehicles of those types.
    • N : Restricts Class B CDL drivers from operating Class B passenger vehicles or school buses. This restriction is similar to M, but the difference is that the Class B driver got their passenger vehicle and school bus endorsements in a Class C vehicle. Therefore, they're only allowed to drive Class C types of those vehicles, even though they technically have a Class B CDL.
    • V : Indicates that a CDL driver has a medical variance. A medical variance is an impairment that prevents drivers from meeting the FMCSA's standard health requirements to get a CDL. The V on their license shows that the state where they got their CDL has approved them to use their license, even though they're impaired. [20]
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Section 9 of 9:

Bottom Line

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  1. To calculate how long it will take you to get a new CDL in your state, keep in mind that you'll need to get a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), take an ELDT-compliant CDL training course, practice your skills, and wait for an open spot at your local training center. If you're worried about paying for your class, consider taking a college CDL course and talking to the financial aid department about assistance.

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.nj.gov/mvc/drivertopics/cdlfaq.htm
      2. ↑ https://www.minnstate.edu/employersolutions/training/cdlacademy/index.html
      3. ↑ https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/drivers
      4. ↑ https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/drivers
      5. ↑ https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/military-skills-test-waiver
      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/drivers
      8. ↑ https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/how-do-i-get-commercial-drivers-license
      9. ↑ https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/driver-license-fees
      1. ↑ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-383/subpart-H/section-383.135
      2. ↑ https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/how-do-i-get-commercial-drivers-license
      3. ↑ https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/driver-services/commercial-driver-license/license-information/fees
      4. ↑ https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/entry-level-driver-training-eldt
      5. ↑ https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/content/Resources/ELDT-Curriculum-Summary.pdf
      6. ↑ https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/drivers
      7. ↑ https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/drivers
      8. ↑ https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/drivers
      9. ↑ https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/drivers
      10. ↑ https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/drivers
      11. ↑ https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/medical

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