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To get a CDL, you need to meet the age and medical requirements, pass your state's knowledge tests to earn a commercial learner's permit (CLP), finish federally required Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), hold the permit for at least 14 days, and then pass a three-part skills test. Most full-time students finish in 4 to 8 weeks and spend a few thousand dollars, though company-sponsored programs can cut the upfront cost.
This guide walks through each step in order, with the details that trip people up.
Key takeaways
- You must be at least 21 to drive commercial vehicles across state lines. Most states let you get an intrastate-only CDL at 18.
- Every new Class A or Class B driver must complete ELDT from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before taking the skills test.
- You need a DOT medical certificate, a clean enough driving record, and a passing Clearinghouse check.
- Expect roughly 4 to 8 weeks of full-time training and about $3,000 to $10,000 for private school, unless a carrier sponsors you.
- Choose your license class and endorsements based on the jobs you actually want, not just what is fastest.
What are the requirements to get a CDL?
Before you spend money on school, make sure you qualify. Requirements come from federal rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and each state adds its own details.
| Requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 or older for intrastate driving in most states, 21 or older for interstate driving and placarded hazmat |
| Valid driver's license | A regular, non-commercial license from your state of residence |
| Proof of identity and residency | State documents, typically including proof of citizenship or lawful presence |
| DOT medical exam | Passed with a certified examiner from the National Registry |
| Driving record | States check your record in every state you held a license, usually going back 10 years |
| Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse | States must check the Clearinghouse before issuing a CLP or CDL |
| English proficiency | Federal rules require drivers to read and speak English well enough to do the job and communicate with officials |
A few disqualifying issues come up often. A DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, or using a vehicle to commit a felony can bar you from holding a CDL for a year or longer. An unresolved drug or alcohol violation in the Clearinghouse will stop the process until you complete the return-to-duty steps. Our FMCSA Clearinghouse guide explains how that works.
Class A vs Class B vs Class C: which CDL do you need?
| Class | What you can drive | Common jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Combination vehicles over 26,000 lbs combined weight, where the towed unit is over 10,000 lbs | OTR, regional, and local tractor-trailer, flatbed, tanker |
| Class B | Single vehicles over 26,000 lbs, or towing 10,000 lbs or less | Dump trucks, straight trucks, city buses, some delivery |
| Class C | Smaller vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers or placarded hazmat | Shuttle buses, small hazmat vehicles |
If you want the widest set of options, get Class A. It covers most of what a Class B license allows, and the pay ceiling is higher. Our breakdown of OTR vs regional vs local trucking jobs can help you figure out which kind of Class A work fits your life.
Step 1: Pass the DOT physical
Schedule a DOT medical exam with a certified examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. The exam checks vision, hearing, blood pressure, and conditions like diabetes and sleep apnea that can affect safe driving.
A clean exam usually earns a medical certificate that is valid for up to 24 months. Some conditions, such as high blood pressure, can mean a shorter certificate, often one year, so you have to be rechecked sooner. Bring a list of your medications and any paperwork from your doctors to avoid delays.
You will also self-certify your driving type with the state (for example, non-excepted interstate), which tells them whether they need your medical certificate on file.
Step 2: Get your commercial learner's permit (CLP)
The CLP lets you practice driving a commercial vehicle on public roads with a CDL holder in the passenger seat.
To get it, you will visit your state DMV or licensing agency and:
- Submit your application, identity documents, and medical certificate.
- Pass a vision test.
- Pass the general knowledge test.
- Pass the knowledge tests for your class, such as air brakes and combination vehicles for Class A.
- Pay the permit fee, which varies by state.
Many students also take the knowledge tests for endorsements at this stage, like tanker or doubles and triples, since you are already studying. Our guide to CDL endorsements covers which ones are worth adding early.
Your CLP is valid for a limited time. Federal rules cap it at one year, and many states issue it for 180 days with an option to renew. Once you have it, you must hold it for at least 14 days before you can take the skills test.
Step 3: Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Since February 7, 2022, first-time Class A and Class B applicants must complete ELDT before taking the skills test. The same applies if you are upgrading from Class B to Class A, or getting the hazmat, passenger, or school bus endorsement for the first time.
ELDT has two parts:
- Theory (classroom or online). Covers topics like vehicle inspection, hours of service, trip planning, and handling emergencies. You must score at least 80 percent on the assessment.
- Behind-the-wheel training. Done on a practice range and on public roads. There is no set minimum number of hours. Your instructor decides when you are proficient.
The key detail: your training provider must be listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. When you finish, the provider submits your completion to the registry, and the state checks it before letting you test. Training from an unregistered school does not count, so verify before you pay.
How to choose a CDL school
Not all programs are equal. Ask these questions before you sign anything:
- Is the school on the Training Provider Registry?
- How many hours of actual behind-the-wheel time will I get, and how many students share each truck?
- Does the school provide the truck for the skills test?
- What is the pass rate on the first skills test attempt?
- Are there extra fees for retests, permits, or the physical?
- Is tuition refundable if I leave the program?
Step 4: Pass the CDL skills test
The skills test has three parts, and you usually must pass them in order.
| Part | What examiners check | Common reasons people fail |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-trip inspection | You walk around the truck and explain what you are checking and why | Missing items, not explaining clearly, skipping the in-cab air brake check |
| Basic control skills | Backing maneuvers such as straight line, offset, and alley dock | Too many pull-ups, crossing boundary lines, too many get-outs to look |
| On-road driving | Turns, lane changes, intersections, railroad crossings, and general safety | Rolling stops, poor mirror use, wide or clipped turns, speeding |
If you train on an automatic truck, your license will carry a restriction against driving manual transmissions. If you test in a truck without full air brakes, you will get an air brake restriction. These restrictions can limit which jobs you qualify for, so test in the equipment you plan to drive.
If you fail a section, states set their own retest rules, waiting periods, and fees. Many schools build retest time into their programs.
Step 5: Get your CDL issued
Once you pass, you will return to the DMV (or finish at the testing site in some states) to pay the license fee and get your CDL. Some states hand you a temporary paper license and mail the permanent card.
After that, a few things stay on your to-do list:
- Keep your medical certificate current and submit it to your state before it expires.
- Understand hours of service before your first dispatch. Our hours of service rules explained post covers the 11-hour and 14-hour limits.
- Stay current on rule changes. Our post on 2025 FMCSA regulation changes is a good starting point.
How much does it cost to get a CDL?
Costs vary a lot by state and training path. Here is a typical breakdown for a Class A license, with approximate figures:
| Expense | Typical range |
|---|---|
| CDL school tuition (private) | About $3,000 to $10,000 |
| Community college program | Often less than private schools, varies by state |
| DOT physical | About $75 to $150 |
| CLP and knowledge test fees | Varies by state, often under $100 |
| Skills test and license fees | Varies by state, often $50 to $250 combined |
| Truck rental for testing (if not provided) | Varies, sometimes a few hundred dollars |
Company-sponsored CDL training
Many large carriers run their own schools or pay tuition in exchange for a work commitment, often around 6 months to a year. This can be a smart way to start with little money down, but read the contract closely:
- How much do you owe if you leave early, and is it prorated?
- What is the pay during training and after you solo?
- Will you drive OTR, and for how long before local or regional work opens up?
Also check for grants. Workforce programs under WIOA in many states help pay for CDL training, and veterans may be able to use GI Bill benefits at approved schools.
How long does it take to get a CDL?
A realistic timeline for a full-time student looks like this:
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| DOT physical and document gathering | A few days to 2 weeks |
| Studying and passing the CLP knowledge tests | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Required waiting period with a CLP | At least 14 days |
| ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel training | About 3 to 7 weeks, often done during the waiting period |
| Skills test scheduling and testing | A few days to several weeks, depending on your state's test backlog |
Put together, most people are licensed in about 1 to 2 months. Part-time programs and states with long test waitlists can stretch that to 3 or 4 months.
What to do after you get your CDL
Getting licensed is only half the goal. Your first job sets the tone for your career, so be selective.
- Target carriers that hire new drivers. Many require 6 to 12 months of experience, but plenty will train or finish training you. Our list of the best trucking jobs for new CDL drivers shows where to start.
- Understand the pay before you accept. Cents per mile, hourly, and percentage pay work very differently. See how much truck drivers make for typical ranges.
- Ask the recruiter direct questions. Home time, how many miles per week you can expect, and what happens when you are sitting at a dock. Our list of questions to ask a trucking recruiter helps.
Find your first CDL job with NovaLinx
Once your license is in hand, you can browse CDL jobs on NovaLinx and filter by home time, route type, and pay, including roles open to new drivers. The NovaLinx app is free for drivers and lets you save jobs and apply from your phone, so you can line up interviews while you finish school. If you run a fleet and want to reach newly licensed drivers, you can post your jobs on NovaLinx.
