How to Get Your CDL: A Step-by-Step Guide

But before you can hit the road, there’s a process to follow. From meeting basic qualifications to completing hands-on training, getting your CDL takes time and effort.

So what exactly do you need to do? In this article, we’ll break down the essentials: what to expect, what’s required, and how to go from zero to licensed step by step.

What is a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)?

A Commercial Driver’s License, or CDL, is the credential you need to legally drive large or specialised vehicles for work. Whether you're hauling freight across state lines, transporting passengers, or handling hazardous materials, a standard driver’s license won’t cut it. CDLs are issued by your state, but the rules come from federal safety standards.

Which Vehicles Require a CDL?

Not every big vehicle needs a CDL, but many do. You’ll need one if you plan to drive:

• Semi-trucks (18-wheelers, tractor-trailers)

• Large buses (like school or charter buses)

• Tanker trucks

• HAZMAT carriers (hazardous materials)

• Certain flatbeds, dump trucks, or other heavy-duty vehicles

The 3 CDL Classes

CDLs are split into three main classes based on vehicle type and weight:

Class A – For operating big rigs and other combination vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more and a towed unit over 10,000 pounds. This class gives you the broadest driving range.

Class B – For driving large, single vehicles like box trucks, delivery trucks, and some buses. The towed vehicle must weigh under 10,000 pounds.

Class C – For smaller commercial vehicles that either carry 16+ passengers (including the driver) or transport hazardous materials.

Each class has different requirements and unlocks different truck driver jobs. Choosing the right one depends on what kind of work you want to do.

How to Get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

Earning your CDL isn’t just about passing a driving test—it’s a process with multiple steps, each with its own rules. Here’s how it works from start to finish:

Step 1: Get Your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

Before you can take the wheel of a commercial vehicle, you’ll need a CLP. This permit lets you practice driving on public roads, but only with a qualified CDL holder in the passenger seat.

To get your CLP, here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Pass written knowledge tests for the type of commercial vehicle you want to drive.

• Have your driving history checked—states will review your past 10 years of records across all 50 states and D.C.

• Provide proof of medical fitness. Most applicants need a valid DOT medical card, which you get by passing a DOT physical.

• Bring required documents, like ID, Social Security info, and proof of residency. Check your state’s CDL manual for specifics.

• Pay the required fees, which vary by state.

Reading your state’s CDL handbook thoroughly can help avoid delays or surprises.

Step 2: Complete Entry-Level Driver Training

If you’re applying for a Class A or B CDL for the first time and got your CLP on or after February 7, 2022, federal rules require you to complete entry-level driver training (ELDT) through a registered provider before you can take the skills test.

Here's how to handle this step:

• Choose a registered school or training provider. Use the Training Provider Registry to find one near you.

• Finish the course, which includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training.

• Get certified. Once you complete training, your provider will submit your records electronically to the FMCSA system.

Note: You don’t need to finish ELDT before applying for a CLP, but you must complete it before taking the CDL skills test.

Step 3: Take the Skills Test and Get Your CDL

Once you’ve held your CLP for at least 14 days and completed the required training, you’re eligible to take the CDL skills test. The test has three parts:

• Vehicle Inspection: Show you know how to inspect key components of your vehicle.

• Basic Controls: Demonstrate manoeuvring skills like backing up and turning.

• Road Test: Prove you can drive safely in real traffic.

Some states offer "cheat sheets" or checklists for the vehicle inspection portion; take advantage of them.

If you pass all parts, you’ll take your paperwork to the DMV to process your license. Some states issue your CDL the same day, while others mail it. Double-check everything before you leave; fixing errors later can be a hassle.

Why a CDL Matters?

Holding a CDL shows that a driver has undergone the necessary training, passed written and skills tests, and understands the rules and responsibilities that come with operating large commercial vehicles. It's a legal requirement for commercial truck and bus drivers across the U.S., and many other countries have similar licensing systems.