How to get a CDL (Commercial Driver's License) . . .
The process you must go through to get your CDL (Commercial Driver's License)
is rather complicated and involves a sizable investment in time
and money.
The career doors that are "opened" can be well worth the investment.
Access Official Federal CDL General Information
(Access to official FMCSA CDL website maintained by the Federal Government)
Getting Started
Getting a CDL involves several steps. There are medical requirements and residency requirements besides knowledge and skills requirements.
- The first step is to get a copy of your state's Commercial Driver's
Licensing (CDL) Manual. The manual is available in their field locations,
downloaded from their web site and printed. Each state has its own processes
to getting the CDL.
- The second step is to decide which type of vehicle and what kind of driving you want to get the license for.
- There are 3 classes of CDLs with endorsements for specialized qualifications for vehicles like school buses, tank trucks, tractor trailers, etc. Each types of CDL and endorsement requires you pass a skills test and in some cases a written test. It is important to make sure you pass all the required tests or risk having restrictions on your license.
Once you've finished getting informed and making decisions, there are two basic steps to getting a CDL:
If you need help . . .
determining what Class of CDL you need based upon the type
of vehicle you will drive (A, B or C) or are not sure which CDL
Endorsements you need based upon the type of loads you will carry; use the
free CDL Selector Tool . . .
Go to CDL Selector Tool
Not sure which CDL Tests you need to pass? Use this tool to determine what Class of CDL and which CDL Endorsements you require.
Step 1: Get the Commercial Learners Permit (CLP)
A Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) is a permit that only authorizes you to practice on public roads with a qualified CDL holder sitting next to you. Getting the permit involves more than just passing all the knowledge tests for the type of driving you want to do. To make sure that you are eligible your driving record is checked for the last 10 years in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. You need to bring in the proof that your state accepts to show that you are medically qualified. Most types of commercial driving require a DOT medical card, requiring a DOT physical. Your state may require specific documents it wants to see to prove your name and proof of residency. There are fees for getting the CLP. Reading and following the instructions in your states CDL Manual streamlines the process.
Step 2: Get the Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
You are required to possess the CLP for 14 days before taking the Skills Test.
Some states require the successful completion of CDL training prior to testing.
Regardless it is highly recommended that you practice the inspection tests
and maneuvers in the CDL Manual that you will be tested on with a qualified
individual before showing up for the test. You must pass all 3 parts of the
Skills Test: the Vehicle Inspection Test, the Basic Controls Test, and the
Road Test. Your state may even allow you to use their "training aid"
to help you remember items on the vehicle inspection checklist. Taking the
Skills test is no guarantee that you will pass.
Once you have passed the Skills Test you need to take the documentation to the counter for processing. Some states will give you the CDL that same day, while others send it to you in the mail. Regardless make sure that everything is correct before you leave the counter. It can be costly and embarrassing if you find a mistake later.
Any summary, description, or paraphrase of a regulatory requirement on this site is intended to provide general guidance only. Please consult the text of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for a full account of the applicable requirements.
Requirements - Procedures
- Hold a current valid regular driver's License.
- Obtain (and maintain) your CDL in your state of residence.
- Provide documentation to prove age, identity and citizenship.
- Provide proof of state residency.
- Provide your social security number.
- Provide a current DOT medical certificate.
- Be at least 18 years old (limited to intrastate driving - no buses,
no HazMat, no doubles or triples) or be at least 21 years old for interstate
driving without restrictions.
- Pass written tests
- Pass skills tests
- Pay Fees
Are YOU ready to get YOUR CDL?
Prepare for YOUR CDL Tests NOW . . .
In addition to the CDL (commercial driver's license) information found in our website covering the CDL and in the free CDL Handbook (which is quite boring and a bit confusing - and doesn't have a single multiple-choice question in it that is asked on the actual tests), the complete online
CDL Practice Test prep program will prepare you to easily pass your
CDL written exams to get your CDL permit. The skills test modules are invaluable to give you a head start before doing your
behind the wheel work, possibly saving you a lot of money. The CDL test prep program includes the following features . . .
- Covers ALL Eight CDL written tests.
- In separate study modules - you won't need all of them - don't waste time on what you don't require.
- Covers ALL Three CDL skills tests.
- In separate study modules - you won't need all of them - don't waste time on what you don't require.
- 670 practice CDL test questions with actual answers.
- Access to CDL videos covering written and skills tests.
- CDL study guide in both text and audio - listen as you read along.
- CDL study Quick Reviews.
- Interactive online CDL Quizzes.
- and much more!
May your new CAREER be prosperous!!!
Michael Hamilton
Director
"I needed to get my CDL permit before starting my skills training the following week. I started using it two minutes after my purchase. Got my CDL permit with time to spare. I highly recommend it.
" - P.M., Rochester, NY
"My friend told me how hard the tests were . . . he finally passed on his third try. He couldn't believe how well I did in such a short time with your CDL Course. He wishes that he used your product.
" - D.I., Mobile, AL
"Because of test anxiety, I procrastinated until I only had three days left before I needed my CDL permit before purchasing from you. I am holding my CDL permit. I wish I found your web site sooner. Thanks!
" - R.K., Hamilton, OH
"I passed my CDL tests easily. I'm not a good reader, so the voice audio really helped me. The interactive quizzes and video practice tests were great.
" - S.T., Odessa, TX
