Getting a CDL requires passing a written knowledge exam, completing three to seven weeks of truck driving school (typically costing $1,000–$8,000), and passing a three-part skills test. Most new CDL holders land their first driving job within days of getting licensed, with starting annual salaries ranging from $40,000 to $50,000. We’ll cover choosing the right CDL class, what it costs, and more.
Key Takeaways
- A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is required to operate large trucks, buses, and trailers. There are three classes, A, B, and C, with Class A offering the broadest job opportunities.
- Training takes three to seven weeks and costs $1,000–$8,000. Many trucking companies offer CDL training programs that cover costs in exchange for a period of employment after graduation.
- Entry-level company drivers typically earn $40,000–$50,000 per year. Experienced drivers and owner-operators can earn $65,000–$85,000 or more.
- From choosing your CDL class to passing the skills test, the path to a commercial license is straightforward when you know what to expect.
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What Is a CDL?
A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is a specialized license required to operate large or heavy vehicles used in commerce, including tractor-trailers, buses, and tanker trucks. Federal law requires a CDL for any driver operating a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 26,000 pounds, transporting hazardous materials, or carrying 16 or more passengers.
CDLs are divided into three classes. Class A covers the heaviest combination vehicles, Class B covers large single vehicles, and Class C covers passenger transport and hazmat hauling. Drivers can add endorsements to any class for specialized loads like tankers, double/triple trailers, or hazardous materials, each requiring additional testing.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets national CDL standards, but each state administers its own testing and licensing process. Requirements are consistent across state lines, so a CDL earned in one state is valid nationwide.
How To Get a CDL: 7 Steps
The path to a CDL follows the same seven steps in every state. Here’s what to expect.
Step 1: Choose Your CDL Class
The right CDL class depends on what you want to drive and what type of trucking job you’re looking for. Most long-haul and freight positions require a Class A license, which covers the widest range of vehicles and commands the highest pay.
- Class A: Required for vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, including a towed unit weighing more than 10,000 pounds. This covers tractor-trailers, tankers, and flatbeds.
- Class B: Required for single commercial vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more towing less than 10,000 pounds. Common vehicles include school buses, dump trucks, and box trucks.
- Class C: Required for vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers or any amount of hazardous materials. Common roles include transit bus drivers and hazmat couriers.
Step 2: Meet Eligibility Requirements
Before you can apply for a commercial learner’s permit (CLP), you need to meet basic federal and state requirements.
- Age: You must be at least 18 to drive intrastate (within your state) and 21 to drive interstate (across state lines).
- Valid driver’s license: You need a current non-commercial driver’s license before applying for a CLP.
- DOT medical exam: You must pass a Department of Transportation physical exam and obtain a medical examiner’s certificate. The exam checks vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general fitness to drive.
Step 3: Study for & Pass the CLP Written Exam
Your state’s CDL manual is the primary study resource. The written exam covers general knowledge required for all CDL classes, plus any endorsement exams you need (air brakes, hazmat, passenger transport, etc.). Passing the written test earns you a commercial learner’s permit, which allows you to practice driving with a licensed CDL holder in the vehicle.
See FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry to search for a training provider near you.
Step 4: Attend Truck Driving School
Entry-level driver training (ELDT) programs typically run three to seven weeks and cover the hands-on skills you’ll need for the CDL skills test. Expect to learn:
- Pre-trip inspection: Identifying and documenting vehicle defects
- Basic vehicle control: Backing, turning, and parking a commercial vehicle
- Road driving: Navigating highways, intersections, and loading docks
Tuition ranges from $1,000 to $8,000 depending on the school and program length. Many trucking companies offer sponsored CDL training, covering the cost of school in exchange for a period of employment after you graduate. If you’re open to committing to an employer upfront, this is the most affordable route.
Pro tip: Company-sponsored CDL programs are one of the fastest paths to a paying driving job. For example, Roehl Transport offers paid CDL training with guaranteed job placement upon completion.
Step 5: Practice Driving With Your CLP
Your commercial learner’s permit is valid for 180 days in most states. Use that time to log practice hours behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle under the supervision of a licensed CDL holder. Focus on the maneuvers tested in the skills exam, like straight-line backing, offset backing, and parallel parking.
Step 6: Pass the CDL Skills Test
The CDL skills test has three parts, and you must pass all three to receive your license.
- Vehicle inspection test: Walk a testing examiner through a complete pre-trip inspection, identifying all major systems and components
- Basic controls test: Complete a series of off-road maneuvers like straight-line backing, offset backing, and alley docking
- Road test: Drive on public roads for 30–60 minutes, demonstrating safe operation in real traffic conditions
Step 7: Pay Your Fees and Get Your CDL
After passing the skills test, pay your state’s CDL issuance fee, typically $50–$100, and your license will be issued. If you need endorsements for your job (tanker, hazmat, doubles/triples), add those before or shortly after receiving your base license. Once you have your CDL in hand, you’re ready to apply for driving jobs.
Pro tip: Apply to trucking companies before you finish school. Many of the best trucking companies to work for actively recruit students at CDL training programs and can have a job offer waiting when you graduate.
Do Truckers Get Paid Well?
Yes, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, truckers get paid well, and the pay scales up quickly with experience. Entry-level company drivers typically earn $40,000–$50,000 per year. Drivers with a few years of experience and a clean record generally land in the $65,000–$85,000 range. The highest-paying truck driving jobs are typically specialized roles like tanker, hazmat, and oversized load hauling.
| Driver Type | Typical Annual Earnings |
|---|---|
| Entry-level company driver | $40,000–$50,000 |
| Experienced company driver | $65,000–$85,000+ |
| Hazmat/tanker specialist | $70,000–$90,000+ |
| Oversized load driver | $80,000–$100,000+ |
| Owner-operator (after expenses) | $100,000–$200,000+ |
Owner-operators, drivers who own their own trucks and operate independently, have the highest earning ceiling, with the most successful ones clearing $150,000–$200,000 annually after expenses. That said, owner-operators also carry significant business overhead, so the math is different from a company driving job.
Is Truck Driving Stressful?
Driving a truck can be stressful, depending on your route type and employer. Long-haul over-the-road (OTR) driving involves extended time away from home along with tight delivery windows, weather, and heavy traffic. Local and regional routes are generally less demanding on a personal level, since drivers are typically home daily or weekly.
Most experienced drivers say the stress is manageable once you know what to expect. The independence of the job, with no boss looking over your shoulder and no office, can be a major draw. Company culture matters too. A carrier with realistic schedules and good dispatch communication makes a noticeable difference in day-to-day stress levels.
7 Factors To Consider Before Getting a CDL
- Time commitment: CDL training programs run three to seven weeks. If you’re currently employed, you’ll need to plan around your existing schedule or take time off.
- Cost of training: Tuition ranges from $1,000 to $8,000. Company-sponsored programs eliminate the upfront cost but typically require an employment commitment of one to two years with the sponsoring carrier.
- Medical and background requirements: CDL applicants must pass an FMCSA physical exam. Background checks cover criminal records, drug and alcohol history, and driving records. A serious violation or medical disqualification can prevent you from obtaining or keeping a CDL.
- Endorsements: Specialized hauling jobs (hazmat, tanker, passenger) require additional written exams and fees.
- Lifestyle fit: OTR driving means extended time away from home. Local and regional routes offer more predictable schedules.
- Career path: A Class A CDL opens the most doors, including freight, flatbed, tanker, refrigerated, and more. Class B limits you primarily to local commercial driving.
- Sponsorship obligations: Company-sponsored training programs often include non-compete or repayment clauses if you leave before your commitment period ends.
What Can Disqualify You From Getting a CDL?
Certain medical conditions, criminal convictions, and driving violations can prevent you from obtaining a CDL or cause you to lose one you already hold. The FMCSA sets disqualification rules that apply in every state.
Alcohol and Drug Violations
Federal rules hold CDL holders to a stricter standard than regular drivers. A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or higher while operating a commercial motor vehicle is a violation; this is half the 0.08% threshold for non-commercial drivers.
Criminal History
Not all criminal convictions disqualify a CDL applicant, but several do. Most carriers conduct their own background checks beyond what the state requires.
- Felony involving a CMV (e.g., drug trafficking): Permanent lifetime disqualification
- Human trafficking using a CMV: Permanent lifetime disqualification
- Leaving the scene of an accident in a CMV: One-year disqualification (first offense)
- Other felony convictions: Vary by state; many carriers set their own hiring standards beyond federal minimums
Serious Traffic Violations
Two serious traffic violations within a three-year period result in a 60-day CDL disqualification. Three within three years triggers a 120-day disqualification. These violations are tracked in the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS), which maintains a nationwide record of CDL holder violations.
Medical Disqualifiers
The DOT physical exam screens for conditions that could impair safe vehicle operation. Some conditions are automatically disqualifying under federal standards; others require additional documentation or a federal exemption to proceed.
If you have a medical condition that might affect your eligibility, consult a DOT-certified medical examiner before enrolling in a CDL program. Many conditions that sound disqualifying are manageable with documentation or through FMCSA’s exemption programs.
Is Getting a CDL Worth It?
For most people who go through with it, yes, getting a CDL is worth it. The investment of a few weeks of training and $1,000–$8,000 in tuition is recoverable quickly at entry-level trucking wages of $40,000–$50,000 a year. The job market for CDL drivers remains strong, and experienced drivers with clean records have their pick of employers and routes.
The bigger question is whether the lifestyle fits. If being on the road appeals to you and you don’t mind time away from home, a CDL is one of the more straightforward paths to a well-paying career without a four-year degree. If you value a predictable schedule and staying local, look into regional or local driving positions before assuming all trucking jobs look the same.
FAQ
What makes the most money with a CDL?
Owner-operators have the highest earning potential, with successful independent drivers clearing $150,000–$200,000 annually after expenses. Among company drivers, specialized hauling roles like hazmat, tanker, and oversized load transport typically pay the most, with experienced drivers in these positions often earning $80,000–$100,000 or more per year.
What is the best CDL license to get?
A Class A CDL is the best choice for most drivers. It qualifies you for the widest range of commercial vehicles, including tractor-trailers, tankers, and flatbeds, and gives you access to the highest-paying driving jobs. If you only plan to drive locally and don’t need to haul large combination vehicles, a Class B may be sufficient, but Class A keeps more options open.
Is a Class A CDL worth it?
For most drivers, yes. A Class A CDL qualifies you for the broadest range of trucking jobs and the highest earning potential in the industry. The added cost and training time over a Class B license is minimal compared to the career flexibility it provides. If you’re unsure what type of driving you want to do long-term, Class A gives you the most options to figure that out.
How long does it take to get a CDL?
Most drivers complete the full process in four to eight weeks. The written knowledge exam and CLP can be obtained in a week or two with focused studying. CDL training school runs three to seven weeks depending on the program. After passing the skills test, your license is typically issued within a few days.
Can I get a CDL without going to truck driving school?
In most states, you are not required by law to attend a formal truck driving school, but federal ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) regulations require new CDL applicants to complete a training program with an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the skills test. Practically speaking, nearly all new drivers go through a formal program, either a paid school or a company-sponsored training track.
Do trucking companies pay for CDL training?
Many do. Company-sponsored CDL programs cover the cost of training in exchange for a period of employment after graduation, typically one to two years. Roehl Transport is one example of a large carrier that offers paid CDL training with guaranteed job placement. The tradeoff is that you’re committing to work for that carrier before you know what the job is like, so research the company carefully before signing.
