A CDL license is a requirement for anyone who wishes to drive a commercial vehicle. Learn how to get a CDL license with our complete guide below.
The process can be very confusing, so we broke it down into some simple steps. Follow each step and you will be on your way to earning your CDL permit.
Summary: Follow the steps to get a CDL below. If you want to begin practicing, visit our CDL practice test home.
What is a CDL?
CDL stands for commercial driving license. You will need a CDL to be able to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
A CDL is needed for anyone who wishes to drive any type of combination vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000+ pounds. A CDL is also required for anyone wishing to drive any vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000+ pounds commercially.
There are 3 types of CDL licenses:
- Class A
- Class B
- Class C
In addition to earning your CDL license, you may also need to earn special endorsements. These endorsements allow you to operate special types of vehicles.
You will need to pass a written test for your CDL. You may also need to pass a skills test for various endorsements.
CDL License Requirements
You will need to ensure that you meet the following requirements before you can begin the steps to get your CDL. The requirements to get your CDL are:
- Must be 21+ for interstate operation or 18+ for intrastate (within the state) operation
- Have a valid non-commercial driver’s license
- Have one or two years or driving experience (state dependent)
- Proof of citizenship
- Able to speak and read English at a sufficient level
- Have a DOT medical card (requires a DOT physical)
- Cannot be a disqualified driver
- Pass a background check
- Completion of driver training from FMCSA-approved training providers (Class A and Class B CDL’s.)
Please note, the requirements may slightly vary from state to state. The above requirements are generally what is required to earn your CDL.
How to Get a CDL
Getting a CDL can be a complicated process. We have simplified the process by outlining the steps you need to take.
Overview of steps to get a CDL:
- Ensure you meet all the CDL requirements (see list above)
- Complete driver training from FMCSA approved training provider (Class A and Class B)
- Complete state CDL application and pay fees
- Provide appropriate forms (identity, proof of residency, etc..)
- Complete medical forms
- Pass a vision test
- Pass a knowledge test (use our CDL practice test to help prepare)
- Get your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
- Schedule your CDL road skills exam
- Pass the pre-trip inspection
- Pass the road skills exam
- Pay fees to officially get your CDL
Which CDL License Do You Need?
Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) are categorized within three general classes.
Each Commercial Driver’s License classification is differentiated based on the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), among an assortment of other factors.
Some classes of Commercial Driver’s Licenses may require the applicant to obtain an additional endorsement.
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Class A CDL
The Class A CDL is required for professional truckers who operate a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating that exceeds 26,000 lbs. – with a vehicle in tow weighing more than 10,000 lbs.
The Class A CDL is generally required for professional long-distance tractor-trailer drivers. Class A truckers generally obtain additional endorsements that allow them to carry specific loads.
Class A holders typically operate:
- Double or triple tractor-trailers
- Flatbeds
- Tanker trailers
- Livestock carrier vehicles
Class B CDL
The Class B CDL is required for those professional truck drivers who operate a commercial motor vehicle that has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) that exceeds 26,000 lbs. – with a vehicle in tow weighing less than 10,000 lbs.
Class B Licensed truck drivers operate these types of motor vehicles:
- A Garbage Truck
- A Straight Truck
- A Tow-truck
- A Dump Truck with a small trailer
- A Box Truck
- A Large Passenger Bus, or a Segmented Bus
- A Delivery Truck
Class C CDL
The Class C CDL is required for those professional truck drivers who operate a passenger vehicle with 15 (or more) passengers, plus the driver, or for the transport of HAZMAT materials.
Class C Licensed truck drivers operate these types of motor vehicles:
- Passenger Vans
- Smaller HazMat Motor Vehicles
- Combo Motor Vehicles that do not meet the requirements for Class A or Class B licenses.
Endorsements
A professional truck driver, through the obtainment of endorsements, can earn additional earnings at a higher salary scale.
CDL endorsements are required if a professional truck driver is interested in driving more specialized motor vehicles. These endorsements are available for:
The Endorsement Code | Endorsement Description |
T | Double/Triple Trailers (Knowledge test only) |
P | Passenger (Knowledge & Skills Test) |
N | Tank (Knowledge test only) |
H | Hazardous Materials (Knowledge test only) |
X | Tank & Hazardous Materials (Knowledge test only) |
S | School Bus (Knowledge & Skills Test) |
Please note, you can only hold 3 endorsements (P, S, and N) if you hold a commercial learning permit (CLP).
How to Get a Class A License
A class A CDL license includes everything listed above to get your CDL. You will also need to pass the CDL combination test. The steps to earn a CDL class A license are:
- Normal steps discussed above to get your CDL
- Complete FMCSA-approved training
- Pass CDL general knowledge and combination vehicles written tests
- Take your road skills test (need to bring a class A vehicle)
- Apply for additional endorsements you may need
How to Get a Class B License
A class B CDL license also includes all the normal steps to get your CDL that we listed above.
Most class B vehicles have all the weight in a single vehicle, so individuals with this class of license may not need as many endorsements.
Steps to earn a CDL class B license:
- Normal steps discussed above to get your CDL
- Complete FMCSA-approved training
- Pass CDL general knowledge written test
- Take your road skills test (need to bring a class B vehicle)
- Apply for additional endorsements you may need
How to Get a Class C License
A class C CDL license also includes the typical steps you need to follow to get a CDL that we reviewed above.
You will most likely need to apply for the passenger, school bus, or HazMat endorsement along with earning your class C license.
Steps to earn a CDL class C license:
- Normal steps discussed above to get your CDL
- Pass CDL general knowledge written test
- Take your road skills test (need to bring a class C vehicle)
- Apply for additional endorsements you may need
All the classes of CDL license require the general knowledge written test. Take a CDL practice test to prepare for that exam.
Getting a CDL FAQs