How to Get a CDL

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.

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

Which class of CDL license do I need?

You will need a class A license if you plan on operating a vehicle that is over 26,000 lbs. and has a vehicle in tow that weighs more than 10,000 lbs.

You will need a class B license if you plan on operating a vehicle that is over 26,000 lbs. and has a vehicle in tow that weighs less than 10,000 lbs.

You will need a class C license if you plan on operating a passenger vehicle with 15 or more passengers (plus the driver) or plan on transporting hazardous materials.

You may need to add specific endorsements to your license to operate special types of vehicles.

Do I need to take a course before I can get my CDL?

If you are earning your class A or class B license, you will need to complete a FMCSA-approved training program.

Is there a road test to get a CDL?

Yes, you will need to complete a road skills test to earn your CDL. You will have to bring the vehicle you are testing for to the road skills test.

For example, if you are trying to earn your class B license, you will need to bring a class B vehicle to the skills test.

How To Get A CDL License