What on-the-job training means for CDL licensing

On-the-job training (OJT) is a path to getting your Commercial Driver's License where you learn to operate a commercial vehicle while working for a carrier or trucking company, rather than attending a formal truck driving school first. The company hires you, puts you in a truck with an experienced driver or trainer, and you learn the skills required to pass the CDL test while getting paid. You still must pass the written knowledge test and the road skills test administered by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, but the training happens on actual routes and in real working conditions.

This route exists because the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) allows carriers to train drivers without requiring them to attend a certified truck driving school. However, not every company offers OJT programs, and the structure varies significantly depending on the carrier. Some companies have formal, structured training programs that last weeks; others pair you with a mentor driver for a shorter period. You will need to understand what your specific employer requires and what your state expects before you can test.

Key Takeaways

  • On-the-job training lets you learn to drive a commercial vehicle while employed and paid by a trucking company, without attending a separate truck driving school.
  • You must still pass your state's written CDL knowledge test and the road skills test with an examiner, regardless of how you trained.
  • Not all carriers offer OJT programs, and those that do structure them differently — some last two weeks, others two months or longer.
  • Your state may require proof that you completed training or logged a certain number of hours before you can test, so confirm your state's rules before you start.
  • OJT typically pays you from day one, unlike truck driving school, but you will be working under supervision and may not be allowed to operate independently until you pass your CDL test.

How OJT differs from truck driving school

The main difference is timing and setting. A truck driving school is a separate institution you attend for four to eight weeks before you are hired; you pay tuition upfront and then look for a job. With OJT, you are hired first, then trained on the job by your employer. You earn a wage during training instead of paying tuition, though the wage is often lower than what experienced drivers make.

OJT also means you learn in a working environment — on real routes, with real cargo, dealing with actual traffic and weather — rather than in a controlled classroom or practice yard. Some drivers find this more practical; others find it more stressful because you are learning while the company is trying to move freight. The trade-off is that you avoid the debt from truck driving school, but you may have less structured instruction and fewer opportunities to practice in a safe, low-pressure setting before your first test attempt.

What happens during the training period

When you start OJT, you will be paired with a trainer or mentor driver — usually an experienced employee of the company. This person teaches you vehicle inspection, basic operation, backing, coupling and uncoupling (if you are training for tanker or doubles endorsements), log book rules, and the practical skills you need to pass the road test. You will ride along on actual routes, observe the trainer, then gradually take the wheel under their supervision.

The length of training varies. Some carriers run intensive programs lasting two to four weeks; others expect you to learn over several months while working regular routes. During this time, you are typically not allowed to operate the truck alone — you must have your trainer or another may have access to driver in the cab. You will be paid, but often at a lower rate than solo drivers, sometimes as a percentage of what a full driver earns or as an hourly wage.

Your trainer will also prepare you for the written test by reviewing the CDL manual and testing your knowledge. Many carriers have their own study materials or online modules you must complete. Once your trainer and the company believe you are ready, you will take the written test at your state's DMV, and if you pass, you will schedule the road skills test with a state examiner.

State requirements for OJT before you can test

Each state sets its own rules about what training or experience you must have before you can take the CDL road test. Some states require proof that you completed a training program — either a certified truck driving school or a company OJT program — before you test. Others require a minimum number of hours behind the wheel or a signed statement from your employer confirming you trained.

A few states do not require any formal training at all; you can take the written test and road test based on your own study and experience. However, most states require at least one of the following: completion of a FMCSA-approved training program, a signed letter from your employer stating you completed OJT, or proof of a certain number of hours (often 100 to 200 hours) of supervised driving. Before you start OJT, contact your state's DMV or commercial driver's licensing office and ask what documentation you will need to present when you test. Your employer should know this, but confirming it yourself prevents delays.

How to find a carrier that offers OJT

Not every trucking company offers on-the-job training. Larger carriers — particularly those that operate nationally and have high turnover — are more likely to have formal OJT programs. Regional carriers and smaller fleets may also train drivers, but the structure is less formal. You can find carriers that offer OJT by searching job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, or trucking-specific sites like Trucking Jobs or Schneider National's careers page, and filtering for "entry-level" or "no experience necessary" positions.

When you contact a carrier, ask directly whether they offer OJT and what the program looks like. Ask how long it lasts, what the pay is during training, whether they cover the cost of your CDL test, and what happens if you fail the test (some companies will retrain you; others will not). Ask whether they require a commitment — some carriers require you to work for them for a set period after you get your license, or they will charge you for the training. Get these details in writing before you accept a job offer.

Preparing for the written and road tests

Even though your trainer will help you study, you should also study the CDL manual for your state on your own. The written test covers vehicle inspection, safe driving practices, air brakes (if applicable), hazardous materials (if you want that endorsement), and other topics specific to commercial driving. You can read the manual free from your state's DMV website or pick up a printed copy at the DMV office. Many drivers also use study apps or online practice tests to prepare.

For the road test, your trainer will practice backing, turning, and highway driving with you repeatedly. The examiner will test your ability to do a pre-trip inspection, perform basic vehicle control (backing, turning, stopping), and drive safely on public roads. The test usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes. You will take it in a truck provided by your company or the testing facility, depending on your state. Your trainer cannot be in the cab during the test — only you and the examiner.

If you fail the road test, most states allow you to retake it after a waiting period (often a few days to a week). Your employer may or may not pay for retests, so ask about this upfront. Some carriers will retrain you at no cost; others expect you to pay the test fee yourself.

What happens after you pass your CDL test

Once you pass both the written and road tests, your state will issue your Commercial Driver's License. At that point, you can legally operate a commercial vehicle solo, without a trainer in the cab. Your pay will typically increase to the standard rate for solo drivers at your company. You may still be under probation or observation for a period — some carriers monitor new drivers closely for their first few months — but you are now a licensed commercial driver.

Your employment contract may require you to stay with the company for a set period (often six months to a year) after you get your license. If you leave before that time, some carriers will charge you for the training. Read your employment agreement carefully so you understand what you are committing to. If you decide to move to a different carrier later, your CDL is valid in every state, so you can work for any company that will hire you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit before I start OJT?

Yes. Before you can train or take the CDL test, you must have a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP). You get this by passing the written knowledge test at your state's DMV. You explore for the CLP, pay the fee, study the CDL manual, and take the test. Once you pass, you receive the permit, which allows you to drive a commercial vehicle with a licensed driver in the cab. Your OJT happens while you hold the CLP.

Can I do OJT part-time while keeping another job?

Most carriers expect OJT to be full-time. You will be working regular driving routes and need to be available for the schedule the company sets. Some smaller carriers or local operations might allow part-time training, but this is uncommon. Ask the carrier directly about scheduling before you accept the position.

What if I fail the CDL road test after OJT?

You can retake the test after your state's waiting period. Whether your employer will retrain you or pay for the retest depends on the company. Some carriers cover the cost and provide additional training; others expect you to pay the test fee and study on your own before retesting. Confirm this policy before you start training so you know what to expect.

How much will I earn during OJT?

Pay during OJT varies by carrier. Some pay an hourly wage (often $15 to $20 per hour); others pay a percentage of what a solo driver earns (often 40 to 60 percent). Larger carriers tend to have more structured pay scales. Ask the carrier for their specific pay rate before you accept the job, and confirm whether the rate changes once you pass your CDL test.

Do I have to stay with the company after I get my CDL?

Many carriers require a commitment period — typically six months to two years — after you get your license. If you leave before that time, they may charge you for the training. Some carriers do not have this requirement. Read your employment contract carefully and ask about any commitment clause before you sign.