What you need to do to get a CDL

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and lets you drive trucks, buses, or other large vehicles for work. The process has three main stages: pass a written knowledge test, pass a skills test (driving test), and meet medical requirements. Most states require you to hold a regular driver's license first, pass a CDL permit test, then schedule and pass the on-road exam — the whole process typically takes four to eight weeks if you study beforehand.

The specific rules, test content, and fees vary by state. Your state's DMV website will have the exact requirements for your location, including which endorsements (special certifications) you need based on what you'll be driving.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a valid regular driver's license and pass a medical examination before you can test for a CDL.
  • The written test covers vehicle safety, braking, cargo handling, and road rules specific to large vehicles — study materials are free on your state DMV website.
  • The driving test is performed in an actual commercial vehicle and tests your ability to back up, turn, and handle the truck in real traffic.
  • Some states allow you to test when ready after passing the written exam; others require you to hold a CDL permit for a waiting period first.
  • Endorsements for hazmat, tanker, or passenger transport require additional tests and background checks beyond the basic CDL.

Meet the medical requirements first

Before you can take any CDL test, you must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination performed by a certified medical examiner. This exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general health. You cannot have certain conditions — including uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea — without a waiver from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Once you pass the medical exam, the examiner issues a Medical Certificate valid for two years (or one year in some cases). You must carry this certificate when you take your CDL tests and when you drive commercially. If your certificate expires, you cannot legally drive a commercial vehicle until you pass another exam.

Find a certified medical examiner through your state DMV website or the FMCSA National Registry. The exam costs between $50 and $150 depending on your location and the examiner.

Pass the written knowledge test

The CDL written test covers three main areas: general knowledge (vehicle inspection, braking systems, cargo handling), air brakes (if your vehicle has them), and combination vehicles (if you'll drive a tractor-trailer). Most states break this into separate tests you can take on the same day or different days. You need to score at least 80 percent on each test section to pass.

Study materials are free on your state DMV website — they include the CDL manual and sample test questions. Many people study for two to four weeks before testing. You can also take practice tests online through your state DMV or third-party sites to identify weak areas.

When you're ready, schedule your test at your local DMV office. Bring your regular driver's license, proof of residency, and your Medical Certificate. The test is computer-based and takes about one hour. If you pass, you receive a CDL Permit that allows you to practice driving a commercial vehicle with a licensed trainer or experienced CDL holder in the passenger seat.

Practice driving and meet any waiting period

After you pass the written test, some states require you to hold your CDL Permit for a set number of days (often 14 days) before you can take the driving test. Other states let you schedule the driving test when ready. Check your state's rules on the DMV website.

During this time, practice in an actual commercial vehicle. Many people take a CDL training course at a truck driving school, which typically costs $3,000 to $7,000 and lasts three to seven weeks. The school provides the vehicle for your driving test and often has higher pass rates because instructors know exactly what the test examiners look for. If you cannot afford a school, you can practice with someone who already holds a CDL, though you'll need to arrange your own vehicle for the test.

Practice the maneuvers the test will cover: backing up in a straight line, backing at an angle, parallel parking, turning with a trailer, and braking from highway speed. These are the skills that trip up most test-takers.

Take the driving test

The CDL driving test has three parts: a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control skills (backing and parking), and an on-road driving test. The entire test takes about 90 minutes. You must bring your CDL Permit, Medical Certificate, and a valid regular driver's license. The vehicle used for testing must match the class of CDL you're testing for (Class A for tractor-trailers, Class B for straight trucks or buses, Class C for smaller commercial vehicles).

The examiner watches you perform a walkaround inspection, pointing out and naming parts of the vehicle. Then you demonstrate backing, turning, and parking in a closed course. Finally, you drive on public roads for 30 to 50 minutes while the examiner observes your lane control, braking, turning, and response to traffic. You must pass all three parts to pass the test.

If you fail, you can retake the test, but rules vary by state — some require a waiting period before your next attempt. Check your state DMV website for retesting rules and fees.

Add endorsements if your job requires them

A basic CDL lets you drive most commercial trucks. However, if you'll be hauling hazardous materials, driving a tanker, or transporting passengers, you need an endorsement — an additional certification added to your license. Common endorsements are H (hazmat), T (tanker), and P (passenger).

Each endorsement requires a separate written test. The hazmat endorsement also requires a background check and fingerprinting through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Endorsement tests cost $10 to $25 each depending on your state. You can take endorsement tests at the same time as your basic CDL test or add them later.

Maintain your CDL after you receive it

Your CDL is valid for four or eight years depending on your state. You must renew it before it expires by visiting your DMV and paying a renewal fee (typically $50 to $150). Your Medical Certificate must also remain valid — if it expires, your CDL becomes invalid for commercial driving until you pass a new medical exam.

Some states require CDL holders to report certain traffic violations or medical changes to the DMV. Check your state's rules to stay compliant. If you move to a new state, you must transfer your CDL to that state's DMV within a set timeframe (usually 30 days).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to go to truck driving school, or can I just study on my own?

You can study on your own and pass the written test without school. However, you still need access to a commercial vehicle and someone with a CDL to practice with before the driving test. Many people find a truck driving school worth the cost because the school provides the vehicle, instruction, and often has instructors who know the test route and what examiners look for.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it, but your state may require a waiting period (often 7 to 14 days) before your next attempt. You keep your CDL Permit during this time and can continue practicing. Each retake has a fee, usually $50 to $100.

Can I get a CDL if I have a medical condition?

Some conditions disqualify you outright, while others may be waivable. If you have diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea, the medical examiner will tell you whether you need a waiver from the FMCSA. The waiver process takes several weeks and requires additional medical documentation, but many people receive waivers and go on to drive commercially.

How long does the whole process take?

If you study for two to four weeks, pass the written test on your first try, and have access to a vehicle for practice, you can complete the process in six to ten weeks. If you attend truck driving school, the school handles the timeline — most programs take three to seven weeks total.

What's the difference between Class A, B, and C CDLs?

Class A covers tractor-trailers and most large combination vehicles. Class B covers straight trucks (like dump trucks or delivery trucks) and buses. Class C covers smaller commercial vehicles like some delivery vans. Your job determines which class you need — your employer or the job posting will specify.