Getting a CDL requires passing a written test, a skills test, and a medical exam, then submitting your results to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is what you need to drive trucks, buses, or other large vehicles for work. The process has three main parts: you study and pass a written knowledge test, you pass a behind-the-wheel driving test, and you pass a medical exam that confirms you're physically able to drive commercially. Each state runs its own CDL program, so the exact steps and fees vary where you live, but the structure is the same everywhere.

You don't have to attend a truck driving school to get a CDL — many people study on their own and test through their DMV. However, most employers won't hire you without some formal training, so many people do attend a school. The written test and driving test can be done at your state's DMV or at an approved third-party testing site, depending on your state.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a valid regular driver's license before you can get a CDL, and you must pass a medical exam showing you can safely operate a commercial vehicle.
  • The written test covers rules specific to large vehicles, air brakes, and hazardous materials — you study from your state's CDL manual, which is free online.
  • The driving test happens in an actual commercial vehicle and tests your ability to do a pre-trip inspection, back up safely, and drive in traffic.
  • Truck driving schools teach you to drive and prepare you for both tests, but are not required — you can study and test on your own if you have access to a commercial vehicle and an instructor.
  • The entire process typically takes two to six weeks if you attend a school, or longer if you study independently.

What you need before you start

You must already have a valid regular driver's license in your state. If you don't, get that first — you'll need to pass a written test and a driving test for a regular license before you can move to a CDL.

You'll also need to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam before you can test for your CDL. This exam is done by a certified medical examiner and checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall health. The examiner will give you a Medical Certificate if you pass. This certificate is valid for two years and you'll need to show it when you explore for your CDL. The cost of the medical exam varies by provider, typically between $50 and $150.

You'll also need to gather documents: your Social Security number, proof of citizenship or legal residency (a passport, birth certificate, or green card), and your current driver's license. Some states ask for proof of your address as well.

Studying for the written test

Your state's DMV publishes a free CDL manual online that covers everything on the written test. The manual includes sections on general knowledge (rules of the road for large vehicles), air brakes, combination vehicles, and hazardous materials. You only study the sections that explore to the type of vehicle you'll drive — for example, if you're driving a straight truck without air brakes, you may not need the air brakes section.

The written test itself is usually 50 questions, and you typically need to score 80 percent or higher to pass. You take it at your state's DMV or at an approved testing site. Some states let you take it on a computer; others use paper. The test costs between $10 and $50 depending on your state.

Many people study the manual on their own. Others take a truck driving school course, which includes classroom instruction and practice tests. If you're not confident studying alone, a school can help you understand the material and practice until you're ready.

The driving test and vehicle requirements

The driving test happens in an actual commercial vehicle and has three parts: a pre-trip inspection, where you walk around the vehicle and point out safety features and check for problems; a backing test, where you back the vehicle into a tight space; and a road test, where you drive in traffic and demonstrate safe handling.

You need access to a commercial vehicle to take the driving test. If you're attending a truck driving school, the school provides the vehicle. If you're testing on your own, you have to arrange for a vehicle — this might mean borrowing one from an employer or renting one from a testing site that offers this service. Some states allow you to use a vehicle from a third-party testing site; others require you to bring your own.

The driving test is administered by an examiner from your state's DMV or a certified third-party examiner. The test usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You pass or fail based on your performance — there's no score, just pass or fail. The fee is typically $50 to $150.

Truck driving school versus studying on your own

A truck driving school teaches you to drive a commercial vehicle, prepares you for both the written and driving tests, and usually takes four to eight weeks. Most schools are full-time programs where you spend 40 or more hours per week in the classroom and behind the wheel. The cost varies widely — between $3,000 and $7,000 — depending on the school and how long the program is.

The advantage of school is that you learn from experienced instructors, you practice in a real truck, and you're ready to work when you finish. Many employers prefer to hire people who went through a school. The disadvantage is the cost and the time commitment.

If you study on your own, you save money but you need to find a commercial vehicle to practice in and someone to teach you or supervise your practice. You also need to be disciplined about studying the manual and taking practice tests. This route works if you have a connection to a truck or bus company, or if you're willing to pay for private instruction.

The process and licensing process

Once you've passed both the written and driving tests, you go to your state's DMV with your Medical Certificate and any other documents they require. You'll fill out an process form — usually called a CDL process or a commercial driver's license request form. You'll pay a fee, which varies by state but is typically $50 to $200.

The DMV will issue your CDL, usually on the spot or within a few days. Your CDL will show what type of vehicle you're licensed to drive — Class A (tractor-trailers), Class B (large straight trucks or buses), or Class C (smaller commercial vehicles). It will also show any restrictions, such as whether you can haul hazardous materials.

Your CDL is valid for four or eight years, depending on your state. You'll need to renew it before it expires, and you may need to pass another medical exam at renewal time.

Endorsements and restrictions

A CDL endorsement is a special permission that lets you drive certain types of vehicles or carry certain cargo. The most common endorsement is Hazmat (Hazardous Materials), which allows you to transport hazardous cargo. To get a Hazmat endorsement, you pass an additional written test and pass a background check. Other endorsements include Tank (for tanker trucks) and Passenger (for buses).

A restriction is the opposite — it's something you're not allowed to do. For example, if you fail the air brakes test but pass the rest, you'll get a CDL with a restriction that says you can't drive vehicles with air brakes. You can remove a restriction later by passing the test you failed.

Timeline and costs

If you attend a truck driving school, the entire process usually takes four to eight weeks from start to finish. If you study on your own, it depends on how quickly you can arrange practice time and schedule your tests — this could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

The total cost varies significantly. If you attend a school, expect to pay $3,000 to $7,000 for tuition, plus $50 to $200 for the CDL process fee, plus $50 to $150 for the medical exam. If you study on your own, you'll pay for the medical exam, the written test fee, the driving test fee, and the CDL process fee — typically $200 to $500 total — but you'll need to find a way to practice in a commercial vehicle, which may cost money depending on your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a CDL to drive a pickup truck for work?

No. A CDL is only required for vehicles over a certain weight (usually 26,001 pounds or more) or for vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers. Most pickup trucks and vans don't require a CDL. Check your state's DMV website or call them to confirm the weight of the specific vehicle you'll drive.

Can I get a CDL if I have a DUI or other traffic violations?

It depends on the violation and how recent it is. Some violations disqualify you from getting a CDL; others don't. Your state's DMV can tell you whether your record allows you to get a CDL. Generally, serious violations like DUI or reckless driving can make you ineligible for a period of time.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it. Most states let you retake the test after a waiting period — usually a few days to a week. You pay the test fee again each time you retake it. Many people pass on their second or third attempt.

Can I get a CDL in one state and use it in another?

Yes. A CDL from any state is valid in all other states. However, you must live in the state where you get your CDL — you can't get a CDL in a state where you don't have a residence.

Do I need to take the written test again if I already have a CDL?

No. If you're renewing a CDL you already have, you usually don't retake the written test — you just renew your Medical Certificate and pay the renewal fee. However, if your CDL has expired for a long time (the length varies by state), you may have to retake the test.