What you need to do to get a commercial driver's license

A commercial driver's license (CDL) is a special license that lets you drive trucks, buses, or other large vehicles for work. To get one, you need to pass a written test on traffic laws and vehicle operation, pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection and a road test, and hold a valid regular driver's license first. Most states require you to be at least 18 years old (21 if you want to drive across state lines), have a clean driving record, and pass a medical exam.

The process takes weeks to a few months depending on how quickly you study and schedule your tests. You will need to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency multiple times — once to explore and get your permit, again to take the written test, and a third time for the skills test with an examiner and a vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a valid regular driver's license and pass a medical exam before you can even take the CDL written test.
  • The written test covers vehicle safety, braking systems, cargo handling, and traffic laws specific to large vehicles — you study from your state's CDL manual.
  • The skills test includes a pre-trip inspection (checking your vehicle's condition), a backing maneuver, and a 15-minute road test with an examiner.
  • You can study on your own or attend a CDL training school, which takes 3 to 8 weeks and costs $3,000 to $15,000 depending on the program.
  • Your state's DMV website lists the exact fees, required documents, and testing locations in your area.

Step 1: Get your regular driver's license and medical clearance

Before you can explore for a CDL, you must already have a valid regular driver's license. If you do not have one, you need to get it first through your state's standard licensing process.

You also need to pass a medical exam performed by a certified medical examiner approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and ability to operate a large vehicle safely. Your doctor or a clinic that does DOT (Department of Transportation) physicals can perform this exam. Once you pass, you receive a Medical Certificate, which you will need when you explore for your CDL permit. The exam costs $50 to $200 depending on your location.

Step 2: explore for your CDL permit at the DMV

Visit your state's DMV office in person with your regular driver's license, Medical Certificate, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or ITIN. You will fill out an process form — your state's DMV website has the exact form name and number. Pay the permit fee, which ranges from $10 to $100 depending on your state.

The DMV will issue you a CDL permit (also called a learner's permit), which lets you practice driving large vehicles with a licensed CDL holder in the passenger seat. You cannot take the skills test without this permit. Some states require you to wait a certain number of days after getting your permit before you can test, so check your state's rules on the DMV website.

Step 3: Study for the written test

Your state's DMV publishes a free CDL manual (also called the CDL handbook) on its website. This manual covers vehicle safety, braking systems, cargo handling, hazardous materials rules, and traffic laws. The written test has 50 to 100 questions depending on your state, and you usually need to score 80 percent or higher to pass.

You can study the manual on your own, or you can attend a CDL training school. Training schools teach the same material in a classroom setting over 3 to 8 weeks and cost $3,000 to $15,000. Some schools include the skills test training as well. If you choose a school, make sure it is accredited by your state — your DMV website lists approved schools in your area.

Step 4: Take the written test at the DMV

Schedule your written test appointment through your state's DMV website or by calling your local DMV office. Bring your CDL permit, a valid ID, and any study materials you want to review before the test. The test is computer-based in most states and takes 1 to 2 hours.

If you pass, the DMV will update your permit to show you passed the written portion. If you fail, you can usually retake it after a waiting period (often 7 days). Once you pass the written test, you can schedule your skills test.

Step 5: Prepare for and take the skills test

The skills test has three parts: a pre-trip inspection, a backing maneuver, and a road test. For the pre-trip inspection, you walk around and under a large vehicle (usually a tractor-trailer) and point out safety features and check for problems — the examiner asks you questions about what you are looking for. This takes 10 to 15 minutes.

The backing maneuver tests your ability to reverse the vehicle into a tight space or around obstacles. You have a set amount of time and space to complete it. The road test is a 15 to 20 minute drive on public roads where the examiner watches how you handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to other drivers.

You must provide your own vehicle for the skills test — it must be the same type of vehicle you want to drive for work (a tractor-trailer if you want to haul freight, a bus if you want to drive passengers, and so on). If you attended a training school, the school usually lets you use one of their vehicles for the test. Schedule your skills test through your DMV office, and bring your CDL permit and a valid ID.

Understanding CDL classes and endorsements

A CDL comes in different classes depending on the vehicle's weight and what you will be hauling. Class A is for tractor-trailers and heavy trucks over 26,001 pounds. Class B is for single large vehicles like buses or dump trucks over 26,001 pounds. Class C is for smaller vehicles that carry hazardous materials or 16 or more passengers. Most truck drivers need a Class A CDL.

You can also add endorsements to your CDL, which allow you to haul specific cargo or operate specific vehicles. Common endorsements are H (hazardous materials), T (double or triple trailers), and P (passengers). Each endorsement requires an additional written test. You take these tests at the same DMV visit as your main CDL written test, or you can add them later.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a CDL?

If you study on your own, you can take the written test within a few weeks and the skills test a few weeks after that — total time is 2 to 3 months. If you attend a training school, the school takes 3 to 8 weeks, and then you take the skills test, so total time is 1 to 3 months. The exact timeline depends on how quickly you can schedule appointments at your DMV.

Can I use my own truck for the skills test?

Yes, if you own a truck that matches the class you are testing for. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you do not own a truck, you can rent one from a training school or a truck rental company, or attend a training school that provides vehicles for testing.

What happens if I fail the skills test?

You can retake it after a waiting period set by your state, usually 7 to 14 days. You pay the test fee again. Many people pass on their second or third attempt, so failing once does not mean you cannot get your CDL.

Do I need to take a CDL training school, or can I study on my own?

You can study on your own using your state's free CDL manual and take the tests at the DMV. Many people do this and pass. A training school is helpful if you learn better in a classroom, want hands-on practice before the test, or want to build relationships with potential employers — some training schools help graduates find jobs.

What is the difference between a CDL and a regular driver's license?

A regular driver's license lets you drive passenger cars and light trucks. A CDL lets you drive heavy trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles. A CDL requires more testing and a medical exam because these vehicles are larger and more dangerous if operated incorrectly.