What you need to do to get a commercial driver's license
A commercial driver's license (CDL) is issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and allows you to operate trucks, buses, or other large vehicles for pay. The process involves meeting age and medical requirements, passing written knowledge tests, and passing a behind-the-wheel driving test. Most states require you to hold a regular driver's license first, pass a medical examination, and complete training — either through a CDL school or on your own — before you can test.
The timeline typically runs four to twelve weeks from start to test, depending on whether you attend a formal school and how quickly you schedule your exam. You will pay for the medical exam, training (if you choose a school), and testing fees, which vary by state but generally total between $500 and $3,000.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18 years old (21 for interstate driving), hold a valid regular driver's license, and pass a Department of Transportation medical exam before you can test for a CDL.
- Most states require you to pass a written knowledge test covering vehicle operation, safety, and cargo handling before you take the behind-the-wheel exam.
- The behind-the-wheel test includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving portion, all conducted by a state examiner.
- You can prepare through a CDL training school (which takes two to eight weeks) or study on your own using your state's CDL manual and practice tests.
- CDL endorsements for hazmat, passenger transport, or tanker driving require additional written tests and fees beyond the base CDL.
Age, licensing, and medical requirements
You must be at least 18 years old to hold a CDL within your state, but federal law requires you to be 21 to drive commercially across state lines. You also need a valid regular driver's license (often called a Class D or standard license) before you can obtain a CDL — you cannot skip this step or hold both simultaneously in most states.
A Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination is mandatory. You will visit a DOT-certified medical examiner (usually a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant) who will review your health history, check your vision and hearing, and test your blood pressure. The exam costs between $50 and $150 depending on your location. If you pass, you receive a Medical Certificate valid for two years (or one year if you have certain medical conditions). You must carry this certificate when you drive commercially.
Some states also require you to hold your regular license for a minimum period — often 12 months — before you can test for a CDL. Check your state's DMV website to confirm this requirement.
Written knowledge tests and what they cover
Every CDL applicant must pass a written knowledge test administered by your state's DMV. The test covers general commercial driving knowledge and is usually 50 questions long, though the exact number varies by state. You typically need to score 80 percent or higher to pass.
The test covers vehicle operation (braking, steering, weight distribution), safety rules (speed limits, following distance, hazard recognition), cargo handling, and federal regulations. You study using your state's CDL manual, which is free and available on your state DMV website. Many states also offer online practice tests that mimic the real exam format.
If you plan to haul hazardous materials, transport passengers, or operate tanker trucks, you will take additional written tests for each endorsement you want. These endorsements are marked on your CDL with letters (H for hazmat, P for passenger, N for tanker, and so on) and require separate study and fees.
Behind-the-wheel testing and what examiners evaluate
After you pass the written test, you schedule a behind-the-wheel exam with a state-certified examiner. This test has three parts: a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving portion. The entire exam usually takes 60 to 90 minutes.
During the pre-trip inspection, you walk around and under the vehicle, pointing out and explaining safety-critical components — lights, brakes, tires, mirrors, coupling devices, and emergency equipment. The examiner is checking that you know what to look for and can spot problems before you drive.
The basic control skills portion takes place in a closed course or parking lot. You perform maneuvers like backing in a straight line, backing into an offset alley, and performing a 90-degree offset. These test your ability to control a large vehicle in tight spaces.
The on-road portion involves driving in real traffic under the examiner's observation. You will navigate city streets, highways, and turns while the examiner watches for safe speed, proper lane positioning, mirror checks, and smooth braking. You must follow all traffic laws and demonstrate that you can handle the vehicle safely.
Training options: schools versus self-study
You can prepare for your CDL through a formal training school or by studying on your own. A CDL training school typically runs two to eight weeks full-time and costs $3,000 to $8,000. The school provides classroom instruction, hands-on vehicle training, and often arranges your behind-the-wheel exam. Many schools have partnerships with testing sites, which can speed up scheduling.
Self-study means you buy or read your state's CDL manual, study practice tests online, and arrange your own behind-the-wheel training (often through a private instructor or by borrowing a commercial vehicle from an employer). This route is cheaper but requires more discipline and self-direction. You must still schedule and pay for the behind-the-wheel exam separately.
Some employers offer paid CDL training as part of hiring, especially trucking companies. If you are already employed or have a job offer, ask whether the company covers training costs. A few states also fund CDL training through workforce development programs, though availability and may be able to access vary.
Testing fees, medical costs, and total expenses
Your total cost depends on whether you attend a school and which endorsements you pursue. Here is what to expect:
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| DOT Medical Exam | $50–$150 |
| Written Knowledge Test (per test) | $10–$50 |
| Behind-the-Wheel Exam | $50–$150 |
| CDL Training School (optional) | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Private Driving Instruction (if self-studying) | $500–$2,000 |
| Endorsement Tests (each) | $10–$50 |
If you attend a school, your total is typically $3,500 to $8,500. If you self-study and hire a private instructor, expect $1,000 to $2,500. Some states charge higher testing fees than others, so check your state DMV website for exact amounts.
how the process works and schedule your tests
Start by visiting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and downloading the CDL manual. Read through it and take any practice tests your state offers online. Next, schedule your DOT medical exam with a certified examiner — you can find them through your state DMV website or by searching "DOT medical examiner near me."
Once you have your Medical Certificate, visit your state DMV in person or online (depending on your state's process) to request a CDL permit. You will pay a fee (usually $10 to $50) and provide proof of identity, residency, and your Medical Certificate. Some states issue the permit when ready; others mail it.
With your permit in hand, you can now study for and schedule your written knowledge test. Most states let you schedule this online or by phone through the DMV. After you pass the written test, you schedule your behind-the-wheel exam. Wait times for the exam vary by state and season — rural areas often have shorter waits than cities.
If you attend a CDL school, the school typically handles scheduling your tests and may even conduct the behind-the-wheel exam on-site if they have a state-certified examiner on staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a CDL if I have a medical condition?
Many medical conditions do not disqualify you, but some do — including certain heart conditions, uncontrolled diabetes, and severe vision or hearing loss. The DOT medical examiner will determine whether your condition meets federal standards. If you are unsure, contact a DOT medical examiner before scheduling your exam to discuss your specific situation.
What happens if I fail the behind-the-wheel test?
You can retake it. Most states allow you to schedule another exam within a few days or weeks, though you may have to pay the testing fee again. Many people pass on their second or third attempt. Review the areas where you struggled and practice more before retesting.
Do I need a CDL to drive a pickup truck or van for work?
No. A CDL is required only for vehicles over a certain weight (usually 26,001 pounds gross vehicle weight rating) or for vehicles carrying hazardous materials or more than 15 passengers. Pickup trucks, vans, and small box trucks typically do not require a CDL unless they exceed that weight threshold.
How long is a CDL valid?
A CDL is valid for eight years in most states, though some states issue shorter terms. You will need to renew your Medical Certificate every two years (or one year if you have certain conditions) to keep your CDL active. Your state DMV will notify you when renewal is due.
Can I get a CDL in one state and use it in another?
Yes. A CDL issued by one state is recognized in all other states. However, you must follow the traffic and commercial driving laws of the state you are driving in. If you move to a new state, you can transfer your CDL to that state's DMV, though some states charge a transfer fee.