What you need to do to get a commercial driver's license
A commercial driver's license (CDL) lets you drive trucks, buses, and other large vehicles for work. You cannot drive these vehicles with a regular driver's license, even if you own them. The process takes several months and involves written tests, a skills test, and a medical exam — all of which you must pass before you can haul cargo or passengers for pay.
The steps are the same in every state, but timing and fees vary. Most people spend three to six months preparing, though some finish in six weeks if they attend a CDL school full-time. You will need to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam, obtain a medical certificate, pass written knowledge tests, and pass a behind-the-wheel driving test with an examiner.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass a DOT medical exam and get a medical certificate before you can take any CDL test.
- Written tests cover general knowledge, air brakes, and the type of vehicle you want to drive — you can study the manual for free online or attend a CDL school.
- The behind-the-wheel test is the hardest part and requires a commercial vehicle; most people use a CDL school's truck to avoid buying or renting one.
- CDL schools typically cost $3,000 to $8,000 and take four to eight weeks; self-study is cheaper but requires you to find a vehicle and examiner on your own.
- Once you pass all tests, your state DMV issues the CDL, which is valid for four to eight years depending on your state.
Get a DOT medical exam and medical certificate first
Before you take any written test or driving test, you must pass a physical exam with a DOT-certified medical examiner. This is not your regular doctor — it must be someone on your state's list of approved examiners. The exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and ability to operate a vehicle safely. It costs $50 to $150 depending on the examiner.
Once you pass, the examiner gives you a medical certificate (also called a medical card). This certificate is valid for two years and you must carry it with you when you drive commercially. You cannot take the written CDL test without showing this certificate to the DMV. If your medical certificate expires, you cannot renew your CDL until you pass a new exam.
To find a DOT medical examiner in your state, visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website and search their National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners by zip code. Call ahead to confirm they are accepting new patients and ask about their fee.
Decide between CDL school and self-study
You have two paths: attend a CDL training school or study on your own and take the tests at your state DMV. Most people choose school because the behind-the-wheel test is difficult without professional instruction, and schools provide the truck you need for the test.
A CDL school typically costs $3,000 to $8,000 and runs four to eight weeks full-time. The school covers written test material, teaches you how to operate the vehicle, and arranges your behind-the-wheel test with an approved examiner. Some schools offer job placement help after you pass. The downside is cost and time commitment.
Self-study is cheaper — you pay only for written test fees and the driving test fee — but you must find a commercial vehicle to practice in and arrange your own behind-the-wheel test. You also need someone experienced to teach you, which most people do not have access to. Self-study works only if you already know how to drive a large truck or have a friend or family member who can teach you.
Pass the written knowledge tests
Your state DMV gives you written tests on a computer or paper. You must pass all of them before you can take the behind-the-wheel test. The tests cover general CDL knowledge, air brakes (required for all CDL holders), and the specific vehicle type you want to drive.
The general knowledge test has 50 questions and covers safe driving, vehicle inspection, and cargo handling. The air brakes test has 25 questions about how air brake systems work. If you want to drive a passenger vehicle (bus), you take an additional test. If you want to haul hazardous materials, you take another test. You can take these tests in any order, but you must pass all of them before scheduling the driving test.
Your state DMV publishes the official CDL manual for free online — read it and study it. If you attend a CDL school, they will teach this material in class. Most people study for two to four weeks before taking the written tests. You can retake a failed test, but you usually must wait 24 hours and pay a fee each time.
Schedule and pass the behind-the-wheel driving test
Once you pass all written tests, you schedule a behind-the-wheel test with an approved examiner in your state. The test takes 30 to 45 minutes and happens in a real commercial vehicle. You cannot use a regular truck or car — it must be the exact type of vehicle you want to drive commercially.
The test has three parts. First, you do a vehicle inspection — the examiner asks you to point out and explain safety features like lights, mirrors, and brakes. Second, you do basic control skills — backing up, parking, and turning in a confined space. Third, you do road driving — the examiner directs you on public roads while watching how you handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to hazards.
If you attended a CDL school, they arrange the test and provide the truck. If you are self-studying, you must find a commercial vehicle and contact an approved examiner to schedule. Some examiners have a vehicle available for a fee (usually $100 to $300), but this varies by state. You can retake the driving test if you fail, but you must pay the fee again.
Submit your paperwork and receive your CDL
After you pass the behind-the-wheel test, the examiner sends your results to your state DMV. You then go to your local DMV office with your medical certificate, proof of identity, and proof of residency to complete the CDL process. Bring your Social Security card or number, a birth certificate or passport, and a recent utility bill or lease agreement.
You will pay a CDL issuance fee, which ranges from $20 to $100 depending on your state. The DMV processes your process and mails your CDL to you within one to three weeks. Your CDL is valid for four to eight years depending on your state — check your state's DMV website for the exact term.
Once you have your CDL, you can legally drive commercial vehicles for work. If you want to add endorsements later (such as hazardous materials or passenger vehicle), you take the additional written test and pay an endorsement fee.
Understand CDL classes and endorsements
There are three CDL classes based on the vehicle's weight and what you are hauling. Class A covers the heaviest trucks (over 26,001 pounds) and is the most common for long-haul trucking. Class B covers medium trucks (10,001 to 26,000 pounds) and some buses. Class C covers smaller vehicles and is less common. When you take your behind-the-wheel test, you test in the class of vehicle you want to drive.
Endorsements are add-ons that let you haul specific cargo or drive specific vehicles. The most common are Hazmat (hazardous materials), Passenger (buses), and Tanker (liquid cargo). You do not need endorsements to get your basic CDL, but employers often require them. You can add endorsements by passing the written test for each one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a CDL?
If you attend a full-time CDL school, you can finish in four to eight weeks. If you self-study, it usually takes three to six months because you study at your own pace and must find time to practice and schedule tests. The medical exam and DMV processing add another one to three weeks.
Can I use my own truck for the behind-the-wheel test?
Yes, if it is the correct class and type of vehicle. However, it must be registered and insured for commercial use, and the examiner must be able to sit in the passenger seat safely. Most people use a CDL school's truck because it is simpler and the school handles all the logistics.
What happens if I fail the behind-the-wheel test?
You can retake it after paying the test fee again. There is usually a waiting period of a few days to a week. Most people pass on the second or third attempt. If you keep failing, consider getting more instruction from a CDL school or an experienced driver.
Do I need a regular driver's license to get a CDL?
Yes, you must have a valid regular driver's license before you can get a CDL. Your CDL replaces your regular license — you do not carry both. If your regular license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get a CDL.
How much does a CDL cost in total?
If you attend a CDL school, expect $3,000 to $8,000 for tuition plus $50 to $150 for the medical exam and $20 to $100 for the CDL fee. If you self-study, you pay only the medical exam, written test fees (usually $10 to $50 per test), the driving test fee (usually $50 to $150), and the CDL fee. Self-study is cheaper upfront but riskier if you do not have access to a truck and experienced instruction.