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Getting Your Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
Beginner’s Guide to Getting Your CDL
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Commercial Driver's License Basics
A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required to operate many types of commercial vehicles in the United States. Whether you’re starting a trucking career or expanding your driver qualifications, understanding the CDL process is the first step.
Getting your CDL may seem overwhelming at first, but the process is easier to navigate when you understand the requirements. By preparing for each step along the way, you’ll be better positioned for success and closer to starting your commercial driving career.
How Long Does It Take To Get Your CDL?
The time required to obtain a CDL varies by state, training program, and testing availability. Most drivers can complete the process within several weeks, though some programs may take longer.
The training program can be the lengthiest part of the process. This depends on the training timeline you choose. If you decide to do the “full-time” training program, it typically lasts only 5 weeks. If you go with the “part-time” training program, you’re looking at around the 6-12-week range.
Then, you have to take the Commercial Learner’s Permit (CPL). This is a written knowledge test and vision screening. If you pass this section, you will have to wait the 14 days for the holding period. After the holding period, you take the CDL Skill Test, which consists of 3 parts.
The first part is the pre-trip inspection, then the basic control test, and then finally the road test.
These tests approximately take 3 days, depending on availability. Once all tests have been completed and passed, you will be able to obtain your CDL certificate.
Who Needs to Get a Commercial Driver’s License?
A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required for individuals who operate certain commercial motor vehicles. Whether you’re planning a career in trucking, passenger transportation, or specialized vehicle operations, obtaining the proper CDL is often the first step.
To elaborate further on this and which vehicle categories require someone with a CDL to operate, we have more information. Keep reading!
Categories Requiring CDL
CDL requirements are primarily based on vehicle type, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), passenger capacity, and the transportation of hazardous materials.
In general, a CDL is required to operate a vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, such as:
- Tractor-trailers and semi-trucks
- Dump trucks and heavy construction vehicles
- School buses and charter buses
- Vehicles transporting hazardous materials requiring placards
How Much Does a Commercial Driver’s License Cost?
The cost of obtaining a CDL varies by state. There are also other costs associated with getting your CDL, such as training program fees, endorsement training, permit fees, testing fees, and medical exam costs.
The major factors that add to the cost of obtaining a CDL include the training program, which incurs the biggest expense. This expense is calculated by summing up the type of program you choose, the program duration, and the training school’s reputation and location.
Besides the training program, the cost also comprises the licensing fee by the authority. For example, the cost will include a learner’s permit that ranges between $25 and $100 in all states. Then, there is the CDL written and skills test, which typically lies between $50 and $200 for each. The DOT-certified medical examiner’s fee is also included in the cost of a CDL, and it ranges from $50 to $150.
There are miscellaneous costs like fuel and vehicle usage costs. At the time of training, if you are using your own vehicle, you will have to take care of the fuel cost, and if you are using the vehicle of the training school, then you will have to pay some rent.
What are the Class Divisions of Commercial Driver’s Licenses?
As confirmed by the Driving Test Organization, there are three major classes of CDLs in the United States. You might be wondering if these CDLs are based on what the person is capable of obtaining. For example, if a person performs excellently on the test, he will get a class A license, and if a person performs badly on the test, he will get a class B license. But this is not true!
In the US, these classes are divided based on the type of vehicle you choose. Each class is there to categorize the vehicle users based on their skills and expertise with certain commercial motor vehicles. There are Class A, Class B, and the Class C.
Class A CDL
This class allows you to operate any type of vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, including a towed unit(s) with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds. The types of vehicles it includes are:
- Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers
- Large box trucks
- Dump trucks
- Passenger buses with a seating capacity of over 16 individuals (including the driver)
- Vehicles towing heavy trailers exceeding combined weight limits
- Requires the most comprehensive training and testing due to the size and challenges of these automobiles.
- It is often considered the most versatile option for truck drivers as it allows the operation of the widest range of CMVs.
Class B CDL
Class B is full of moderate CMVS, and it allows you to operate single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or even more or any other towing vehicle with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 pounds. This includes:
- Large delivery trucks
- Tanker trucks
- School buses
- Charter buses
- Other single-unit CMVs exceeding the weight limit
- It requires less training and testing compared to Class A but still involves significant coursework and skills demonstrations.
- Offers opportunities in various transportation sectors besides long-haul trucking.
Class C CDL
This is the most modest class that allows the CDL owner to operate Vehicles with a GVWR of 16,001 pounds up to 26,000 pounds. This category of class includes the following:
- Small box trucks
- Delivery vans
- Construction vehicles within the weight limit
- Vehicles made to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver), such as:
- School buses
- Shuttle buses
- Tour buses (within size and weight limits)
- It does not require extensive training like Class A or B, but it still involves mandatory knowledge and skills tests.
- Suitable for entry-level positions in various sectors like passenger transportation, delivery, and light construction
What are the Compliance Requirements for a Commercial Driver’s License?
This question is one of the most important ones as it helps you understand what you need to get a certified driver’s license for commercial motors. If you have a CDL already, then you should know that maintaining a CDL comes with various compliance requirements, and you are expected to fulfill them. The authorities have categorized these requirements into three sections.
The first one is about medical fitness, the second one is about driver qualification and records, and the last one is about vehicle and operational compliance.