What is a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) And How Do I Get One?
A CDL or commercial driver’s license is required to operate a commercial motor vehicle in the United States.
A CDL is essential to be a professional truck driver or if you plan on starting a trucking company. Below we’ll cover what a commercial driver’s license is, the different types and the basic steps on how to obtain one.
What Is A Commercial Driver’s License?
CDL stands for commercial driver’s license, which is required to operate many of the larger vehicles you see on the road today. There are different types of CDL Licenses, a driver who is pulling livestock might need a different CDL license than someone that drives straight trucks, as an example.
In an effort to increase safety and compliance the Federal government enacted the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act in 1986. All states had to meet specific requirements when issuing commercial drivers licenses at this time.
The Federal government only allows you to possess one driver’s license at a time regardless of the class. It is actually illegal to have more than one license at a time. That means when you go to get your Commercial Learner’s Permit you will surrender your Class F basic driver’s license.
How Do I Get A Commercial Driver’s License?
Getting a CDL involves several steps. There are medical requirements and residency requirements besides knowledge and skills requirements.
- The first step is to get a copy of your state’s Commercial Driver’s Licensing (CDL) Manual. The manual is available in their field locations, downloaded from their website and printed. Each state has its own processes to getting the CDL.
- The second step is to decide which type of vehicle and what kind of driving you want to get the license for.
- There are 3 classes of CDLs with endorsements for specialized qualifications for vehicles like school buses, tank trucks, tractor trailers, etc. Each types of CDL and endorsement requires you pass a skills test and in some cases a written test. It is important to make sure you pass all the required tests or risk having restrictions on your license.
- Applicants for certain CDLs and CDL endorsements are required to complete entry-level driver training before taking the CDL skills test or hazardous materials endorsement written test.
Once you know the state requirements, what vehicle you’ll be driving and ELDT requirements, You can follow the basic steps below to acquire a CDL. These are the steps listed by the FMCSA.
Step 1: Get Your Commercial Learners Permit (CLP)
A commercial learner’s permit (CLP) is a permit that only authorizes you to practice on public roads with a qualified CDL holder sitting next to you. Getting the permit involves more than just passing all the knowledge tests for the type of driving you want to do. To make sure that you are eligible your driving record is checked for the last 10 years in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. You need to bring in the proof that your state accepts to show that you are medically qualified.
Most types of commercial driving require a DOT medical card, requiring a DOT physical. Your state may require specific documents it wants to see to prove your name and proof of residency. There are fees for getting the CLP. Reading and following the instructions in your states CDL Manual streamlines the process.
Step 2: Complete Entry-Level Driver Training
Drivers applying for a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time who are issued a CLP on or after February 7, 2022 must complete entry-level driver training with a registered training provider prior to testing. Some States may have additional requirements above and beyond the Federal training requirements.
Note: There is no Federal requirement for drivers to complete their entry-level driver theory training before applying for a CLP.
Visit the Training Provider Registry to search for a training provider. Once you have completed training, the provider will electronically submit certification of your training completion to the Training Provider Registry. Drivers may look up their training certification information using the “Check My Record” tool.
Step 3: Get the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
You are required to possess the CLP for 14 days and complete applicable entry-level driver training to be eligible to take the CDL skills test.
You must pass all 3 parts of the Skills Test: the Vehicle Inspection Test, the Basic Controls Test, and the Road Test. Your state may even allow you to use their “training aid” to help you remember items on the vehicle inspection checklist. Taking the skills test is no guarantee that you will pass.
Once you have passed the skills test you need to take the documentation to the counter for processing. Some States will give you the CDL that same day, while others send it to you in the mail. Regardless make sure that everything is correct before you leave the counter. It can be costly and embarrassing if you find a mistake later.
Types of CDL Licenses
Commercial vehicles are divided into categories, Class A, B or C, based on size, weight, and function. For example, a different license is needed to drive an 18-wheeler hauling a heavy load versus a school bus. Let’s dive into the different types of CDLs.
Class A
A Class A CDL is required when you plan to operate any vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,001 lbs, given that the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds.
When you have a Class A CDL, you will be able to operate the following vehicles.
- Truck Trailer Combination
- Tractor Trailer
- Livestock Carriers
- Flatbeds
- Tractor Trailor Bus
Class B
A Class B CDL license is required for anyone planning to operate a vehicle with a total combined weight rating of 26,001 lbs, or more, or a tow vehicle no more than 10,000 pounds.
When you have a Class B CDL, you will be able to operate the following vehicles.
- Straight Trucks
- Large Passenger Buses
- Segmented Buses
- Box Trucks
- Dump Trucks with Small Trailers
- Tractor Trailer
Class C
A Class C CDL license will be required to operate a vehicle made to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver. This license is also needed if you plan to transport hazardous materials or equipment, these include any materials that are rated dangerous under the law.
The following vehicles can be operated when you have a Class C CDL license.
- Small hazmat vehicles
- Combination Vehicles not covered by Classes A or B
- Passenger Vans
How Long Does It Take To Get a Commercial Driver’s License?
CDL training classes tend to take up to seven weeks on average.
Every school is different and has different programs you can take, but if you are planning to work while in school you can plan on it taking a little over the average mark. If you’re planning on getting a Class A license, it could possibly take a little longer, due to getting a license that allows you to drive a higher variety of commercial vehicles.
Any summary, description, or paraphrase of a regulatory requirement on this site is intended to provide general guidance only. Please consult the text of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for a full account of the applicable requirements.
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