Domino's hires drivers with a commercial driver's license for delivery routes, but the role and CDL requirement vary by location and franchise
Domino's operates as a franchise system, which means individual franchise owners make hiring decisions for their stores. Some Domino's locations require a commercial driver's license (CDL) for delivery drivers, while others do not. Whether you need a CDL depends on the vehicle you'll be driving and your state's weight regulations. If you're driving a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 26,001 pounds, federal law requires a CDL. Most Domino's delivery vehicles fall below that threshold, so many locations hire drivers with a standard passenger license.
The job itself involves picking up orders from the store, driving to customer addresses, collecting payment, and returning to the store. Delivery drivers typically work evening and weekend shifts when order volume is highest. Pay varies by location and franchise owner, and may include an hourly wage, mileage reimbursement, or a combination of both. Some franchises offer benefits like flexible scheduling or tuition information, but these are not may provide across all locations.
Key Takeaways
- Most Domino's delivery vehicles do not require a CDL because they fall below the federal weight threshold, so check with your specific location before pursuing one.
- Domino's is a franchise system, so hiring requirements, pay, and benefits differ between individual store owners and locations.
- If a location does require a CDL, you will need to pass a written knowledge test, a skills test, and a medical examination before you can be hired.
- Your driving record matters significantly—most employers check your motor vehicle record and may disqualify you for recent violations or accidents.
- Delivery driver positions typically involve evening and weekend hours, and you will use your own vehicle or a company vehicle depending on the franchise's policy.
When Domino's Locations Actually Require a CDL
A CDL becomes mandatory when the vehicle's GVWR exceeds 26,001 pounds. Most Domino's delivery vehicles—typically compact cars, sedans, or small SUVs—weigh well below this limit. However, some franchise locations operate larger delivery vehicles or use box trucks for catering orders or high-volume routes, and these may cross the threshold.
Before you pursue a CDL specifically for a Domino's job, contact the store directly and ask whether the position requires one. Ask to speak with a manager about the vehicles used for delivery and whether drivers need a commercial license. This conversation will save you time and money, since obtaining a CDL involves testing, medical certification, and background checks.
What the CDL Process Involves If Your Location Requires One
If the Domino's location you're interested in does require a CDL, you will need to complete several steps before you can be hired. First, you obtain a commercial learner's permit (CLP) by passing a written knowledge test at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The test covers vehicle operation, safety, cargo handling, and road rules specific to commercial driving. Study materials are available from your state DMV website.
Next, you take a skills test, which includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic control test (backing, turning, parking), and an on-road driving test. Many states allow you to take this test in your own vehicle if it meets weight and brake requirements, though some require you to use a commercial vehicle. You will also need to pass a medical examination by a certified medical examiner and obtain a medical certificate. This exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall fitness to drive commercially.
Once you pass all tests and receive your CDL from your state, you can then explore to the Domino's location. The franchise owner will likely conduct a background check and review your driving record. Any recent violations, accidents, or suspensions may disqualify you, depending on the franchise's policy.
How Domino's Evaluates Your Driving Record
Domino's franchises are liable for accidents caused by their delivery drivers, so franchise owners take driving history seriously. Most will request your motor vehicle record (MVR) from your state DMV as part of the hiring process. This record shows all moving violations, accidents, and license suspensions for the past three to five years, depending on your state.
A single speeding ticket or minor accident may not disqualify you, but recent violations or multiple incidents will. DUI or DWI convictions, reckless driving charges, or suspended licenses are typically automatic disqualifiers. If you have concerns about your record, ask the franchise owner what their specific standards are before you invest time in obtaining a CDL.
Pay, Hours, and Working Conditions for Domino's Delivery Drivers
Domino's delivery driver pay varies significantly by location and franchise owner. Some stores pay an hourly wage plus mileage reimbursement, while others use a per-delivery commission model. Hourly rates typically range based on your state's minimum wage and local labor market, but this varies widely and is not standardized across franchises.
Delivery shifts are usually evening and weekend hours, when customer orders peak. You may work four to eight hour shifts depending on demand and the store's schedule. Some franchises offer flexible scheduling, which appeals to students or people with other commitments. Others require consistent availability during peak hours. Ask about scheduling expectations when you contact the store about the position.
You will either drive your own vehicle or use a company vehicle, depending on the franchise's policy. If you use your own car, the franchise should reimburse you for mileage. If you use a company vehicle, you will not have mileage expenses, but you also have no control over the vehicle's condition or maintenance.
How to Find and explore for Domino's Delivery Driver Positions
Start by visiting the Domino's careers website at dominos.com/careers. You can search for open positions by location and filter for delivery driver roles. The site will show you which stores are actively hiring and what the job description includes for that specific franchise.
You can also visit or call your local Domino's store directly. Ask to speak with a manager about delivery driver openings and whether the position requires a CDL. This direct approach often gets you faster answers than the online portal and gives you a chance to ask about pay, scheduling, and vehicle requirements specific to that franchise.
When you explore, be prepared to provide your driver's license, proof of insurance (if you're using your own vehicle), and your driving record. If the position requires a CDL, have your CDL and medical certificate ready. Be honest about any violations or accidents on your record—franchises will discover them during the background check anyway.
Alternatives If You Don't Want to Pursue a CDL
If the Domino's location nearest you requires a CDL and you don't want to pursue one, you have other options. Many Domino's locations hire delivery drivers with a standard passenger license because their vehicles don't require a CDL. Contact other franchise locations in your area to find one that doesn't require a commercial license.
You can also explore delivery driving for other companies that typically do not require a CDL, such as food delivery apps (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub) or local pizza shops. These roles use personal vehicles and have lower barriers to entry, though they may offer less stable scheduling or benefits than a Domino's franchise position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a CDL to deliver pizzas for Domino's?
Most Domino's locations do not require a CDL because their delivery vehicles are below the federal weight threshold. However, some franchises use larger vehicles that do require one. Contact your local Domino's to ask whether the position requires a commercial license before you pursue one.
How long does it take to get a CDL?
The timeline varies by state and your preparation. You can obtain your commercial learner's permit in one day after passing the written test. The skills test can be scheduled within days or weeks depending on your state's DMV availability. The medical exam takes one appointment. Most people complete the entire process in two to four weeks if they study efficiently and schedule tests promptly.
What happens if I have a speeding ticket on my record?
A single minor violation may not disqualify you, but it depends on the franchise owner's standards and how recent it is. Contact the Domino's location you're interested in and ask what their driving record requirements are. They can tell you whether your specific violation would be a problem before you invest in a CDL.
Can I use my own car for Domino's delivery?
Some franchises allow drivers to use personal vehicles and reimburse mileage, while others require drivers to use company vehicles. This policy varies by location. Ask the franchise owner about their vehicle policy when you inquire about the position.
What is the medical exam for a CDL?
The exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall health to may support you can safely operate a commercial vehicle. It is performed by a certified medical examiner and typically costs between $50 and $150. You must pass to receive your medical certificate, which is required for your CDL.