What you need to do to get a CDL
A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) requires you to pass a written knowledge test, a skills test behind the wheel, and a medical examination. You cannot jump straight to the CDL—you must first hold a regular driver's license, then add the CDL on top of it. The whole process typically takes four to twelve weeks, depending on how quickly you study, find a testing location, and schedule your appointment.
The steps are: get your regular license if you don't have one, study for and pass the CDL written test, pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam, then pass the behind-the-wheel skills test. Each state runs its own licensing system, so the exact order and fees vary by location, but the core requirements are the same everywhere.
Key Takeaways
- You must hold a valid regular driver's license before you can get a CDL, and you need a current DOT medical certificate before you take the skills test.
- The written test covers vehicle inspection, safe driving practices, and air brake systems (if you want to drive vehicles with air brakes), and you can study using your state's CDL manual, which is free online.
- The skills test has three parts: a vehicle inspection walk-around, a backing and parking exercise, and a road test, and you must pass all three to get your CDL.
- Most states require you to hold a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) for at least one day before you can take the skills test, though some states allow you to take both on the same day.
- You can take the written test at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, but the skills test must be administered by an approved third-party tester or your state's DMV.
Getting your regular driver's license first
If you already have a valid driver's license, skip this step. If you don't, you need to get one before pursuing a CDL. The process is the same as any other driver's license: pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a vision screening, and pass a behind-the-wheel driving test. Your state's DMV office handles this, and it typically takes a few weeks to schedule and complete.
Your regular license must be valid (not expired or suspended) when you explore for the CDL. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get a CDL until it is reinstated. Check your state's DMV website to confirm your license status before you move forward.
Studying for and taking the written CDL test
The written test covers three main areas: general knowledge (vehicle inspection, safe driving, cargo handling), air brakes (if you want to drive vehicles with air brake systems), and any endorsements you need (hazmat, tanker, passenger, school bus, etc.). Most people take only the general knowledge test first, then add endorsements later if their job requires them.
Your state's DMV publishes a free CDL manual online that covers everything on the test. read it from your state's DMV website, study it for one to four weeks depending on your learning pace, and then schedule your written test at your local DMV office. The test is usually 50 multiple-choice questions, and you need to score at least 80 percent to pass. You can retake it if you fail, though some states charge a fee for each attempt.
Many people use study apps or online practice tests in addition to the manual. These are optional but can help you identify weak areas before test day. Take the practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the real exam.
Getting your DOT medical certificate
Before you can take the skills test, you must pass a medical examination performed by a DOT-certified medical examiner. This is not your regular doctor—it must be someone on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, which you can search on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website.
The exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall health. It typically costs $100 to $200 and takes about 30 minutes. If you pass, you receive a Medical Certificate (also called a DOT medical card) that is valid for two years. You must carry this certificate with you while driving commercially.
Schedule the medical exam after you pass your written test but before you take the skills test. Some testing facilities will not let you schedule a skills test without proof that you have a current medical certificate.
Obtaining your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
After you pass the written test, you explore for a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) at your state's DMV. This permit allows you to practice driving a commercial vehicle with a licensed CDL holder in the passenger seat. Most states require you to hold the CLP for at least one day before you can take the skills test, though some allow you to take both on the same day.
The CLP process requires your passing score from the written test, your medical certificate, and your regular driver's license. The fee varies by state but is usually $10 to $50. You receive the permit when ready after approval, and it is valid for 180 days in most states.
If your state requires a waiting period, use this time to practice with a CDL holder. Practice backing, parking, and highway driving. Many people hire a professional CDL training school during this period, which costs $3,000 to $7,000 but includes structured practice and often guarantees you will pass the skills test.
Taking the CDL skills test
The skills test has three parts, all administered on the same day by an approved third-party tester or your state's DMV. You must pass all three to receive your CDL.
Part 1: Vehicle Inspection. You walk around and inspect a commercial vehicle, pointing out safety features and checking for defects. The examiner asks you questions about what you see. This part takes about 15 minutes and tests whether you know how to spot mechanical problems before driving.
Part 2: Basic Control Skills. You perform backing, parking, and turning maneuvers in a closed course. You must stay within marked boundaries and complete tasks like straight-line backing, offset backing, and parallel parking. This part takes about 15 minutes and tests your ability to control a large vehicle in tight spaces.
Part 3: Road Test. You drive the commercial vehicle on public roads for 30 to 60 minutes while the examiner observes. You must follow traffic laws, make smooth turns, brake safely, and merge onto highways. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits and your ability to handle the vehicle in real-world conditions.
You can take the skills test at a third-party testing facility or at your state's DMV. Third-party testers are often faster to schedule but may charge higher fees. Check your state's DMV website for a list of approved testers near you.
Fees and timeline by state
Costs and timelines vary significantly by state. Written test fees range from $10 to $50, skills test fees range from $50 to $300, and the medical exam costs $100 to $200. Some states charge a CDL issuance fee of $20 to $100 on top of these. Add the cost of study materials, practice tests, and possibly a training school, and the total can range from $500 to $8,000.
The timeline depends on how quickly you study, how fast your state's DMV can schedule appointments, and whether you need to wait between the CLP and skills test. Most people complete the process in four to twelve weeks. If you hire a training school, they often compress the timeline to two to four weeks because they provide intensive daily practice.
Check your state's DMV website for the exact fees, required documents, and current wait times for skills test appointments. Some states publish this information clearly; others require you to call or visit in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to go to a CDL training school?
No, training school is optional. You can study the manual on your own, practice with a CDL holder, and take the test without formal instruction. However, training schools provide structured practice, feedback from experienced instructors, and often have higher pass rates on the skills test. Many people find the investment worth it to avoid retaking the test.
What happens if I fail the skills test?
You can retake it. Most states allow you to retake the test within a certain period (usually 14 to 60 days) without reapplying for the CLP. You pay the skills test fee again. If you fail multiple times, some states require you to retake the written test as well. Check your state's rules before scheduling your first attempt.
Can I get a CDL with a suspended or revoked license?
No. Your regular driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If it is suspended or revoked, you must complete the reinstatement process first. This can include paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period, depending on why it was suspended.
How long is a CDL valid?
A CDL is valid for four to eight years depending on your state and whether you have a hazmat endorsement (hazmat endorsements expire every five years). You must renew it before it expires, and you must pass a new medical exam at renewal time. Your state's DMV will send you a renewal notice before your CDL expires.
What is the difference between a CDL and an endorsement?
A CDL allows you to drive any commercial vehicle. An endorsement adds permission to drive specific types of vehicles or cargo, such as hazmat (hazardous materials), tanker, or school bus. You can get your CDL first and add endorsements later if your job requires them. Each endorsement requires an additional written test.