What You Need to Do to Get a Commercial Driving License

A commercial driving license (CDL) lets you drive trucks, buses, and other large vehicles for work. You cannot get one without first holding a regular driver's license, passing written tests on vehicle operation and safety rules, and passing a practical driving test in the actual vehicle you plan to drive. The process takes weeks to months depending on how quickly you study and schedule your tests.

The steps are the same in every state, but the timing and cost vary. You will need to pass a medical exam, get your regular license upgraded, study the CDL manual for your state, pass written exams at your DMV, and then pass a road test with an examiner. Some people do this in four to six weeks; others take several months.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a valid regular driver's license before you can get a CDL, and you cannot hold both at the same time — your regular license converts to a CDL.
  • You need a medical certificate from a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved doctor before you can take any CDL test, and this certificate is valid for two years.
  • Written tests cover general knowledge, air brakes, and the specific vehicle class you want to drive, and you must pass all of them before scheduling a road test.
  • The road test happens in the actual type of vehicle you will drive, so you need access to that vehicle or must arrange one through a CDL training school.
  • Costs range from $200 to $800 depending on your state and whether you attend a training school, which is optional but speeds up the process.

Get a Medical Certificate from a DOT Doctor

Before you take any CDL test, you must have a DOT medical certificate. This is a form signed by a doctor who is on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) approved list. The doctor checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and medical history to make sure you can safely operate a large vehicle. The certificate is valid for two years.

Find an approved doctor by searching the FMCSA National Registry at fmcsa.dot.gov. Enter your state and city, and a list of certified medical examiners will appear. Call ahead to ask about appointment availability and cost, which typically ranges from $50 to $150. Bring your current driver's license, proof of address, and a list of any medications you take. The exam takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Once you pass the medical exam, the doctor gives you the original certificate. You will need this certificate when you explore for your CDL at the DMV. If you fail the medical exam, you can see another approved doctor, but some conditions (like untreated high blood pressure or certain vision problems) may disqualify you until they are treated.

Study the CDL Manual and Understand Vehicle Classes

Every state publishes a CDL manual that covers the rules of the road, vehicle safety, and how to handle large vehicles in different conditions. read the manual from your state's DMV website for free. The manual is long — typically 100 to 150 pages — but you do not need to memorize every word. Focus on the sections that match the vehicle class you want to drive.

CDL classes are divided by vehicle weight and cargo type. Class A covers the heaviest trucks (over 26,000 pounds) and is the most common for long-haul trucking. Class B covers medium trucks and buses. Class C covers smaller vehicles that carry hazardous materials or more than 16 passengers. Most people start with Class A or B. Your choice depends on the job you are pursuing.

Study the manual for two to four weeks before you take the written tests. Many people use online practice tests (available free on most state DMV websites) to check their understanding. You do not need to pay for a study course, but some people find them helpful for staying on track.

Pass the Written Tests at Your DMV

You will take two or three written tests at your state's DMV, depending on the vehicle class you chose. Every CDL applicant takes the General Knowledge test, which covers vehicle inspection, safe driving practices, and how to handle emergencies. Most people also take the Air Brakes test, because air brakes are standard on large trucks and buses.

If you are explore for Class A, you will also take the Combination Vehicles test. If you want to carry hazardous materials, you take the Hazmat test. If you want to transport passengers, you take the Passenger test. You can take these tests on the same day or spread them over several visits — your DMV will tell you the schedule.

Each test has 50 to 100 questions and takes 60 to 90 minutes. You must score at least 80 percent on each test to pass. If you fail a test, you can retake it, usually within a few days. There is a fee for each test attempt, typically $10 to $50 per test depending on your state. After you pass all written tests, the DMV will schedule you for a road test.

Schedule and Pass Your Road Test

The road test is the final step and the one most people worry about. You drive the actual vehicle you plan to use for work (or the class of vehicle you are testing for) while an examiner watches and scores your performance. The test lasts 30 to 45 minutes and includes three parts: a vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and on-road driving.

In the vehicle inspection, you walk around the truck or bus and point out safety features — lights, mirrors, tires, brakes, and emergency equipment. You do not need to take anything apart, just show that you know where things are and why they matter. In basic control skills, you maneuver the vehicle in a parking lot or closed course, backing up, turning, and parking. On-road driving happens in normal traffic, where the examiner watches how you handle turns, stops, lane changes, and highway speeds.

You must pass all three parts to get your CDL. If you fail, you can retake the road test, usually within a few weeks. Road test fees range from $100 to $300 depending on your state. Many people use a CDL training school to practice before the test, because the school provides the vehicle and an instructor who knows what examiners look for.

Decide Whether to Attend a CDL Training School

Training school is optional but common. A typical program lasts four to eight weeks and costs $3,000 to $7,000. The school teaches you how to operate the vehicle, covers all the written test material, and lets you practice the road test with an instructor before you take the real exam. Many schools also help you find a job after you graduate.

If you already have experience driving large vehicles (for example, you drove trucks in the military), you may not need school. You can study the manual on your own, take the written tests, and schedule a road test using a vehicle you have access to. Some employers provide training as part of hiring, so ask before you pay for school yourself.

If you have no experience with large vehicles, school cuts down the time it takes to pass the road test. Most people who attend school pass the road test on their first or second attempt. People who study on their own often need more attempts, which means more test fees and a longer overall timeline.

Complete the process and Upgrade Your License

Once you have passed all written tests, go to your state's DMV with your medical certificate, your current driver's license, and proof of address. Fill out the CDL process form (your state's DMV website has the form). Pay the CDL fee, which ranges from $50 to $200 depending on your state. The DMV will take your regular driver's license and issue you a temporary CDL while your permanent one is printed.

Your regular driver's license does not exist anymore once you have a CDL — the CDL replaces it. You can still drive regular cars with a CDL, so you do not lose anything. The CDL is valid for four or eight years depending on your state, and you must renew your medical certificate every two years to keep driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a CDL if I have a DUI or other traffic violations?

A single DUI or traffic violation does not automatically disqualify you, but serious violations or multiple violations may. Contact your state's DMV to ask about your specific record. Some states have waiting periods before you can explore after certain violations.

How long does it take from start to finish?

If you study on your own and pass all tests on the first attempt, you can finish in four to eight weeks. If you attend a training school, the school takes four to eight weeks, then you schedule your road test. If you fail tests and need to retake them, add two to four weeks per attempt.

Do I need to take the road test in the same state where I got my medical certificate?

No. You can get your medical certificate in one state and take your CDL tests in another. However, you must have a valid driver's license in the state where you are testing. If you move between states, you will need to transfer your CDL to your new state's DMV.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake it, usually within two to four weeks. There is another test fee each time. Many people who fail the first time pass the second or third attempt. If you keep failing, consider hiring a private instructor or attending a training school to get more practice.

Can I get a CDL with a medical condition like diabetes or high blood pressure?

Many conditions are manageable with treatment. The DOT doctor will evaluate your specific situation. If your condition is controlled with medication and does not affect your ability to drive safely, you may receive a medical certificate. If you are denied, you can see another approved doctor or treat the condition and reapply.