If you want to drive a semi truck or another large commercial vehicle for a living, one of the first things you will need is a commercial driver’s license, better known as a CDL.
A CDL is a special driver’s license required to operate certain types of commercial motor vehicles. It goes beyond a regular driver’s license because commercial vehicles can be larger, heavier, and more complicated to operate safely.
For truck drivers, getting a CDL is often the first major step toward building a career on the road. That includes drivers who eventually want to become independent owner-operators and run their own trucking businesses.
But not every commercial vehicle requires the same license. There are different CDL classes, endorsements, testing requirements, and qualifications depending on the type of vehicle you plan to drive and the work you want to do.
This guide breaks down what a commercial driver’s license is, what it is used for, the different CDL classes, and the basic process for obtaining one.
What Is a Commercial Driver’s License Used For?
A commercial driver’s license allows qualified drivers to legally operate certain commercial motor vehicles.
Commercial vehicles can include tractor trailers, straight trucks, buses, tank vehicles, and other vehicles that meet applicable size, weight, passenger, or cargo requirements. The type of vehicle you are allowed to operate depends partly on the class of CDL you hold and any endorsements or restrictions attached to your license.
For someone interested in trucking, a CDL can open the door to a wide range of jobs. Common CDL careers include over-the-road truck driving, local and regional delivery, construction and dump truck work, tanker hauling, bus driving, and other specialized transportation jobs.
A CDL is also important for many people who eventually want to become owner-operators. Even when you own the truck and work for yourself, you still need the proper license and qualifications for the commercial vehicle you operate.
The key is making sure your CDL matches the type of vehicle and work you plan to perform.
Types of CDL Licenses
There are three main CDL classes: Class A, Class B, and Class C.
Class A —
A Class A CDL is the license most commonly associated with driving tractor trailers.
It generally covers combination vehicles in which the combined gross vehicle weight rating is 26,001 pounds or more and the vehicle being towed has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds.
For someone planning to drive a typical tractor trailer, a Class A CDL is usually the license they will be working toward.
Class A can also provide drivers with considerable flexibility because, with the proper qualifications and endorsements, it can cover many types of commercial vehicles and trucking jobs.
Class B —
A Class B CDL generally applies to a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, or such a vehicle towing another vehicle that does not exceed 10,000 pounds.
Class B drivers may operate vehicles such as certain straight trucks, large delivery trucks, dump trucks, and buses, depending on the vehicle and any required endorsements.
The major difference from Class A is that Class B generally focuses on heavy single vehicles rather than the large tractor trailer combinations commonly seen in long-haul trucking.
Class C —
A Class C CDL covers certain commercial vehicles that do not meet the definitions for Class A or Class B but are designed to transport enough passengers or certain hazardous materials to require a CDL.
Someone considering a Class C license should pay close attention to the particular vehicle and work involved because additional endorsements may be required.
CDL Endorsements —
Your CDL class is only part of the equation.
An endorsement gives you authorization to perform certain specialized types of commercial driving. Depending on the job, drivers may need endorsements for areas such as hazardous materials, tank vehicles, passenger vehicles, school buses, or double and triple trailers.
Some endorsements require additional knowledge tests, skills tests, background checks, or other qualifications. Because of that, it helps to think about the kind of trucking work you ultimately want to do before deciding which endorsements to pursue.
How Do I Obtain a CDL License?
If you are wondering, “How do I obtain a CDL license?”, the process involves several steps. Exact procedures can vary by state and by the type of CDL you are pursuing, but the creative brief breaks the process into five main stages.
Meet Eligibility Requirements
Before getting started, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements that apply to the CDL you want.
Requirements can depend on factors such as your age, driving record, the type of commercial driving you plan to do, and whether you intend to operate across state lines.
Checking your state’s licensing requirements early can help you understand what documents and qualifications you will need.
Get a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
A Commercial Learner’s Permit, or CLP, allows you to practice operating a commercial vehicle under the required supervision before taking your CDL skills test.
Getting a CLP generally requires passing applicable knowledge tests. The tests you need will depend on the CDL class and endorsements you are pursuing.
The CLP stage is your opportunity to get practical experience before taking the road portion of your CDL testing.
Complete Required Training
New CDL applicants may be subject to federal Entry-Level Driver Training, commonly called ELDT, before completing certain CDL testing.
Training gives new commercial drivers the opportunity to learn the knowledge and behind-the-wheel skills required to safely operate larger vehicles.
Do not treat training as something you simply have to get through to receive a license. The habits you build while learning can follow you throughout your trucking career.
Pass the CDL Skills Test
After completing the necessary requirements and gaining experience with your CLP, you will need to pass the required CDL skills testing.
CDL skills testing is designed to determine whether you can safely handle the type of commercial vehicle associated with your license.
That means knowing more than how to move a truck down the highway. Drivers need to understand vehicle inspections, vehicle control, and safe operation on public roads.
Receive Your CDL
Once you have completed the required testing and other applicable requirements, your state licensing agency can issue your commercial driver’s license.
From there, make sure you understand any restrictions or endorsements listed on your CDL.
Earning the license is an important accomplishment, but it is really the beginning. Maintaining your qualifications, driving safely, and staying compliant become part of life as a professional commercial driver.
CDL Requirements
CDL requirements exist to make sure commercial drivers are qualified to safely operate larger and more specialized vehicles. The exact requirements can depend on your state, license class, endorsements, and the type of driving you plan to do.
Age and Eligibility
Age requirements can affect where and how a CDL holder is allowed to operate.
Generally, drivers must be at least 18 years old to obtain a CDL. However, drivers generally must be at least 21 to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce or to transport certain hazardous materials.
Your driving history and other eligibility requirements can also affect your ability to qualify.
Testing
CDL applicants must pass the testing required for their license class and any endorsements they want to obtain.
That can include written knowledge examinations as well as behind-the-wheel skills testing. Drivers seeking specialized endorsements may have additional tests or requirements.
Preparation matters. You are not simply learning enough information to pass a test. You are building knowledge that you may rely on every day behind the wheel.
Medical Requirements
Many commercial drivers must meet federal medical qualification standards.
Drivers subject to these requirements generally need an examination from a qualified medical examiner to demonstrate that they meet the physical standards necessary for commercial driving.
Depending on your operation and applicable regulations, maintaining the required medical certification may continue to be part of keeping your commercial driving privileges in good standing.
State-Specific Requirements
Although CDL standards have a federal framework, CDLs are issued by the states.
That means applicants should check with their state’s driver licensing agency for the exact application process, fees, documentation, testing procedures, and other requirements.
This is especially important if you are researching the process online. A general CDL guide can help you understand what to expect, but your state’s requirements should be your final reference when you are ready to apply.
Start Your CDL Career!
Getting a commercial driver’s license can be the beginning of a completely new career.
Start by deciding what type of commercial vehicle you want to operate. From there, determine which CDL class and endorsements you will need, learn your state’s eligibility requirements, obtain your CLP, complete the required training, and prepare for your CDL skills test.
Once you are licensed, there is still plenty to learn. New drivers need to understand safety regulations, vehicle maintenance, hours-of-service rules, insurance, legal protection, business expenses, and the realities of life on the road.
That becomes even more important if your long-term goal is to own a truck and operate your own business.
Having access to the right training resources, information, and protection can help you navigate those early stages and build a stronger foundation for your career.
Ready to start your career in commercial driving? Explore AAOO’s benefits and take the next step toward earning your commercial driver’s license.