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How to get a CDL: Requirements, Training and Next Steps

Everything You Need to Know Before Becoming a Truck Driver

Becoming a truck driver requires specific certifications and training. To earn a CDL, a student obtains a permit, completes training, and passes state exams. This guide covers everything needed to get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), including the difference between a Class A and Class B license, from initial requirements through passing the final exam.

CDL School Inc. runs government-approved training facilities in Nashville, Tennessee and Jacksonville, following all the standards established by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA).

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What is a CDL?

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a special license that allows you to legally drive large commercial vehicles for work. It’s different from a regular driver’s license and requires specific training, testing, and a medical exam.

There are also different types of CDLs that allow a driver to operate different types of vehicles. The two most common are Class A and Class B.

What is a Class A CDL?

A Class A CDL is a commercial driver’s license that allows you to drive the widest variety of commercial vehicles. With a Class A CDL, you can drive large tractor-trailers (also called semi-trucks or 18-wheelers), as well as double and triple trailer combinations. A Class A CDL is the license most truck drivers pursue because it opens up a variety of job opportunities in the trucking industry.

With a Class A CDL, driver can explore various career paths depending on their preferences and situation:

  • Local Driving: Involves routes that typically stay within a limited radius, allowing drivers to return home daily
  • Regional Driving: Covers larger geographic areas, sometimes spanning multiple states, with drivers returning home every few days
  • Over-the-Road Driving: Involves long-distance routes, crossing state lines or spanning the entire country, requiring extended time away from home

No prior commercial driving experience is required to obtain your CDL. However, prospective drivers should be prepared for intensive training that combines classroom instruction with practical behind-the-wheel experience. Success depends on commitment to learning, attention to safety protocols, and willingness to develop new skills.

What is a Class B CDL?

A Class B CDL allows a driver to operate large single vehicles that don’t pull a full trailer, such as straight trucks, box trucks, and large dump trucks. It’s a common choice for drivers who want local or regional routes without the extended time away from home that often comes with pulling a trailer.

Drivers with a Class B CDL often work in roles such as:

  • Local Delivery Driving: Hauling freight or goods within a set area, usually with daily trips home
  • Dump Truck and Construction Driving: Operating vehicles used for hauling materials on job sites
  • Municipal and Utility Driving: Operating vehicles for city services, waste collection, or utility work

Training for a Class B CDL covers the same core areas as Class A training, classroom instruction, vehicle inspection, and behind-the-wheel practice, but focuses on the vehicles and skills specific to non-combination trucks. Class B training is available at our Nashville, Tennessee campus.

How Do I Get a CDL? The Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Obtain Your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

The first step is just like the process for obtaining a standard driver’s license. You need to apply for a Commercial Learner’s Permit with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Your CLP is valid for 180 days, which represents the timeframe you have to finish training and pass your CDL exam.

@tncdlschool Permit questions are so difficult because of they way it’s written. Here’s a quick demo of some tips that might help you pass your CDL permit. #cdl #futuretruckdriver #cdllife #truckdriver #fyp ♬ original sound – TNCDLSchool

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

To apply for your Commercial Driver’s License, you’ll need to provide specific documents to your state’s DMV:

  • Full Legal Name
  • Proof of legal U.S. residency (non-state residents may need a 10-year permanent residency card)
  • Proof of local residency (typically two documents showing the same address)
  • Social Security Number
  • DOT-approved Medical Certificate (Obtained through a physical by a DOT-Certified doctor.

You’ll also need to surrender any out-of-state driver’s licenses and disclose any traffic convictions on your application

Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Since February 2022, all prospective CDL drivers must complete training through a school that follows ELDT standards (Entry-Level Driver Training). This government requirement ensures that all CDL training programs teach the same important skills. ELDT programs combine classroom learning with supervised behind-the-wheel training so drivers learn both the rules and practical skills needed for commercial driving.

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Step 4: Pass CDL Exams

After completing your training program, you’ll take your state’s CDL exams, which assess both knowledge and practical driving skills.

What are the Requirements? Do I Need Prior Experience?

Age and Licensing Requirements

  • Minimum 18 years old to drive commercially within your state
  • Minimum 21 years old to drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials
  • Valid driver’s license in your training state (Tennessee or Florida)

Medical and Documentation Requirements:

  • Medical Certificate approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT). You’ll need a physical exam by a DOT-Approved doctor to get this certificate
  • Proof that you legally live in the United States
  • Proof that you live in your training state (Tennessee or Florida)
  • Valid Social Security Number
  • Give up any driver’s licenses from other states
  • Tell the DMV about any traffic tickets or convictions you’ve had

Prior Experience:

No prior commercial driving experience is required. CDL training programs are structured to teach all necessary skills to students starting from scratch. Instructors teach both the fundamentals of vehicle operation and the knowledge required for safe driving as a professional.

How Long Does CDL Training Take?

The length of CDL training depends on how you structure your schedule and how much time you need to master the skills. Most programs can be completed in 3 to 6 weeks, though the actual timeframe depends on several factors.

Factors that Affect Training Length

Training includes two main components: classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel driving. You need time for both to develop the skills needed to pass your CDL test and drive safely on the road.

Classroom instruction covers regulations, vehicle systems, and safety procedures. Behind-the-wheel training lets you practice actual driving skills like backing, turning, and highway driving under an instructor’s supervision.

Common Program Formats

Some people complete training full-time during the weekday. Other students who need a. more flexible training format may choose a weekend or evening schedule. Each format provides the same types of instruction, the difference is how the hours are organized based on your schedule.

The time it takes to complete training also depends on how quickly you master the skills needed to get your CDL. Some students learn faster than others, and some instructors adjust training based on individual progress.

What Will I Learn in CDL Training?

CDL training teaches both classroom knowledge and practical driving skills. You need to learn both to become a safe, professional driver.

Classroom Learning

In the classroom, you’ll learn the rules and regulations that truck drivers need to follow. This includes federal and state laws, safety rules, and how to follow hours-of-service regulations (rules about how long you can drive without resting. You’ll also learn about truck systems and maintenance, including how to inspect your vehicle before and after each trip. This is important because checking your truck helps you spot problems before they become dangerous.

Behind-the-Wheel Training

On the road, you’ll learn how to drive a commercial truck. This starts with learning to do a complete vehicle inspection, checking everything from brakes to lights to make sure the truck is safe. You’ll practice basic skills like backing up, braking, and turning in safe practice areas. Once you’re comfortable with these basics, you’ll drive on real roads and practice highway driving, turning at intersections, and parking in tight spaces (called alley-docking). Throughout training, you’ll also learn to inspect your truck after each drive so you get into the routine of checking your vehicle.

Optional Endorsements

After getting your basic CDL, you can add endorsements. Endorsements let you haul specific types of cargo or operate different kinds of trucks. Common endorsements include:

  • Airbrakes certification
  • Doubles/Triples (driving multiple trailers)
  • Hazardous Materials (HazMat) certification

Endorsements give you more job options and can lead to higher pay.

What Tests Do I Have to Pass to Get my CDL?

CDL certification requires passing both knowledge-based and practical skills exams administered by your state’s DMV.

Knowledge Exam

Applicants take a general CDL knowledge test covering government regulations, vehicle operation, and safe driving practices. If pursuing endorsements, additional endorsement-specific exams are required (for example, HazMat endorsement certification requires separate knowledge testing specific to hazardous material transportation).

Skills Examination

The skills test consists of three components:

Pre-Trip Inspection

Demonstrate your ability to systematically inspect a commercial vehicle, identify potential issues, and verify that all systems are functioning properly.

Basic Vehicle Control

Show proficiency in driving a commercial vehicle in controlled conditions, including backing, turning, and precision movements.

On-road driving test

Demonstrate safe, competent operation of a commercial vehicle in real-world driving conditions, including highway driving, turns, stops, and response to traffic situations.

Training programs teach you everything you need to know for each test through practice and instruction until you’re ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Class A and Class B CDL?

A Class A CDL allows a driver to operate combination vehicles, such as a tractor pulling a trailer. A Class B CDL allows a driver to operate single vehicles that don’t pull a full trailer, like a straight truck or a dump truck.

Can I upgrade from a Class B to a Class A license later?

Yes. Drivers can add a Class A license after earning a Class B, though it requires additional training and testing.

Is a Class B license enough to get a trucking job?

Yes. Many companies hire Class B drivers for local delivery, dump truck, and construction driving roles.

Getting Started with CDL Training

CDL School Inc. offers comprehensive training programs in Nashville, Tennessee and Jacksonville, Florida. Whether you’re pursuing a full-time program or need something flexible, we have available programs to accommodate different schedules and circumstances.

Take the first step. Contact CDL School Inc. to talk about what your future could look like!

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