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A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is a special type of license that’s required for operating certain types of vehicles. 

These include heavy trucks, hazardous material loads, and large passenger vehicles like city buses. There are a number of types of CDL, along with special certifications, or “endorsements,” for driving even more categories of vehicle. 

Here’s an overview of the CDL licensing process, from the basic requirements to the road test.

What is a CDL?

A CDL is a basic requirement for driving a semi-truck, tractor-trailer or passenger bus, or for transporting hazardous materials. Unless you’re driving a small vehicle like a local delivery van, almost any driving job is going to require you to earn your CDL first. There are three CDL classes: Class A, Class B, and Class C, which allow you to drive progressively larger or more dangerous vehicles.

Until 1986, commercial vehicle licensing was regulated on the state level. As a result, there were a number of states where even untrained people were allowed to operate semi-trucks and other large, commercial vehicles.

That year, Congress passed the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act, which required all heavy vehicle drivers to obtain a commercial license. This greatly improved the safety of our highways. But it means that if you want to drive a large vehicle, you need a CDL.

How Long Does it Take to Get a CDL?

Getting a CDL usually takes around two to three months. That said, it can take as little as three weeks, or as long as six months. A lot depends on the type of CDL you’re getting, along with the type of program you’re in, your current driving ability, and any endorsements you’re trying to earn. Let’s take a quick look at each of those factors.

Different CDL Types

The first factor that will affect your schedule is the type of CDL you’re trying to earn. The most common type of CDL is the Class A license, which allows you to drive vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of over 26,000 pounds, and a towed vehicle over 10,000 pounds. This includes tractor trailers and semi-trucks.

A Class B license is more limited in terms of towing, with a limit of 10,000 pounds. However, it allows you to drive large city buses, school buses, and even segmented buses. It’s also sufficient for straight trucks and box trucks. A Class C license allows you to drive smaller multi-passenger vehicles of less than 26,000 pounds, or vehicles with hazardous materials.

With endorsements, Class A license holders can earn most Class B and C privileges, and Class B license holders can earn some Class C privileges. But the same is not true in reverse. For example, a Class A or Class B license holder can earn an endorsement to transport hazardous materials like a Class C driver. But a Class C driver cannot earn an endorsement to drive a vehicle heavier than 26,000 pounds without earning a full Class B or Class A license.

Full-Time vs. Part-Time CDL Programs

Much like going to college or trade school, training for your CDL can be done on a full-time or part-time basis. The advantage of going full-time is obvious; with an intensive, Monday-Friday trucking school, you can earn your CDL in as little as six weeks. On the other hand, you won’t really be able to hold a full-time job while going through this kind of program.

If you work weekdays, you can get your CDL in as little as 5-6 weeks with a weekend class. This way, you can work on the weekdays and study on the weekends. If you have to work on weekends, you’ll need to go with an alternate program that meets one or two days a week. These programs take longer, but they can be a better choice for many working adults.

Your Driving Ability

To earn your CDL, you’ll need to pass a road test. This means taking the time to learn how to drive a semi-truck or other large commercial vehicle. It works a lot like driving school for regular cars, with a licensed CDL trainer riding in your passenger seat.

How much training is needed will largely depend on your innate driving abilities. The faster you catch on to tasks like shifting and reversing a semi-trailer, the less time you’ll need to spend practicing.

The Endorsement That is Placed on Your CDL

When earning your CDL, you can also test for additional endorsements. These endorsements allow you to drive additional vehicle types, making your license more valuable. At the same time, you’ll have more material to study, which will extend the timeline. The different endorsement options are:

●   (P) Passenger Transport Endorsement

●   (S) School Bus/ Passenger Transport Combo Endorsement

●   (T) Double/Triple Endorsement (Tanker)

●   (N) Tank Vehicle Endorsement (Tanker)

●   (H) Hazardous Materials Endorsement

●   (X) Tanker/HAZMAT Combo Endorsement

How Much Does it Cost to Get a CDL?

CDL costs vary by state, and can also change depending on a variety of other factors. These include the application fee, the road test fee, your CDL skills test fee, and what type of license you’re getting. If that’s not complicated enough, not all states charge fees for all services, so you’ll need to check with your state’s DMV for more information. That said, let’s look at each of those factors.

CDL Application Fees

The most common cost is the application fee for the license itself. Generally, the physical license will cost you around $50, but can cost up to $120 depending on what state you’re in. You may also need to pay this fee when renewing your license, but that also varies from state to state.

Road Test Fees

The CDL road test is where you demonstrate real-world driving skills, including performing a proper pre-trip inspection. The cost for a road test averages between $30 and $60, although some states charge as much as $250. In most states, you’ll have to pay the fee again if you need to retake your road test.

CDL Skills Test Fees

Along with the road test, you’ll also need to pass a written skills test. The test consists of questions on a variety of safety and technical topics, and you’ll have 60 minutes to complete it. The cost varies by state, but can be as much as $125. Endorsements will come with additional test questions, but those questions are not normally timed.

The License Class

Which class of CDL you’re applying for is another important factor affecting the costs. While the licensing fees themselves will remain the same, you may see different costs from your CDL school. For example, you’ll generally pay less for road training with a lighter truck than with a heavier one. This is something you should discuss with your school before signing up.

Additional Endorsements

The last thing that will affect your CDL cost is the number of endorsements you’re getting. We already mentioned that the ordinary road test fee averages between $30 and $60. However, endorsements usually cost extra. Depending on your state, you may have to pay as much as $5 to $10 per endorsement, which can add up if you’re getting several.

What Percentage of People Fail the CDL Test?

It’s difficult to say, since different states have different requirements. And while some schools release their results, it’s understandable that those numbers aren’t entirely reliable. That said, a comprehensive survey was conducted in 1996 on the 10-year anniversary of CDLs becoming mandatory. That study found that 95 percent of CDL test takers passed.

Surprisingly, this was higher than the average pass rate for the ordinary drivers test. That same year, in 1996, the average pass rate was only 46 percent in Washington State, the state with the lowest rate. But even in Illinois, the state with the highest rate, “only” 86 percent of test takers passed the regular license test.

The reason for this is simple. When most people take their road test for a regular license, they may have as little as a dozen hours of experience behind the wheel. On the other hand, most people who take the CDL exam have been driving for years, and don’t have to struggle to remember the rules of the road. They can focus on shifting and other truck-specific skills.

Can You Get a CDL With a DUI?

The short answer is “yes.” There is no law against a person with a DUI obtaining a CDL. The long answer is a bit more complicated.

To begin with, you can’t get a CDL if your license is currently suspended, regardless of the reason. So if your license is suspended due to a DUI, you’ll need to wait for the suspension period to end and pay any reinstatement fees before you can test for your CDL.

Secondly, you may have trouble finding employment with a DUI on your record. Some companies, like Walmart, pay a premium rate, but will only hire drivers with a pristine record. For this reason, it’s important to be upfront with your CDL school about any DUIs you have. That way, they’ll be better able to help you find work.

Most trucking companies will hire someone with a DUI, provided that DUI is at least three years old. A handful will even hire drivers with a fresh DUI. It’s really up to the company, so you’ll need to speak with a hiring manager to find out for sure.

Another consequence of a DUI is that your insurance rates will be higher. If your DUI is relatively recent (within the past seven years), you’ll probably need to obtain high-risk insurance. Many companies who normally pay for insurance will not cover insurance for high-risk drivers. So when you do get a job, you’ll likely end up with extra expenses because of your DUI.

The consequences are far more severe if you’re convicted of DUI while you already have a CDL. In this case, your CDL will be suspended for a year – even if your state doesn’t suspend your ordinary driving privileges. When the year is up, you’ll usually need to pay a fee to have your CDL reinstated. After a second DUI, your CDL will be revoked.

What Are the Benefits of Getting Your CDL License?

So, what are the benefits to earning a CDL license? To begin with, trucking is a field with high demand, with very good pay. To earn a similar income in another field, you have to go through lengthy training and education programs. With trucking, it takes just a few months to go from a beginner to a qualified driver.

But a good job is as much about the lifestyle as it is about the work. For many people, an office environment can be limiting, and the freedom of the open road has a certain appeal. If you’d rather spend your work day on the highway than in the office, a CDL license can be the first step in making that dream a reality!