If you’re thinking about starting a career in trucking, one of your first steps should be looking into CDL classes. These classes will teach you the basics of being a truck driver so that you can test for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Here’s what prospective drivers should know before they enroll in CDL classes.
What is a CDL?
A Commercial Driver’s License or CDL is what the Department of Transportation requires all drivers to obtain before they’re able to drive trucks professionally. There are three different types of CDL that we detail below.
The 3 Types of CDL
There are three types of CDL which determine the commercial vehicles you’re able to drive, and the different trucking jobs you’re able to apply for.
CDL A
This is your standard CDL that lets you drive a semi-truck with a trailer in tow. Here’s the official definition from the FMCSA of what CDL A holders can drive,
“Any combination of vehicles which has a gross combination weight rating or gross combination weight of 11,794 kilograms or more (26,001 pounds or more) whichever is greater, inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) whichever is greater. “
This means that anyone with a CDL A can drive a truck with a GVWR greater than 26,000 pounds and a trailer weighing more than 10,000 pounds. CDL A drivers can drive any CMV, including class B and C vehicles, provided they have the appropriate endorsements.
CDL B
A Class B CDL is a restricted license as you are not allowed to drive large tractors that tow 10,000 pounds or more. This eliminates the ability to drive your standard 53’ trailer. So, what can you drive with a CDL B? Think of dump trucks, delivery trucks, and city buses. Two huge benefits to CDL B jobs are that most positions will be local, and the age requirement is 18 since you won’t be moving freight between state lines.
CDL C
A Class C is the most unique type of CDL and for good reason. Besides being able to drive a shuttle bus or limo, there’s very little someone can do with a CDL C without the necessary endorsements. Even with those endorsements, most drivers consider it better to just go ahead and get your CDL B or A instead.
Requirements
Aside from completing entry-level driving training, there are a few other requirements to earn your CDL:
- Have a valid non-commercial driver’s license
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Pass a medical exam given by a licensed practitioner
- Pass the skills, knowledge, and road test that your state administers
*Drivers can earn any class of CDL at age 18, but can’t cross state lines until they’re 21, which bars them from most CDL A jobs. For more information about what trucking jobs are good for 18–20-year-olds, you can visit our blog on the subject.
Training
There are a few different ways you can take CDL classes, including through truck driving schools, community colleges, and technical schools. CDL training usually lasts 2-4 weeks and includes classroom learning as well as behind-the-wheel training.
During training, students are expected to gain familiarity with operating a commercial vehicle and the techniques behind being a successful driver. These techniques include backing up, pre-trip inspections, city driving, highway driving, road signs and rules, among others.
Classes will also cover a range of other helpful topics such on the road safety and first aid, state and federal laws drivers are subject to, route planning, managing logbooks, and more.
Finding a CDL program
When you’re looking for a CDL program, there are three main factors that you should consider; the quality of the education, cost, and location. Do your research on CDL programs in your area. Find out how much each program costs and look up reviews from former students. Find out what exactly each program offers in terms of classroom learning, and behind-the-wheel experience. Then you’ll be able to make an informed decision on which is right for you.
While cost will probably be your deciding factor, remember that there are a lot of different ways that drivers can pay for them without breaking the bank. For information on how to pay for CDL costs, plus tips on how to save, you can visit our blog on the subject.
Once you’ve completed CDL classes, you’re then able to take the CDL test and get on the road as a professional truck driver.
Deciding which CDL program to enroll in is a big decision. But as long as you do your research and find the best school for you, you’ll have to problem passing, earning your CDL, and becoming a professional truck driver.
Hi this is Amer, I’m afraid to go to CDL school to take my CDL driving test and if I invested a lot of money just in school then I’ll come out of school and then there is not going to be no jobs because of self driving trucks took over the industry..
I would love to be a truck driver but everyone is telling me not to get into Trucking. because of self-driving trucks are going to be taking over the trucking industry soon. that’s going to be a big unemployment millions of drivers will be out of jobs. Will Trucking companies switch over to self-driving trucks? are self-driving trucks I threaten the trucking industry? do you know anything about this?
Hi Amer, you have great questions and we actually just published an article on self-driving trucks and what’s on the horizon. I think it will be helpful for you as you consider a career change: https://www.drivemyway.com/blog/self-driving-trucks-whats-on-the-horizon/
I’m afraid to go to CDL school to take my CDL driving test and if I invested a lot of money just in school then I’ll come out of school and then there is not going to be no jobs because of self driving trucks took over the industry..
I would love to be a truck driver but everyone is telling me not to get into Trucking. because of self-driving trucks are going to be taking over the trucking industry soon. that’s going to be a big unemployment millions of drivers will be out of jobs. Will Trucking companies switch over to self-driving trucks? are self-driving trucks I threaten the trucking industry? do you know anything about this?
I found it interesting when you said that in order to get your CDL you need to go through several exams which differ by state. My friend told me that he wanted to join the trucking community and check for its requirements. I’m going to share this information with him so that he can start studying.
Great, thanks Ron! We hope this article helps your friend as he starts preparing.
It makes sense that you will learn how to familiarize yourself with various vehicle machinery in addition to learning driving rules. My brother wants to learn how to drive a truck so that he can work at my uncle’s upcoming business, but he doesn’t know anything about maintaining and driving large vehicles. Maybe some CDL classes will allow him to better understand how to drive large commercial trucks.
Hi Stefan, thanks for taking the time to reach out. We agree that CDL classes could really help your brother as he learns how to drive. If we can help him in any way when he starts looking for a job, please feel free to share our website with him or have him give us a call at 800-411-5840. We would love to help!
That’s good that they require driving records for the past 3 to 5 years for those applying to get a commercial driver’s license. It makes sense that you need to be somewhat experienced before you start driving heavy vehicles like trucks and semis. My nephew wants to be a teamster, so I’ll have to make sure he knows what he needs to do if he wants to pursue that.
Hi Mindy, thanks for taking the time to reach out and we agree with you. If we can help your nephew in any way, please feel free to share our website with him or have him give us a call at 800-411-5840. Thanks!
I did not know that people that want to become professional truck drivers needed a special permit. My cousin told me that he would like to work as a driver because he enjoys road trips. I will recommend him to get commercial driver training so that he can get the legal permits.
I never knew that students that are interested in becoming a truck must take a class in CDL. I’ve been planning to run a delivery business, and my cousin would like to apply as my truck driver if that’s the case I guess he’ll have to enroll in the type of class. We’ll make sure to prepare all the necessary documents, particularly his driving records within three years.
My aunt is thinking about learning how to drive a truck and she wants to make sure that she can be safe while driving and can haul oversized loads. She would really like to get some help from a professional so that she will be protected. Thanks for your tips about how she must have a clean driving record for the past 3 to 5 years
I had no idea that truck drivers have to take another driving class and get a Class A CDL out of it. I am glad that they are trained specifically to handle such large vehicles on the road. I have more peace of mind knowing that truck drivers are trained specifically to do their jobs and not just anyone behind the wheel.
I didn’t realize that you must be at least 18 years old in order to qualify for a CDL. My brother has decided that he wants to be a truck driver when he graduates high school. I will have to let him know that he will need to wait a few months, as he will still be 17 at that time.