How to Get a CDL License
The ultimate guide to obtaining your Class A Commercial Drivers License
If you want to now how get a CDL license then this page is for you! On this page you will discover what type of CDL license you need, where to train for it, how to pay for it, and what you can do with it once you have it! The Truck Driver Shortage has caused salaries and benefits packages to increase in order to attract new truck drivers. That means it has never been a better time to learn how to get your CDL.
What is a CDL License?
The term “CDL” stands for Commercial Driver’s License. In order to drive a commercial motor vehicle in the United States, the driver must hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License, or “CDL”. Class A and Class B are the two main types of CDL licenses. In the section below we will explain the differences between the two types.
What is a Class A CDL License?
- Tractor-trailers
- Truck and trailer combinations
- Tanker vehicles
- Flatbeds
What is a Class B CDL License?
- Buses
- Dump Trucks
- Tow Trucks
- Delivery Trucks
- Garbage Trucks
What type of CDL license do I need?
- Vehicles requiring a Class A CDL license are primarily tractor-trailers driving long distances. This license offers the most job opportunities and earning potential.
- Vehicles requiring a Class B CDL license may include buses, dump trucks, tow trucks, delivery trucks, and garbage trucks. These types of driving jobs typically pay less than Class A tractor-trailer driving jobs hauling freight across state lines.
Why do I need a Class A CDL License?
By requiring a Class A CDL license, the FMCSA and DOT ensures that unsafe drivers are not behind the wheels of commercial vehicles. The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act’s goal is to improve highway safety by ensuring that drivers of large trucks and buses are qualified to operate those vehicles and to remove unsafe and unqualified drivers from the highways. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has developed and issued standards for testing and licensing commercial motor vehicle drivers.
Among other things, the standards require states to issue a Class A CDL to a commercial motor vehicle driver only after the driver passes knowledge and skills tests administered by the state related to the type of vehicle to be operated. Drivers need a CDL license if they drive interstate, intrastate, or foreign commerce.
How to get your CDL License
How do I get my Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)?
States are able to issue a CDL license only after a successful written and driving test has been completed at a state or approved testing facility. In order to get a Class A CDL License, you need to have a minimum of 180 hours of combined classroom and behind the wheel training driving a truck.
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The test itself can be extremely difficult to pass without the proper training.
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Many carriers won’t hire a candidate without at least 160-180 hours of proper training, even if you’ve passed the CDL exam.
Tips for getting and maintaining your CDL
- Stay healthy: Driving long distances requires focus and good health. The trucking lifestyle can be demanding, and it’s important that you’re in shape enough to meet the responsibilities of the role. Physical examinations are mandatory for most CDL seekers.
- Don’t do drugs: Obtaining a CDL requires the successful completion of a five-stage drug test at the school level. Random drug tests are possible for all drivers so long as they hold their CDL. Many carriers are transitioning to hair follicle testing that look back up to 90 days for drug usage. Testing positive for drug usage at any point will result in a driver losing their CDL and being unable to work in the industry.
- Keep a clean driving record: CDL training schools and trucking carriers look for drivers who have proven to be skilled and safe on the road. Speeding tickets, DUIs, and other traffic violations are important factors when getting a CDL but don’t automatically mean you’re disqualified.
- Be of age: Drivers must be at least 18 years of age to be employed intrastate (within your own state) and at least 21 to drive interstate (across state lines).
- Sign up for training at an approved training school: Best in industry schools like Roadmaster are a great way to get your foot in the door. Virtually all carriers recognize the value of a Roadmaster-trained driver.
CDL License Requirements
- Identification – You will be asked to provide proof that you are either U.S. citizen or else have a lawful presence. Your identification must have your full name on it (including first, middle, and last) and must state your age. Drivers ages 18-20 are only permitted to drive intrastate (within the same state) while drivers 21 and older are permitted to drive interstate (between states).
- Proof of State Residency – In order to get your Class A CDL, you’ll need to show proof of where you live. The CDL exam is a state-level exam and licenses are also issued through the state.
- Evidence of an SSN – You will be asked to provide proof of a Social Security number by presenting official documents stating it. All SSN documents must be originals and copies will not be accepted.
- Passed CDL Exam – This is the last stage before earning your CDL exam! It’s very important that you come prepared to answer trucking questions and demonstrate driving skills in a truck on the road.
How to pick a truck driving school
How To Pick a CDL License School
The quality of the training is the most important thing you want to look for when weighing options. Roadmaster has over 25 years of experience training drivers, with locations nationwide and late model trucks. We’ve trained over 100,000 students and know just how important good training is.
Once you’ve chosen a CDL training school, it’s time to get down to business. If you’ve chosen wisely, the quality training program will teach you the skills you’ll need in order to be well-prepared for your CDL exam. The training should be a mix of classroom learning, training pad practice and in-the-truck experience. From concepts like filling out log books and ELDs to hands-on experience with coupling/uncoupling, backing, driving and more, your training should cover all the basics and put you in a position to approach the CDL exam with confidence.
What to Bring to Truck Driving School
As far as what to take with you to your training, it’s a good idea to check with your school beforehand. Each school is different and has certain items they may want or require you to bring that other schools don’t. For example, at some Roadmaster schools, there may be a few items that will make training a little more comfortable for that particular location, depending on the regional climate. For a list of some of the often-overlooked items you may need, take a look at this article on the “Top 5 Things You’re Forgetting to Take to CDL School.”
How to pay for cdl training
How to pay for CDL Training
Ways to finance your CDL Training
- Regular bank loan
- For qualified candidates, Roadmaster offers financial assistance
- Friend or relative
- Post 9/11 GI Bill
Tuition Reimbursement up to 100%!
Roadmaster works with many trucking companies that offer Tuition Reimbursement Programs. You agree to work for a company for a certain amount of time and in return, they will pay up to 100% of the cost of school. Roadmaster cares about our students and cares about the investment they make towards their future. With numerous carriers sending Driver Recruiters to our schools each month, you will be able to find the best fit for you in terms of pay rates & bonuses, driving options, schedules, home time, benefits and other perks!
WHAT IS A PRE-HIRE LETTER?
What is a Pre-Hire letter and how do I get one?
A pre-hire letter states that you meet the company’s hiring requirements and that they are interested in employing you as a driver. Instead of worrying about job placement, you can sign on with a top carrier in your first week of classes! Regardless of whether you decide to take the job, you could have an actual job offer (pre-hire letter) in your hand to compare with other offers.
To get a pre-hire letter, individuals must first submit their applications for positions with carrier companies. Carriers will then review the application to determine if the candidate is a good fit for their company. They aren’t going to waste the time and money to bring drivers to orientation if they don’t meet company standards.
Tips for earning a pre-hire letter
- Enroll in a comprehensive truck driver training school like Roadmaster, where you will learn essential skills and trucking know-how
- Come prepared to learn and take the course seriously. Ask questions as often as you need and stay engaged in the class
- Fill out carrier applications honestly and thoroughly, seeking help from job placement personnel if needed
- Show interest and ask questions when carriers visit your CDL training school
How to pass your cdl exam
Taking the CDL Exam
So let’s fast forward about 4 weeks or so from now. You’ve already made the decision to invest in your own future by becoming a professional truck driver. You’ve chosen a quality CDL training school and have put in the work necessary to earn your Class A CDL license. Now, only one thing stands in your way is the CDL exam.
If you’ve followed these steps, chosen the right driver training program and paid attention to your trainers, the CDL exam shouldn’t be scary. It’s your moment to shine. You should be looking forward to it because it could be the turning point where you accomplish your goal and achieve a whole new life and career in the exciting, in-demand Professional Trucking Industry!
How to Pass Your CDL Exam
- Accident procedures
- Map reading
- Hooking and unhooking trailers
- Night driving
- Braking
- Anticipating hazards
- Railroad crossing
- Skid control and recovery, among others
Getting Ready For The CDL Test
At Roadmaster, we do our absolute best to make sure our graduates are fully prepared to take the CDL test upon their graduation from training at Roadmaster. If a student is having a difficult time getting the hang of a specific part of the CDL training course, our instructors will work with them to teach what is needed in order to overcome the problem area, even providing extra training if needed. That way, when a student finally takes the CDL exam, the student can take their exam with a feeling of confidence.
What if I fail? Re-Training/Taking the CDL Exam
Passing The CDL Test
Truck Driving Career Benefits
Truck Driver Career Benefits
Got Your Class A CDL? Now what?
The Truck Driver Shortage
What is the Truck Driver Shortage?
What’s causing the truck driver shortage?
The Truck Driver shortage means opportunities for new drivers!
- Medical and dental insurance
- 401k retirement plan options
- Life insurance
- Paid vacation and sick time
- Changing scenery
- Job Security
- Rider and pet policies, and more!
Why choose Roadmaster for CDL Training?
- Comprehensive, hands-on truck driver training with expert Roadmaster instructors. From the classroom to the practice pad, our staff provides a safety-focused training program that will help prepare you for a career as a professional truck driver.
- Automatic Transmission Trucks are available at all of our locations. You will learn how to drive both so that you are prepared for wherever your career takes you.
- Top-notch practice equipment and facilities, including spacious classrooms and computer labs, specially designed field-driving courses and late-model tractor-trailers exclusively for student training.
- Classes that focus on CDL license exam preparation and skills necessary to become a professional truck driver.
- Multiple Training Locations nationwide. We can also help arrange hotel and travel for students who live far away.
- Many locations allow you to take your CDL License exam right at the school. Some states, however, require you to take the test at their location. Roadmaster can help provide transportation to and from off-site CDL testing facilities for those who need it.
- Trucking companies send representatives to our schools looking to hire our graduates. They will explain what pay and benefits packages that they offer so that you can compare who you want to work for.
- Career Services helps our graduate find work before they even finish school. You may be pre-hired by a trucking company before you even graduate!
- Financial Assistance is available for those who qualify. We work with students with all types of credit histories to try to help them pay for school.