How to Get Your CDL: A Detailed Step by Step Guide

Have you always dreamt of driving a big rig down the open road? A CDL is your ticket into a great career in the transportation business, so help yours by following these essential tips.

Do you want to know how to get a CDL? All will be learned here, and we've got you covered from meeting necessary needs to mastering the CDL exam. It doesn't matter whether you're going into long-haul trucking or making local deliveries; this article covers all the information that you need to prepare yourself for your new career path.

Now, down to the nitty-gritty: it's time for you to hit the highway to success with your CDL.

What is a CDL? Who needs it?

Driving an 18 wheeler truck involves the process of first acquiring a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). The FMCSA is responsible for all the laws relating to CDLs while the license will be awarded by your state licensing bureau. You need a Class A CDL for driving any combination of commercial vehicles where the GCWR exceeds 26,001 pounds with the condition that the GVWR for the towed unit should exceed 10,000 pounds. The acquisition of the commercial license will prove your proficiency in handling heavy machinery, observing all the safety laws as provided by the federal authority, and securing freight on interstate highways. Below is a guide on how to acquire federal requirements, practical tests, and drive a truck.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a CDL?

Age limits for CDLs can vary by state or by commercial application. For the most part, one will be able to get a license at 18 years old to drive in the state as an intrastate driver, 21 years old to drive across state lines, or older than 21 years to transport hazardous materials.

These are supposed to cover whether maturity has been reached or enough of the days experienced can equip them to handle the job's demands.

Other states also possess more restrictions or prerequisites with age, so it would be best to know the regulations of your home state.

How to Get Your CDL

Obtaining a CDL, therefore requires two steps: first learn the required skills through the mandated training program and then pass a detailed exam. This will all have the added expectation of any prospective employee under medical and residency requirements to qualify to secure a license to operate a motor vehicle.

Pass Medical Examination

The completion of a DOT physical examination is the mandated federal requirement that one must undertake before taking the commercial permit test. The commercial drivers operating in interstate commerce must undergo a medical examination by a certified examiner as per 49 CFR Part 391. This is done through an examination of their blood pressure, cardiovascular system, lungs capacity, and hearing and eyesight (20/40 in each eye regardless of the use of corrective devices). The results from the test are immediately uploaded in the database of FMCSA and they receive an officially signed Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA-5876) which is good for up to 24 months. One then goes ahead to submit the Medical Examiner’s Certificate to the SDLA.

Check and make sure there is a medical examiner on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, so the forms are completed with the proper directions. Following through on these steps will ensure all the correct medical standards are met, allowing you to obtain the proper CDL and start a career as a commercial driver.

Have a copy of CDL manual

All the theoretical information you need to prepare for the knowledge test, which you must pass to get your commercial learner's permit, is contained in a handbook called the Commercial Driver's License Manual. You may also access the CDL Manual from DMV locations or download it from the FMCSA website.

Reading the information from this handbook is an important step to get your CDL license, as it ensures a successful pass of the written (or online) theoretical exams.

Choose CDL Type and Endorsements

The class of CDL a driver holds shall be the appropriate class of commercial motor vehicle that the driver is required to hold a license to operate with respect to any class of, whether it is Class A, B, or C. The next step is to see if there are any additional endorsements that need to be added to the CDL: Hazardous Materials (H), Passenger Transport (P), and Tank Vehicles (N).

These are very key selections, as every class and endorsement has its requirements and tests. Basically, with a Class A CDL, one is able to drive tractor-trailers. With a Class B, you can handle single vehicles like buses or dump trucks.

Achieving your commercial driver qualification process involves following a federal-mandated series of steps in accordance with FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rules and regulations. This is done through the following three stages:

• Stage One: Obtaining the CLP. Prior to practicing practical driving skills, you will need to take the written knowledge test concerning the General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles at your state licensing agency. If you get your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), you will be able to drive on the public road under supervision of the CDL licensee sitting next to you in the passenger seat.
• Stage Two: Completing Certified ELDT Training. According to federal law, all Class A candidates are required to undergo a training that must be performed by the instructor registered on the official FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). This includes both theoretical and practical learning involving BTW exercises on the driving range and on-road maneuvers.
• Stage Three: Compliance with the 14-Day Waiting Period Requirement. Under federal law, you must wait for at least 14 days after getting your CLP before taking the CDL skills test administered by the state.

You'll find all the info you need for the exam in the CDL Manual. Earning 80% of correctly answered questions is considered a passing score

When you’re successfully done with the theory, you may take and complete your behind-the-wheel training program. Federal Regulations in most cases require you to practice your driving on an 18-wheeler within 14 days before taking the final road skills test for a CDL. A CLP doesn’t allow you to drive a big rig as a commercial driver. This kind of permit is usually valid for one year and, in some cases, it is nonrenewable.

Apply for CDL: Test Your Knowledge and Skills

With a CLP, you can attend any type of CDL training program. After a minimum of 3 weeks training behind the wheel of a semi-truck, then you are finally able to take your CDL test. You have met all the other prerequisites.

Contact the nearest DMV or any other appropriate local office in your state regarding a CDL, and you will be told about the full list of documents to be submitted. Typically, the said documentation list includes:

• a valid driver's license;
• medical examination report;
• social security card;
• proof of address.

Be sure to have everything well in advance so that you can provide them during the application process.

The other piece is how to take exams and complete your training. You can typically take the knowledge exam online in theory. You then find a time to take the hands-on exam, that comes with an observing safety specialist, and consists of three parts:

• Pre-driving vehicle check (pre-trip inspection);
• Basic control of the 18-wheeler;
• On-road driving

The semi-truck for the practical examination is not provided by default. Want to know how to get a truck for the CDL test? In many instances, businesses and people rent their trucks and trailers for testing purposes, so just check within your community or with the DMV. If third-party testing facilities are allowed in your state, they often have trucks available for use.

If you do not pass one part of the skills test, all other testing will be delayed. You are allowed three chances to pass the skills test. Each time you retake the skills test you must pay a fee before you can test again. When you have passed the CDL skills test a certificate will be sent to you. Do surrender your CLP at the DMV (or any other authorized Licensing Center) to obtain your CDL and start your career as a commercial truck driver.

Conclusion

Acquiring a CDL immediately puts a number of job opportunities in your hands within the trucking industry. Completing your basic training, meeting state inspection requirements for your vehicle, and maintaining an exemplary record while driving are some of the steps that create a strong base for your successful road career. It is crucial for those who are already equipped with proper credentials and driving experience as a professional to choose the right fleet company. At HMD Trucking, we equip our skilled commercial drivers with advanced machinery, efficient lanes, and culture of respect towards drivers. If you own a CDL and have driving experience, apply now!