How to Get a Commercial Driver's License

Become a truck driver with a CDL

Many people make a living by driving professionally. The person that brings your UPS and FedEx packages to you is a professional driver. The people who drive big company trucks are professional drivers. In order to be a professional driver, however, you need to have a commercial driver's license. This type of license is more difficult to obtain than a normal license because it takes more skill and expertise.

Instructions

1. Know the requirements before you apply. You must be at least 18 years old in order to obtain a CDL for local and intrastate driving. However, if you want to drive across country or to different states, most companies require you to be at least 21 years old. You must also have a valid driver's license in your state before you can apply for a CDL. Be prepared to take a drug test and physical exam, too.

2. Obtain a book from your local Department of Motor Vehicles. Many DMVs have manuals sitting in their waiting areas for people who want to get a CDL. These manuals are free and they have all the information you need. The manuals are much like the booklets you receive to get a normal driver's license, but they have more specific and detailed information that commercial drivers need to know. If there isn't a booklet in the waiting area, ask someone behind the desk for one.

3. Study for the test. The test to get a commercial driver's license is typically divided into two parts – general knowledge and road skills. You can study at home or wherever you are for the general knowledge portion. You'll need to know basic driving skills as well as more specific information like endorsements, school bus regulations, passenger safety and much more.

4. Practice the tests. There are several places online that offer practice tests for obtaining your CDL. You can also have your family and friends quiz you from the book to make sure you are ready for the real test.

5. Take the required tests for your desired CDL. The general knowledge test you take will depend on what type of vehicle you plan to drive. There are separate tests for different purposes. For instance, if you want an endorsement for driving trucks equipped with air brakes, you'll need to take a separate test for that.

6. Move on to the Road Driving Test. The road test is much more difficult to get a commercial driver's license than a normal driving test. There are three main parts of the Road Driving Test for the CDL. They include actual driving, vehicle control and pre-inspection before driving.

7. Take the tests seriously. If you want to get a commercial driver's license, be prepared to devote ample time and focus to passing the tests. Driving tests for a CDL are much more difficult and the people who evaluate your skills are much stricter than normal driving tests.

8. Apply for more endorsements. The more endorsements you have on your license, the greater your opportunities for employment. Once you get your CDL, consider expanding your career opportunities and your salary requirements.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you get a CDL, your possibilities are endless. Truck driving is one profession that will always be needed in order to transport goods from one part of the country to another. It's a great career if you enjoy being on the road and seeing the country.

• If there is a company you want to work with, contact them and ask if they will hire you and pay for your CDL training. Many companies will do this for potential drivers.

• Since the information is different than a normal driver's license, you can't get by just knowing the bare minimum. Study the booklet to ensure you have a full grasp of the information before taking the test and, more importantly, before getting behind the wheel of a commercial truck.

• Getting a CDL isn't easy. Each year, thousands of potential drivers fail the test. Most of the time, this is due to lack of studying and preparation, but the test is still difficult in order to make sure those who pass are qualified for the position.

Resources

• Take a practice CDL test
• Truck driver training