How Do I Get Training to Drive a Truck in Pennsylvania?

Getting a CDL in Pennsylvania doesn't require attending a training school.

Pennsylvania does not require commercial driver's license training or a mandatory minimum of hours behind the wheel of a large vehicle; however, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) conforms to all federal regulations.

While training is not required, there are numerous schools statewide that offer CDL training, including technical schools and private businesses that teach commercial drivers. There is no special certification for any CDL training program.

Things You'll Need

• Completed commercial driver's license application
• Proof of identity and residency
• Social Security card
• Any name change documentation as a result of marriage, divorce or court order
• Check or money order payable to PennDOT

Instructions

1. Get a commercial learner's permit application, also known as the DL-31CD, and a Pennsylvania Commercial Driver's License Manual. These are available at any driver's license center in the state, or they can be downloaded from PennDOT's website. A list of license centers can be found there as well.

2. Go to a license center and submit a completed application, valid Pennsylvania license if you have one, proof of identity and residency, a Social Security card, and a check or money order made payable to PennDOT for the commercial driver's application fees that apply. A list of qualified proofs of identity and residency is available on PennDOT's website, as is a list of fees for the commercial driver's license.

3. Submit the DL-31CD form to upgrade to or apply for the CDL.

4. After PennDOT reviews your request, you may be required to take a knowledge test at a driver's license center. You will be notified with a knowledge test authorization. Once you complete the test, you will receive a CDL learner's permit. The learner's permit is valid for one year from the date of the knowledge test authorization.

5. There is a 15-day waiting period before you can take the road test once you have the learner's permit, according to PennDOT. Schedule the road test using PennDOT's Web site as soon as you have the learner's permit; the test must be scheduled after the waiting period.

6. Pass the road test.

References

• PennDOT: Steps to Obtaining a CDL
• PennDOT: CDL Information Center
• PennDOT: Locations Information Center