Getting a CDL involves several steps. There are medical requirements and residency requirements besides knowledge and skills requirements. Once you've finished getting informed and making decisions, there are three basic steps to getting a CDL: A commercial learner's permit (CLP) is a permit that only authorizes you to practice on public roads with a qualified CDL
holder sitting next to you. Getting the permit involves more than just passing all the knowledge tests for the type of driving you want to do. To make sure that you are eligible your driving record is checked for the last 10 years in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. You need to bring in the proof that your state accepts to show that you are medically qualified. Most types of commercial driving require a DOT medical card, requiring a DOT physical. Your state may require specific
documents it wants to see to prove your name and proof of residency. There are fees for getting the CLP. Reading and following the instructions in your states CDL Manual streamlines the process. Drivers applying for a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time who are issued a CLP on or after February 7, 2022 must complete
entry-level driver training with a registered training provider prior to testing. Some States may have additional requirements above and beyond the Federal training requirements. Note: There is no Federal requirement for drivers to complete their entry-level driver theory training before applying for a CLP. Visit the
Training Provider Registry (//tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/) to search for a training provider. Once you have completed training, the provider will electronically submit certification of your training completion to the Training Provider Registry. Drivers may look up their training certification information using the "Check My Record" tool. You are required to possess the CLP for 14 days and complete applicable entry-level driver training to be eligible to take the CDL skills test. You must pass all 3 parts of the Skills Test: the Vehicle Inspection Test, the Basic Controls Test, and the Road Test. Your state may even allow you to use their “training aid” to help you remember items on the vehicle inspection checklist. Taking the skills test is no guarantee that you will pass. Once
you have passed the skills test you need to take the documentation to the counter for processing. Some States will give you the CDL that same day, while others send it to you in the mail. Regardless make sure that everything is correct before you leave the counter. It can be costly and embarrassing if you find a mistake later. Note: FMCSA issued a waiver for certain CDL requirements, effective December 1, 2020 through February 28, 2022.
Learn more Any summary, description, or paraphrase of a regulatory requirement on this site is intended to provide general guidance only. Please consult the text of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for a full account of the applicable requirements. FMCSA does not issue
Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs). State governments are responsible for issuing CDLs. Last updated: Thursday, February 10, 2022Getting Started
Step 1: Get the Commercial Learners Permit (CLP)
Step 2: Complete Entry-Level Driver Training
Step 3: Get the Commercial
Driver’s License (CDL)
Reminder
How Long Does It Take to Get a CDL?
Wondering how long it takes to get a CDL? – You can get your CDL in as little as 4 weeks when you attend the right school. Coastal Truck Driving School offers options for full-time students to get their CDL in 4 weeks and for part-time students to get their CDL in 8 weeks. To help accommodate students with busy schedules, we offer day, night, and weekend classes, as well as free student housing.
Coastal Truck Driving School is a state-approved third-party tester for CDL licensing. We’re authorized to test and train for Class A, B, and C commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). If you’re ready to get licensed and get on the road, contact Coastal today!
What Does CDL Training Entail
Most CDL schools have an extensive CDL training program that covers the valuable skills you’ll need as a commercial truck driver. Some schools can be months long, while others are just 4 weeks long to get a CDL. It’s important to find the right school for you when asking how long it takes to get a CDL to get the education and training required to start a career as a commercial truck driver soon.
Coastal Truck Driving School is staffed with supportive and experienced instructors who make sure you are road-ready in as little as 4 weeks. Our extensive training program covers the following:
- Dashboard configuration
- Inspections
- Basic control
- Night operation
- Truck maintenance
- Post-crash procedures
- Backing – A majority of accidents involving trucks happen when the driver is reversing. We make sure our students are comfortable and have mastered backing up trucks before sending them out on their own.
- Shifting – While many companies use automatic transmission trucks, we believe that you can never have too many tools at your disposal. Learning to drive both manual and automatic ensures that you are comfortable in any truck, and you have no legal restrictions on which trucks you can drive – making you more hirable!
- Plus, much more to increase your confidence and your chances to get a job
[Related: Can I Get A CDL Without Going to School]
How Long Is A CDL Training Program?
It does not take long to get a CDL when you attend Coastal Truck Driving School. Our CDL training course requires a total of 160 hours and can be completed in 4 weeks. We also offer options for night and weekend classes that can be completed in 8 weeks.
First, you’ll need to complete 40 hours of classroom time, where we cover the basics you need to know before getting behind the wheel of a truck. While in the classroom, you’ll learn about operating under extreme driving conditions, trip planning, and space management. The basics covered in the classroom are the foundation for a promising career in commercial truck driving.
After your classroom time is completed, you’ll spend 120 hours driving under the supervision of our instructors, who not only teach you but make sure you’re confident in the driver’s seat. We’ll spend 42 hours of our driving time on our back pad, where you’ll learn basic control and get acquainted with operating a big truck. Following the back pad drive time, you’ll begin road training. You’ll spend 72 hours driving and getting a feel for your new career.
Testing Schedule – Does Testing Make it Take Longer to Get a CDL?
Not all schools are certified to test for commercial driver’s licenses. Because of this, some CDL schools don’t have testing built into their programs. When you attend a school that is not certified for CDL testing, it may take longer to get a CDL. You will have to schedule a time to test with a third party after completing your training.
Coastal Truck Driving School is certified by Louisiana for third-party CDL testing, so we’ve included the testing time in our program. This means that once you graduate from our 4-week CDL training program, it won’t take you any longer to get a CDL, and you’ll be ready to start working in your new career.
Are you looking to start your career in trucking? Contact Coastal Truck Driving School today and get CDL certified in as little as 4 weeks!