What you need to do to get a CDL
A commercial driver's license requires three separate steps: passing a written knowledge test, passing a skills test (pre-trip inspection, backing, and road driving), and meeting medical and background requirements. You cannot skip any of them or do them out of order. Most states require you to hold a valid regular driver's license first, pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam, and then move through the written and skills tests with an approved testing facility.
The entire process typically takes four to twelve weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you schedule tests and whether you need training. Some people move through in three weeks; others take several months if they fail a test and need to retake it. The cost ranges from $300 to $1,500 depending on whether you pay for a training school, which state you're in, and whether you need multiple test attempts.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass a DOT medical exam before you can take any CDL test, and the exam must be performed by a certified medical examiner listed in your state's registry.
- The written knowledge test covers vehicle safety, air brakes, and cargo handling depending on which endorsements you need, and you can study using your state's CDL manual.
- The skills test includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a backing maneuver, and a road test, all performed with an approved examiner in a vehicle that meets state specifications.
- You can take the written test at your state's DMV or at an approved third-party testing location, but the skills test must be done through your state's licensing agency or an approved school.
- Training schools can prepare you for both tests and sometimes offer their own testing, but they are not required — you can study on your own and test through your DMV.
Step 1: Get your DOT medical certification
Before you take any CDL test, you must have a valid DOT medical certificate. This is a separate document from your regular driver's license. You obtain it by visiting a certified medical examiner — not your regular doctor, but someone specifically listed on your state's National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. The exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and medical history. It costs between $75 and $150 depending on the examiner.
The medical certificate is valid for two years (or one year if you have certain medical conditions). You can find certified examiners through your state's DMV website or by searching the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry online. Schedule this first because you will need proof of the certificate when you explore for your CDL permit.
Step 2: explore for a CDL permit and pass the written test
Once you have your medical certificate, go to your state's DMV with your regular driver's license, proof of residency, Social Security number, and the medical certificate. You will pay a permit fee (typically $20 to $100) and receive a CDL learner's permit. This permit allows you to practice driving a commercial vehicle with a licensed CDL holder in the passenger seat.
You then take the written knowledge test. The test covers general knowledge (vehicle safety, braking, shifting), and depending on the type of vehicle you will drive, you may need to pass additional tests for air brakes, doubles/triples, tanker, or hazardous materials. Each test section is usually 50 questions, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. You can take the written test at your state's DMV or at an approved third-party testing center. Study materials are available free through your state's CDL manual, which you can read from your DMV website.
Step 3: Practice with your permit and prepare for the skills test
With your CDL permit in hand, you can now legally practice driving a commercial vehicle, but only with a licensed CDL holder sitting next to you. Most people use this time to either attend a training school or practice with an experienced driver. Training schools typically run three to six weeks and cost $3,000 to $7,000. They teach vehicle operation, safety procedures, and test-taking strategy, and many offer their own skills testing on-site. Self-study with a mentor is cheaper but requires finding someone willing to teach you and takes longer.
The skills test itself has three parts: the pre-trip inspection (you walk around the vehicle and point out safety components), the backing maneuver (you back the vehicle into a tight space), and the road test (you drive on public roads while the examiner watches). You must pass all three parts on the same day to pass the skills test. If you fail one part, you must retake the entire test.
Step 4: Schedule and take your skills test
Skills testing is done through your state's DMV or through an approved third-party testing facility. Some training schools are approved to administer skills tests, which means you can test when ready after finishing their program. If you are testing through your state's DMV, you will need to schedule an appointment, which can take several weeks depending on demand in your area. You must bring your CDL permit, a valid regular driver's license, and proof of your medical certificate.
The vehicle you test in must meet your state's specifications — it must be the same class and type you will actually drive. For example, if you are getting a Class A CDL (tractor-trailer), you must test in a tractor-trailer, not a smaller truck. The examiner will evaluate your ability to operate the vehicle safely and follow traffic laws. The entire test takes about two hours.
Step 5: Receive your CDL and understand restrictions
Once you pass the skills test, you will receive your commercial driver's license in the mail within one to three weeks. Your CDL will show your class (A, B, or C), any endorsements you earned (hazmat, doubles, tanker), and any restrictions (such as automatic transmission only, or daylight driving only). Some states issue a temporary CDL when ready after you pass, which you can use while waiting for the permanent card.
Your CDL is valid for four to eight years depending on your state, and you must renew it before it expires. You will need to pass a new medical exam before each renewal. If you change your address, add an endorsement, or need to correct information, you must go back to your state's DMV.
Training school versus self-study
Training schools accelerate the process and provide structured instruction, but they are not required. A school typically costs $3,000 to $7,000 and takes three to six weeks. You learn in a classroom, practice in a truck, and often test on-site. The advantage is speed and a higher first-attempt pass rate — schools report that 70 to 85 percent of their students pass the skills test on the first try. The disadvantage is cost and the fact that you are locked into their schedule.
Self-study means you buy your state's CDL manual (free online), study on your own, find a mentor or experienced driver to practice with, and schedule your own tests through your state's DMV. This route costs $300 to $600 total but takes longer and requires discipline. First-attempt pass rates are lower — roughly 50 to 60 percent of self-taught drivers pass the skills test on the first try. If you fail and must retake, you pay the test fee again ($50 to $150 per attempt).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a CDL if I have a DUI or traffic violations?
A DUI does not automatically disqualify you, but it may disqualify you from certain jobs or endorsements. Some employers will not hire drivers with DUIs, and hazmat endorsements have stricter background rules. Check with your state's DMV about whether your specific violations affect your ability to obtain the license itself.
What if I fail the written test or skills test?
You can retake either test, but you must wait a certain number of days between attempts — usually 7 to 14 days depending on your state. Each retake costs a test fee. There is no limit to how many times you can retake, but each failure costs time and money. Many people retake after additional studying or more practice driving.
Do I need to take the skills test in my own truck or the DMV's truck?
You test in whatever vehicle your state's testing facility provides, or in a vehicle provided by your training school if you test through them. The vehicle must meet state specifications for your CDL class. You do not need to own a truck to get your CDL.
How long is a CDL valid?
Most states issue CDLs valid for four to eight years. You must renew before expiration, and renewal requires a new DOT medical exam. Some states allow you to renew by mail if you have no violations, while others require you to visit the DMV in person.
Can I get a CDL in one state and use it in another?
Yes. A CDL issued by any state is valid in all states. However, if you move to a new state, you should update your address with your current state's DMV. Some states require you to transfer your license to their state within a certain period if you become a resident.