How To Get A CDL in 6 steps

Your 6 Step Guide to How to get a CDL  This is general process will work no matter what state you're.  You'll have to call your local DMV and the CDL training center you choose get get details related to how they operate though.  But getting a CDL is a relatively easy process.  We are going for Class A but it works for class B.  Just quicker.

Step 1. Make Sure You're Compatible

The reason this is important is because if you're not, you could end up disappointed and miserable and what's worse, out of $5,000 or more wasted for CDL training.  So.... let's go

Are You Qualified

• Must be 21 for interstate trucking
• No DUI's withing the year.  One in a lifetime
• No serious driving offenses within the year
• No serious criminal offense within the year
• No suspensions or revocations within the year
• Can pass a drug test and DOT physical
• Not prescribed drugs that will affect your thinking or reaction time.
• Must pass hearing test

More about requirements and disqualifiers 

Things to Consider - Negative

This is the part that you'll only find here.  Cause other articles that tell you how to get your CDL, make money off you getting your CDL.  I get nothing!  So here is important factors to consider because not everyone is suited for a CDL, especially Class A for OTR trucking.

• Time away from family
• Driving long hours (Up to 11 but most likely 7-10)
• Sitting hours at a time
• Living in small space
• Being alone most of the time (Unless you're teaming or taking spouse)

These are explained more here

Things to Consider Good - Positives

• You'll have job security making $45,000 and up with no limit
• You can live anywhere with CDL and drive
• You don't waste time or money commuting to work
• You don't have to spend money on clothing to impress co workers
• You don't have uniforms at most companies
• You can escape a negative environment easily

There are explained more here

Ok, did you make it past that hurdle?  Let's continue to step 2

Step 2 Get DOT Physical

You're going to need to take proof of this DOT physical with you to the DMV to get your Commercial Learners Permit.  Many urgent care type places offer it, just call around.  Some you can walk in and others you need an appointment.

Things they will check during physical

Things to Take With You

• Primary care information
• List of medications and doses
• Letter from Doctor with approval for driving if you've had any health issues
• Glasses if you wear them
• Proof of history from proper use of any medical devices like CPAP

What they will check

• General Health (also blood pressure, vital signs, etc)
• Hearing
• Vision
• Range of motion
• Reflex
• Urine Analysis (Checking protein levels and other stuff)

They don't do a drug test unless they have a reason to.  However, you won't get a truck driving job without getting a pre employment drug test.

You don't need to be on drugs and driving a truck.  This includes weed.

New for people getting CDLs after January 2022.  You must register to get your Class A license with the FMCSA

You also have to find a registered training facility in order to get your training for your CDL

Step 3: Get Your CL Permit

You're going to need this to get your Commercial learners Permit to take driver training and then get your CDL.  However, you might find that you are able to get your permit with the training you choose.

So at least get the manual.  Even if you wait on testing for the permit. The permit will last 180 days.  Of course you can renew it.

• Visit local DMV and grab a Commercial Driver's Manual 
• Study for 1 or 2 hours at a time and take breaks in between
• When ready to test gather your Medical Long form, Driver's license, 2 other forms of ID or utility bills with you do DMV
• Take the general knowledge, air brakes and combination test
• Take endorsements test - You have to get your Hazmat after getting your CDL

Now let's see where you will get your training!

Step 4 Choose CDL Training

You have 3 primary choices for getting your CDL training.  I cover them in more detail at CDL Training options page.  However, the big change recently is making sure any training place you attend is registered with FMSCA on the Training Registry Provider list to give you Entry Level Driver Training 

What CDL Training Is right For You

When choosing consider cost, how long it will take to start and complete, how close or far it is from you, the costs.

When factoring the cost, consider if there is financial aid or grants available.

• Community College truck driver training
• Private CDL training
• Company sponsored program CDL program
• Mom and Pop or Local CDL training - if you go this route check their reviews.  Read every one.  And make sure they're registered.

I talk about these options and what they mean for your career at CDL training options.  But lets say you've decided.  

Next thing you need to do is make sure they are registered with FMSCA

Checking Training Registry Provider List

Any training facility that you go has to be registered with FMCSA because YOU will need to be listed as having completed the Entry Level Driver Training. go here to search FMSCA Training Registry Providers

Step 5 Attend CDL Training

Well you decided on a cdl training program and it's time to focus.  Here they will teach you how to drive the truck down the highway and on the back streets.

You will also learn how to back up to the dock, how to park and how to maneuver obstacles.

That's the fun part.  Besides driving you'll also learn other important lessons such as 

• Rules of the road
• Safety
• Vehicle Inspection procedures
• Other information
• If you're at a free program, you'll also learn company specific rules.
• While you're here schedule your road test 
• While you're here think about what trucking company you want to drive for because they will likely show up trying to recruit you.

Choosing a Trucking Company

If you went to the free CDL training program, you don't need to find a truck driving job for your new CDL, you're all set.

However, if you went to community college or a private school, you might have to find a truck driving job.

Write a list of the things that are most important to you from a trucking company.  Make sure you ask each of them the questions so that you can make a great decision on where to take the CDL you just secured.

Such as...

• Time out
• Pay amount
• Average miles per month
• Is there a riders program

Here I write more about choosing a trucking company

If you went to truck driving schools, there will likely be recruiters coming near the end of your classes.

Be very careful about listening to these recruiters.  That's why I want you to know what questions to asked based on what's most important to you in a truck driving job.

Also, I wouldn't go for the lease programs if you're brand new to trucking.  Maybe try the company first as a company driver.  Then if you like it and you have good credit buy your truck from the dealership.

Their prices are ridiculous and you're likely locked into that company.

Here's more about lease programs and how they work.

Just want you to go ahead and figure out where you want to go so when you take your test, you don't end up procrastinating.

Step 6 Go to Take Your CDL Test

The big day is here!  You will need to take the Skills test which consist of 

• basic controls test
• vehicle inspection - the world famous pre-trip
• road test

In North Carolina you must schedule the road test.  No walk ins.

When you go to the DMV make sure you take 2 forms of ID and your glasses if you need them. 

If you fail the test, you can retest in 3 days.  Best of luck on your journey.  You'll never regret becoming a trucker, if you made sure you were compatible before starting.

Also, in your spare time, make sure you are not just goofing off.

I always tell drivers, work on other streams of income.  Get yourself ready for when you want to transition out of truck driving.

Tips For New Drivers

• New Driver Road Tips
• Truck Stop Tips
• What to take with you
  
• Healthy Trucker Tips
• Dating - Relationship Tips
• Tips for Handling Stress
• Tips for Insomnia
• Making Extra Money

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