Quote from Frank Road King on June 17, 2025, 12:21 am

Getting your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a major step toward a career in commercial trucking or transportation. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process, including which class of CDL you might need and what endorsements to consider for broader job options:

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Step 1: Determine the Right CDL Class

There are three classes of CDLs, depending on the type and weight of vehicle you plan to drive:

• Class A – For operating a combination of vehicles (like tractor-trailers) with a total weight of 26,001 lbs or more, where the towed vehicle is over 10,000 lbs.
  

  Best for over-the-road (OTR) trucking, long-haul, and highest-paying jobs.

• Class B – For a single vehicle over 26,001 lbs, but towing less than 10,000 lbs (e.g., dump trucks, box trucks, buses).
  

  Ideal for local delivery, construction, or transit jobs.

• Class C – For vehicles under 26,001 lbs that transport hazardous materials or 16+ passengers (e.g., small hazmat trucks, passenger vans).
  

  Used for niche or local jobs, not long-haul trucking.

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Step 2: Get a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

Before you can test for a CDL, you must first:

1. Meet basic requirements:
   • Be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving, 21 for interstate or hazardous materials.
   • Have a valid non-commercial driver's license.
2. Pass written knowledge tests for:
   • General CDL knowledge.
   • Any endorsements you want to add.
3. Submit required documents:
   • Proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
   • DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate (after passing a DOT physical).

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Step 3: Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

As of February 2022, new drivers must complete ELDT from a FMCSA-approved training provider before taking the CDL skills test for:

• Class A or B CDL.
• Passenger (P), School Bus (S), or Hazardous Materials (H) endorsements.

Use the FMCSA Training Provider Registry to find approved schools.

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Step 4: Take the CDL Skills Test

Once you've trained and practiced with your CLP (usually for 14+ days), schedule your skills test, which includes:

• Pre-trip inspection
• Basic control skills test
• Road test

If you pass, you’ll get your CDL license!

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Step 5: Add Endorsements (Optional but Recommended)

Endorsements expand your job opportunities. These require additional knowledge tests (and sometimes background checks or skills tests):

Endorsement	Code	What It's For	Recommended Early?
Hazardous Materials	H	Hauling flammable or toxic cargo	✅ Yes (high pay, background check required)
Tanker	N	Bulk liquid (e.g., milk, fuel)	✅ Yes
Doubles/Triples	T	Hauling multiple trailers	✅ Yes (especially for LTL jobs)
Passenger	P	Driving 16+ people	❌ Only if you plan to drive buses
School Bus	S	Driving school buses	❌ Niche field
Combination (X = H + N)	X	Hazmat + Tanker	✅ Strong choice for tanker or fuel transport jobs

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Summary: The Recommended Path

For most people looking to maximize opportunities:

1. Get a Class A CDL – gives the most flexibility.
2. Add endorsements: Hazmat (H), Tanker (N), and Doubles/Triples (T) early on.
3. Complete ELDT and pass skills test.
4. Look for entry-level jobs with paid training or apprenticeships.

Let me know if you want help finding CDL schools near you, a study guide for endorsements, or practice test questions.