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CDL Training 101 – The Ultimate Guide

Last Updated: June 2nd, 2022

What is a CDL?

A Commercial Driver’s License or CDL is a special driver’s license required to operate large or heavy vehicles such as a passenger bus, dump truck, tractor-trailer truck, or concrete mixer. In the U.S., there are 3 CDL classes that determine what type of vehicle you can drive: Class A, Class B and Class C.

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There are also various endorsements you can take in addition to your CDL that allows you to haul specific materials or operate certain trailers. For example, with an endorsement H a truck driver can transport hazardous materials (HAZMAT).

CDL A vs. B vs. C

License Type Description
CDL A
  • Combination vehicles w/ a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs or more, as long as the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is more than 10,000 lbs.
  • Can operate Class B and C vehicles
CDL B
  • A single vehicle w/ a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more
  • A single vehicle w/ a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, towing a vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs or less.
  • Can operate Class C, but not Class A vehicles
CDL C
  • A single vehicle made to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver) if the GVWR is less than 26,001 lbs
  • A vehicle with GVWR of less than 26,001 lbs carrying hazardous materials
  • Can operate vehicles that don't fall into CDL A or B

To become a truck driver, you’ll have to get CDL training, and receive the proper licenses in order to work in the field.

Due to the fact that the larger trucks are more difficult to maneuver, there are regulations in place as to how long you can drive each day, and other factors have a role in to how long you can work in each state, so the licensing requirements may vary.

Trucks transporting Mahogany Trunks

What is CDL Training?

CDL training is a specialized form of training for those who want to drive commercial trucks. The commercial driver’s license training is a instructional program which is intended to help students prepare to obtain their CDL license. In order to work as a commercial truck driver, one must obtain the appropriate license.

Early on, the training course will be geared towards classroom learning; this will entail learning the rules of the road, what is required to be a driver, information about requirements in each state, and so forth. You must pass this to receive your permit. This serves as a permit that you would receive for any driver’s license class, and allows you to train driving the large trucks; most schools will allow you to drive a commercial truck weighing up to 26,000 pounds.

You will only receive your license, upon showing you are capable of handling the larger trucks, and can safely maneuver them on the road.

commercial truck

Types of CDL Training Courses

There are several types of CDL training courses which include: licensed, certified, and accredited training courses.

cdl training school search

Licensed Schools

A school which is licensed, has met the minimum state requirements (curriculum, facilities, training, instructors, etc).  Further, the school has met minimum requirements set out by the state and is licensed by the state you are doing the training in.

Certified Schools

A school which is certified, has been reviewed and fully inspected by a third party, and is usually a group that will measure the school by set out standards.

In certified schools, an individual will only graduate upon showing they have passed the standards set out by the US DOT (Department of Transportation), as well as the trucking industry.

Accredited Schools

The third type of school you can attend is one which is accredited. This means an accrediting agency runs an approval process which has been authorized by the US Department of Education, that accredits schools, meeting certain regulations and policies.  There are only a handful of schools in the US which are accredited.

The type of school that you attend and receive your license from will be used by trucking agencies to place you in a job. It will be used to determine if you have met state and federal rules and regulations or only state regulations.

Further, the school you go to will measure your capabilities, and what you will be able to handle in terms of driving, when you are hired for a position by an individual company that hires you through the trucking agencies that you are placed in.

Skills Learned in Training

Of course you will learn a basic skill set in every commercial driver’s license training program and school that you attend. The basics of any course will include:

  • Road signs and rules and regulation.
  • Ability to maneuver a larger capacity and weight load.
  • Learning proper signals on the road.
  • Ability to work with the different signals in the trucks you are driving.
  • Map reading and trip planning logs.
  • Managing log books for hours driven, deliveries made, and hours per fleet.
  • Turning, backing up, and different maneuvers with the truck.

Coupling and uncoupling a trailer will also be taught in any school that you attend. Shifting, road driving, and pre and post trip inspections, are also a part of any training course that you take, in order to receive your certification permit, and eventually to receive your cdl license to work as a trucker.

Certain schools, especially those which are accredited, might delver further in to their teachings, namely due to the fact that you will be required to learn all state and federal regulations which are laid out. And, depending on the type of truck you are going to be driving, you will find that there are different regulations in place for different states, so the school you attend may add additional forms of training when you are getting ready to earn the license.

Trucks You Will Drive After Training

As the name implies, once you finish truck driving school and have your cdl license, you will be driving commercial grade trucks. A class A license is required for tractor trailers, or vehicles that are carrying 26,001 pounds or more when you are behind the wheel. With a class B license, you are driving vehicles which weigh at a max 26,000 pounds, and are towing in excess of 10,000 pounds. Class C licenses will be to carry hazardous materials or chemicals, larger passenger trucks, or vehicles which do not fall within the class B or A.

CDL License Vehicle Weight
Class A License 26,001 pounds or more
Class B License 26,000 pounds maximum (towing in excess of 10,000 pounds)
Class C License Vehicles which do not fall within the class B or A (including hazardous materials or chemicals, larger passenger trucks)

Any commercial truck, where you are carrying a larger fleet, and heavier weight class, is likely to require you to have a license in either of the three classes. As a cdl driver, you should know what you want to drive, so that you can go to the right school, and get the proper training that you are going to need, when you are deciding on which truck driving school you are going to attend. And, certain schools will specialize in either class of training, so you have to know what to expect, and what type of career you are hoping to have as a trucker, to ensure you go to the right school and get the right class license.

What Jobs Require a CDL?

Not all trucking jobs will require you to have a cdl license in order to drive. Depending on the size of the trucks, the amount of hours you will drive, the company that you work on, and other state and federal regulations which are in place, certain companies and types of positions will not require you hold a cdl license, in order to work as a driver, even if you are handling larger fleet, and larger trucks on the road.

Positions that will generally require you to hold a CDL and have undergone the proper training prior to receiving your license will include:

  • Working as a motor coach (Greyhound and other large transport companies)
  • Bus drivers for larger companies
  • Interstate truck drivers and larger freight truck drivers
  • Dump truck drivers
  • Drivers with hazardous material and chemical transport
  • Local companies (Coca Cola, USPS, Walmart, etc). Working with larger freight and making local deliveries, these drivers will be required to undergo the appropriate training, in order to attain their license, and work for certain companies

freight truck

Your state’s DMV will distribute licenses based on the weight and type of trucks you are driving. Every state will have different regulations in place, as to who is required to have a license and have to undergone training.

In some states, it might be trucks which are 25,000 pounds or heavier; other states may vary in the weight and freight requirements. Additionally, individual companies might require you to have a cdl license and to have undergone the right training. It is a case by case decision, and any company is permitted to require drivers to pass a licensed course and receive the cdl license, in order to drive for them.

How Much Does it Cost to Get Your CDL?

Again, this is a state by state determination, and will also depend on the school you attend. An accredited school is going to cost more than licensed schools, so you have to keep this in mind. In most cases, you can expect to spend anywhere from $3000, up to near $10,000, in order to attain your training, as well as your license.

This will not only include the classroom training, it will include the personal coaching, driving the trucks, and receiving the proper training for the exam you will have to take (written and driving), in order to obtain your license.

In most cases, you will pay an all inclusive cost to the school that you attend. This cost will incorporate the total cost of your training, as well as sitting in for the exam you are going to have to pass, in order to attain your license.

But, different states might have certain regulations in place, and this can increase the cost, or decrease the total cost you are going to pay in order to complete your training and to receive the license that you are trying to attain.

Some schools will also sign a contract with you, that for the cost you pay for training, you will have all costs included, and are guaranteed to pass your exam. This means if you do not pass the first time, you can undergo training for a second time, at no additional cost, since you have the guarantee that you are going to pass the course that they provided you with.

It is important to read the documents you sign, to understand all state and federal regulations, and to understand what training the school will provide you. Knowing what rules are in place, and what a school guarantees to you, is the best way to ensure you are not only getting the best possible deal, but that you are also choosing the right training program to assist you when you are trying to get your license, and work in this field.

How to Find Reputable CDL Schools and Programs?

There are a number of schools which are not only found in different states, but found throughout the US. The names of schools will vary in each state. Regardless of what trucking school or CDL training in your local area you’re looking for, it is important to do your research.

You will want to find a school that is at least licensed, if possible to go to an accredited school if there is one in your state. National Training Incorporated is a well known school in FL, and other states in the US, Advantage – Driving Training is another well known school.

Due to the fact that schools have different names in every state, there are a few things to look for, when trying to choose a reputable school to receive your training from. You should:

  • Look for schools which are rated by the BBB and other business rating services.
  • Find schools that offer you a guarantee, that you will pass, and will provide additional training if you do not pass the exam the first time around.
  • Provide full training, in the class as well as on the road, as a part of the cost of your tuition.
  • Has online reviews, and has easy to find information on the web.
  • Has a website, contact information, and all other important information right on their website.

If you find a small school, or a “free” online cdl training program, you should think twice about signing up for it. Not only is it highly likely a scam, but in most instances, you are going to end up paying money for training you are never going to receive.

So, take the time, and due diligence to do your research, find out what you can about the schools, the training, and drivers. Further, you want to go to a school that only hires training instructors and driving instructors who are licensed, and have worked in the industry. You do not want to get training by an individual who has never driven a truck, and does not know the first thing about driving a larger scale truck.

Just because a school is cheaper than another, doesn’t mean it is a bad place to go for licensing. As long as you do the research, find out about the school, its ratings, and read reviews, you should be able to find a great program, and one that is going to help you to pass your CDL license exam.

It is important to remember that no two schools are going to take the same approach in training. So, you want to find one that uses a program that is easy for you to follow, and easy for you to learn in the teaching environment you are in. Further, you want to do some comparison, prior to simply picking the first school that you find online or when you do a search through the phone book locally.

Note: It is important to learn what you can about the school, learn about the training it offers, and what you will get from the program.

The right school will:

  • Be licensed, and has the ability to assist you in attaining your CDL
  • Help you learn what is required to get your license and to pass the driving exam
  • Assist you in getting placed in a trucking job once you have the proper license to work in the field
Geoff Craig
Geoff Craig, MBA
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Geoff is a freelance writer with 20+ years of experience in driving trucks and buses, dispatching, supervising, and training commercial driving teams. His expertise is writing topics on the transportation and trucking industry, and information technology trends.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Veronica Johnson says

    March 28, 2022 at 5:45 pm

    I would like to find out more about grants for CDL training.
    I’m looking to get into the dump truck training class can u send me info on that…
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Admin says

      March 30, 2022 at 10:43 am

      Hi Veronica,

      Check out our article on how to fund your training:
      https://www.truckerstraining.com/how-to-pay-for-cdl-training/

      Reply
  2. GUSTAVO MORAIS NUNES says

    July 16, 2021 at 2:42 pm

    I live in Brazil and I Want to become a truck driver in USA How does a take my CDL?

    Reply
  3. Daniel says

    April 28, 2021 at 2:56 am

    I’m looking in obtaining a Class B CDL

    Reply
  4. Gilbert says

    April 15, 2020 at 9:28 pm

    If you get your cdl congratulations but no company will hire you because insurance companies will not cover you

    Reply
    • Judson McGuire says

      June 28, 2021 at 10:34 am

      I am 71 years old and would prefer trans-continental or long distance work. I am in good shape physically and have driven box trucks, albeit in my youth.

      Reply
  5. Roshaun Baker says

    February 21, 2020 at 4:50 pm

    I have my Class B license with Air Brakes, and tankers. Endorsements but I’m looking to get into the dump truck training class can u send me info on that…
    Thank you.

    Reply
  6. James Ton says

    November 4, 2019 at 8:22 pm

    I want to go to trucking career.

    Reply
    • Albert molina says

      November 11, 2021 at 11:06 am

      Need to get my c d l how and where in texas dallas

      Reply
  7. tim p bernardo says

    October 24, 2019 at 3:11 am

    I like to get my Class B CDLs what kind of training will have to do just for the class B

    Reply
  8. Curt Davidson says

    March 5, 2017 at 11:50 pm

    I’m a x truck driver IV got 17yrs experience but know Im retired but I won’t to go back to work driving. I give up my CDL. I haven’t worked since 02 I don’t want to go to a school to get my CDL back what do I do

    Reply
  9. Curious says

    January 27, 2017 at 11:44 pm

    Can I be trained by a licensed cdl class A holder instead of attending a truck training school to be licensed in the state of GA?

    Reply
  10. Fekreyesuss Woldyewhanns says

    January 24, 2017 at 10:18 pm

    I would like to find out more about grants for CDL training.

    Reply
    • Jorge says

      August 9, 2018 at 12:24 am

      i sincerly am scared at first but excited to learn to be able to get a cdl for a dump truck for now

      Reply
  11. Terry Thibodeau says

    December 20, 2016 at 4:50 pm

    Do I need a CDL if I am driving a 1 ton work van across state lines from TX to LA? The GVWR of the van is 13,000 lbs. I will not be hauling Hazmat and rarely pulling a trailer with equipment at combined 8,000 lbs max.

    Reply
    • Will says

      June 7, 2021 at 1:42 pm

      Someone please provide an answer. Thanks.

      Reply
  12. Chukwuma Kalu says

    December 12, 2016 at 7:45 pm

    I will really appreciate your advise on a good school for cdl training.I am in Ellicott city in Maryland and I badly want to get into the field – trucking.

    Reply
  13. Scott says

    November 30, 2016 at 9:41 pm

    I like that you point out to know how much the training will cost and how long it will last. For me, I like to plan things out at least a couple weeks in advance. This can also help you know when you will be to begin working as a driver.

    Reply
  14. Cindy Tesler says

    November 7, 2016 at 5:57 pm

    Thanks for pointing out that you need to obtain a CDL to work as a commercial truck driver. You also mention that early on, training will be geared more towards classroom training. I think it’s a good idea to choose a CDL training program that goes above and beyond the minimum requirements so that you are adequately prepared for any situation you may come across while on the job.

    Reply
  15. Khaled D.Hussein says

    October 16, 2016 at 7:30 pm

    This is a good information but how can I find the right school for me ? what do you recommended? and after I obtain the CDL dose the school help me with a job?
    Thanks much

    Reply
  16. Sunil says

    September 16, 2016 at 5:38 pm

    Hi
    I am SUNIL from India. I am a truck driver in India. I have commercial driver licence CDL in India. On basis of this CDL can drive truck in Canada & USA?

    Reply
  17. tracy says

    August 31, 2016 at 1:50 pm

    i love trucking

    Reply
    • AMGD FRAJE says

      September 17, 2022 at 4:14 pm

      hello
      do you accept for courses people from another country like Egypt
      and what’s Required for doing this

      Reply

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