How to Get a CDL
Getting a commercial licence is a sequence, and the order matters — several steps have waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so doing them out of order costs weeks.
The seven steps
- DOT medical exam. Pass a DOT physical with a certified examiner on the FMCSA National Registry and get a Medical Examiner's Certificate.
- Self-certify your category. Declare non-excepted interstate, excepted interstate, non-excepted intrastate, or excepted intrastate. This determines whether you need to file the medical certificate.
- Pass the knowledge tests. General knowledge plus every test your class and endorsements require.
- Get your commercial learner's permit. Issued once the knowledge tests are passed.
- Complete ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel. From a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Required for a first CDL, a Class B to Class A upgrade, and a first H, P, or S endorsement.
- Hold the CLP 14 days. 49 CFR 383.25 requires a minimum 14 days before the skills test. No exceptions for experience, paid training, or military driving.
- Pass the three-part skills test. Pre-trip vehicle inspection spoken from memory, basic vehicle control, then the on-road drive.
The 14-day rule catches everyone
Federal regulation requires you to hold the commercial learner's permit for a minimum of 14 days before you may take the skills test. There are no exceptions — not for prior driving experience, not for paid training, not for military truck experience. Book the skills test with that in mind.
ELDT is not optional, and it is not this site
Entry-level driver training is federally mandated for a first CDL, a Class B to Class A upgrade, and a first hazmat, passenger or school bus endorsement. It has to come from a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Practising here prepares you for the knowledge tests; it does not satisfy ELDT.
Start with the knowledge tests
They are the part you control entirely, they gate the permit, and they are free to practise:
- General Knowledge — 50 questions · 80% to pass
- Air Brakes — 25 questions · 80% to pass
- Combination Vehicles — 20 questions · 80% to pass
- Hazardous Materials — 30 questions · 80% to pass
- Tank Vehicles — 20 questions · 80% to pass
- Doubles and Triples — 20 questions · 80% to pass
- Passenger Transport — 20 questions · 80% to pass
- School Bus — 20 questions · 80% to pass
- LCV Doubles — 30 questions · 80% to pass
- LCV Triples — 30 questions · 80% to pass
Then learn the pre-trip inspection →
More CDL guides
See every CDL knowledge test and guide →
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a CDL?
The binding constraint is the federal 14-day minimum you must hold the commercial learner's permit before the skills test, plus however long ELDT training and test scheduling take.
Do I need ELDT to get a CDL?
Yes, for a first CDL, a Class B to Class A upgrade, or a first hazmat, passenger or school bus endorsement. It must come from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.
What is on the CDL skills test?
Three parts: the pre-trip vehicle inspection spoken from memory, basic vehicle control (straight-line backing, offset backing, alley dock), and the on-road drive.
