The ABC's of Getting Your CDL Class A License

You've Made Your Career Decision
You Want To Be An Over The Road Driver
You Need To Get Your CDL Class A License
What Is The Next Step?

James S. McCormack
Co-Founder of
Trucking Careers of America

You cannot drive for a trucking company without first getting your CDL license, and here we are talking about a CDL Class A license to drive tractor trailers over the road.  You must have graduated either from an independent school or from a company sponsored cdl training program.

First and foremost, there are several requirements that must be met for you to get your CDL Class A License:

• you must have a valid driver's license from the state in which you currently reside
• you must be at least 21 years of age
• you must be in good health
• you must speak, write and understand English well enough to communicate with others

Next, go to your local Motor Vehicle Bureau and get a copy of your MVR and a copy of the CDL manual.  Make sure your MVR is accurate and doesn't have anything negative that would prevent you from being accepted into training or being hired after graduation.  If you have a criminal record and depending on the type of crime, you may be ineligible for employment in the trucking industry.  Get a head start on learning the manual and get your CDL Permit at your local Motor Vehicle Bureau before you attend training.  For a CDL Permit for a CDL Class A license you will need to take:

• a general knowledge test
• a combination test
• air-brake test

There are (2) reasons for this:  (1) having your CDL Permit beforehand shortens your training time by as much as one week (which translates to earning an income earlier), and (2) this is a good approach if you are an individual who quakes or freezes at taking a written test.  Get it out of the way right up front.  You will be more comfortable when you take the test again during training, be issued a CDL Permit from that state, and exchange it for one in your state when you complete training.

You may find that you will be completing multiple applications so make a list of your work history for the past 10 years.  Trucking companies are required by law to view an applicant's job history over a 10 year period, so have this information ready.  You will need this information for truck driving schools as well.  Be sure and include your superior's name(s) and contact phone numbers. 

The next step is critical:  learn and understand the differences between company sponsored/paid cdl training and a cdl training program through a community college, technical school or college or a private school.  There are pros and cons with each and it's important to fully understand the differences and how it affects your job search and career after graduation.  Federal or state grant money is often available if you attend an independent school.

Begin by researching the recommended driver training schools in your area and contact the ones of interest.  It's always preferable to attending a cdl training school if the finances are available to you.  Find out about:

• in-house financing and at what interest rate
• federal or state grant qualified
• in-house job placement
• how long their training program lasts (the average is about 3 weeks)
• the cost

Compare this information to what is available through a company sponsored or paid cdl training program.  There are not many companies offering this but there are a few and it's important to be careful on your selection.  Again, there are pros and cons .... 

Once you've decided on where to go, submit your application(s).  You may submit your application to more than one entity.  Once you are accepted, your trainers will help you study for the tests that you are required to take. 

Be sure to attend all of the required classroom time because this is where you will learn about trucking laws, safety and log books.  Don't miss the range labs, driving times and street driving times as this is critical to learning how to maneuver the tractor trailer.  You will also learn the route you will take on your final driving exam.

You will be given a final written test, a skills test and a road test, so study as much as you can for your final exam.  You will be required to know how to complete an inspection of the truck prior to driving, and be able to execute basic skills such as backing and parking.  You will take a road test to ensure you know how to safely drive on public roads. 

Once you have successfully completed all the tests you will be given a sealed packet to take to your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles to get your new license.

The trucking industry is always evolving and it's important to stay current with the regulations in place, and also to be informed about pending regulations and laws affecting the trucking industry.  You are now on your way to enjoying a new career as a professional tractor trailer driver.

Good luck and safe driving !