Anyone who wants to operate a commercial motor vehicle must obtain a commercial driver’s license. Each state in the U.S. has different rules that apply for the required exam, as do other countries (including Canada and Mexico).
Although there are differences, the basic requirements and regulations are typically the same.
When you know how to prepare for your CDL exam, you’ll be one step closer to getting the license you want to help your career progress.
Here is a closer look at the information that can help you have a successful experience.
Think About the Vehicle Classification You Want to Pursue
A commercial driver’s license comes with three different classifications for you to consider. They’re separated into Class A, Class B, and Class C, dictating which vehicles you’re allowed to operate once you pass the CDL exam. [[1]]
- Class A CDL holders can operate combination vehicles that weigh 26,001 pounds or more with a towed vehicle or vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds.
- Class B CDL permissions allow the license holder to operate heavy straight vehicles weighing a minimum of 26,001 pounds with a towed vehicle or vehicles weighing up to 10,000 pounds.
- Class C CDL holders can operate a small, single vehicle or a combination of vehicles not included in the other two licensing options. This classification includes vehicles that transport 16 or more people or HAZMAT.
Most states require truck drivers with a CDL to be at least 21 years old before it is permissible to cross state lines while performing professional duties.
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, and many others allow 18-year-old drivers to obtain a CDL for intrastate driving purposes. You typically need to prove residency, hold a valid driver’s license, have proof of insurance, and bring your Social Security card (or a suitable substitute) to apply for the CDL.
Alaska requires drivers to be 19 before intrastate driving is permitted. In Idaho, agricultural vehicles that need a CDL can be driven by 16-year-olds after applying for a seasonal license.
New York requires all CDL drivers to be 21, and you must provide a report of every state where you’ve held a driver’s license for the past ten years. After that, you must pass a TSA screening.
What About the Written CDL Test?
For many drivers, taking a written CDL test is the first item on their checklist when their goal is to obtain this license. It is necessary to have a commercial learner’s permit issued to pursue the training. [[2]]
In most states, the written test has three categories to review. There is a general test, one for air brakes, and the third covers endorsements.
The general test has varying requirements based on where you live. Here are some of the items you might see on that exam so that you can prepare for it while working toward gaining your permit.
| General Test Criteria | Details of the General Test Criteria |
| Test Type | Multiple choice; typically about 50 questions |
| Passing Score | 80% or more for most states |
| Class A Knowledge | You’ll need to know about the traffic signs, rules, and regulations of the road while reviewing the theory of operating combinations of vehicles heavier than 26,001 pounds. |
| Class B Knowledge | The details of this classification are the same, except for operating single vehicles instead of combinations. |
| Class C Knowledge | All traffic rules, along with an understanding of what it takes to transport passengers or hazardous materials safely. |
Depending on what you hope to accomplish with your CDL, additional endorsement tests may help you find the perfect job.
This category includes the school bus exam and the tank endorsement.
How to Prepare for the General Knowledge Test
Even when drivers are confident in their skills and knowledge, the environment where you take the general knowledge test can cause you to freeze. This issue happens more often than many people realize. [[3]]
Here are a few steps that can help you get ready to take the test and potentially achieve a better outcome.
- Get plenty of rest the night before you take the test.
- Begin the preparation process in a timely manner, including arriving at where the exam is administered at the requested time.
- Use any articles, tutorials, or handbooks related to having a CDL (like this blog post!) to get in the right frame of mind.
- Stay focused on the subject and remove distractions while studying.
- Take time to read through the driver’s manual.
- Take notes and use outlines to follow up on any information where you might have some questions.
- Enroll in a premium training course, work with interactive manuals, or take practice exams.
When you practice taking an exam before the test is due, it’s easier to arrive feeling calm and confident. Even if the information is different from a practice exam to the real one in some ways, the wisdom you’ve gained from the experience will help you adapt to the situation.
Most CDL practice tests and quizzes use a multiple-choice format to simulate what to expect when you take the real thing. Some of those questions can be tricky, so please remember to take the time to read through each one thoroughly instead of rushing through the answers.
What Happens After I Get My Commercial Learner’s Permit?
The commercial learner’s permit allows you to practice driving commercial vehicles while with someone who holds a CDL. It’s similar to those days when you have a driver’s permit and practiced getting behind the wheel with a parent or guardian. [[4]]
Once you obtain the permit, it doesn’t take long to turn it into the actual license. You need to spend some time practicing how to drive a commercial truck.
Although the total hours you spend behind the wheel is ultimately up to you, each state has some requirements that you must meet. In general, you’ll need the permit for a minimum of 14 days to drive under the supervision of a CDL holder.
The permit expires in six months in most states, but there are options to renew it.
Once you’re ready to get the CDL, you’ll need to go to your local motor vehicle department. You’ll need to provide the documents that let you get the permit, pay any fees required, and pass a three-part skills exam.
The CDL test covers the basic controls, a road test, and a vehicle inspection. It is helpful to complete a program or educational course that covers these items before trying for the license. When you have the knowledge needed to feel confident, it’ll be easier to pass each required element.
Endorsements to Pursue When Obtaining a CDL
When preparing to take your CDL exam, it helps to determine if you want to pursue any federal endorsement codes for the work you plan to be doing. [[5]]
For example, if you want to drive a school bus, you’d need to have the “S” endorsement on your commercial driver’s license.
The “H” or “X” endorsements are worth considering for those who plan to carry hazardous materials.
Someone wanting to drive a limousine or a passenger bus (not a school bus) would need to look at the “P” endorsement.
Each endorsement requires an additional written knowledge test that you must pass to obtain it for your CDL. If you plan to carry passengers or drive a school bus, you’ll need to pass a road skills test.
School bus drivers may have separate application forms, background check requirements, and fees to manage because of the nature of this work.
You’ll need to check with your state to determine which steps are necessary to obtain the endorsements you want for your license.
How Long Is My CDL Valid?
After successfully passing the exams, the CDL you earn is good for five years. You can use it to drive whatever vehicles you prefer when starting this new chapter of your professional career.
Once the license gets close to expiring, you’ll want to look at renewing it. California, Arizona, and several other states have an online process to follow that makes this work quick and easy. You may need to prove that you’re healthy enough to get behind the wheel.
The online renewal process might ask you to upload a medical examiner’s certificate. You may need to provide work documents to finalize the process.
What About My CDL Endorsements?
When you pursue specific endorsements for your CDL, it is not uncommon to be asked to retest each one whenever you need to renew your license.
Missouri, Alabama, Georgia, and other states have drivers redo each endorsement. The renewal tests may have an additional fee, in addition to the cost of the renewal.
Some states require a fee to renew the endorsement, but they don’t have you take more tests to update your CDL.
The one endorsement that typically requires retesting is for hazardous materials.
Once you have your CDL, you have a key that can unlock many doors within a new career or industry. Whether you plan to drive as a side hustle or full-time, you’ll find that having this license is a rewarding experience!
[[1]] WA State Licensing (DOL) Official Site: Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
[[2]] How do I get a Commercial Driver’s License? | FMCSA (dot.gov)
[[3]] Freezing on Exams – 5 Tips – Oxford Learning
[[4]] WA State Licensing (DOL) Official Site: Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
[[5]] CDL Endorsements & Restrictions | DMV.ORG
