So, you want to become a truck driver – cruising through mountain passes with a big rig, engine humming and the open road ahead. It’s an exciting goal, and the first step is figuring out how to get your CDL. If you’ve been Googling “how to get my CDL” or wondering about the CDL license cost, you’re not alone. Aspiring truckers from across the western United States (and even in the east side) have the same questions: How long does it take to get a CDL? How much does it cost to get a CDL? What’s the process like? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with a down-to-earth guide (without all the complex technical terms) to help you hit the road.
What is a CDL and Why Do You Need One?
CDL stands for Commercial Driver’s License. It’s the special license you need to drive those hefty trucks and 18-wheelers. In other words, no CDL means no big rig driving. Whether you dream of long haul trucking across the country or just driving a dump truck around town, you’ll need to get your CDL first. The process to get your CDL is pretty much the same nationwide (federally regulated), so it doesn’t matter if you’re in the Rocky Mountain region or on the East Coast – the steps on how to get your CDL will be familiar.
There are a few types of CDLs (Class A, B, and C) depending on what you want to drive. Most long-haul truck drivers go for a Class A CDL (this lets you drive the big tractor-trailers). A Class B might be for things like buses or dump trucks. For this guide, we’ll focus on how to get your Class A CDL since that’s the ticket to driving the big rigs. Ready? Let’s hit the road on the steps to how to get your CDL.
Steps to Get Your CDL (Step-by-Step)
Becoming a licensed truck driver involves several key steps. We’ll break down how to get your CDL into an easy roadmap:
- Check the Basic Requirements: Make sure you’re eligible. Generally, you need to be at least 21 years old (You can get some privileges by 18 but for the sake of simplicity we will say 21) and have a regular driver’s license. You’ll also need a clean-ish driving record and to pass a DOT physical exam (to ensure you’re healthy enough to handle life on the road). If you’re in Utah or Colorado and dreaming of those mountain routes, you might already have experience driving on tough roads – but even if not, no worries. Just be sure you can pass the physical and vision tests.
- Study the CDL Manual & Get Your Learner’s Permit: Every state’s DMV (or DLD in some states) offers a CDL learner’s permit exam. This means hitting the books – or rather, the CDL handbook. It’s a thick manual (available free online or at the DMV) covering safety rules, regulations, and things like how air brakes work. Study up! Many hopeful drivers ask how to get my CDL permit – the answer is by passing a written test. You’ll take a general knowledge test, and if you’re going for endorsements (like tanker endorsement for hauling liquids, or Hazmat for hazardous materials), there are extra tests. For example, if you plan to drive fuel tankers in Wyoming, you’ll want that tanker endorsement (and likely Hazmat) – which means additional exam sections. Once you pass the written tests, you earn a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). This permit lets you train on the road with a qualified CDL holder beside you. Quick tip: many find the pre-trip inspection section of the test challenging – you’ll need to memorize all the parts of the truck you must check before a trip. (Pro tip: some folks memorize it as a song or rhyme. Whatever works, right?)
- Attend CDL Training (or Practice Driving): Now it’s time to get behind the wheel. As of recent years, new drivers are required to complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an approved program. In plain English: you’ll likely enroll in a CDL training course or truck driving school. This can be a private truck driving school, a community college program, or a company-sponsored CDL training job. During training, you’ll learn to drive a truck in a yard and on the road. You’ll practice shifting gears (if it’s a manual transmission truck – automatics are common now, but learning manual can’t hurt), backing up a 53-foot trailer, and maneuvering through all sorts of scenarios. You’ll also practice a thorough pre-trip inspection every day, because during your CDL road test you’ll have to show you can inspect your truck. Training programs vary in length, but typically a full-time course can be around 3-6 weeks of training. If you go part-time on weekends or nights, it might take a couple of months. Many CDL training jobs offered by large trucking companies will pay you during this training period (and often cover your training costs) – the trade-off is you usually agree to work for them for a year or so after. It’s a great option if you’re worried about how much it costs to get a CDL upfront. During training, soak up all the knowledge you can. This is where you really learn how to become a truck driver in practice – not just passing tests, but handling real-life situations (like navigating Denver traffic in a semi or parking at a crowded truck stop).
- Practice, Practice, Practice: Before you take the big test, you want to be comfortable in that driver’s seat. This means logging practice hours with your learner’s permit. If you’re in a school, they’ll include plenty of driving practice. You’ll learn skills like coupling and uncoupling a trailer, making wide turns (so you don’t curb the trailer wheels), and downshifting on a steep downgrade (hello, Rocky Mountains!). You’ll also get familiar with trucker life basics, maybe even a glimpse of those truck stop showers and giant mugs of coffee. All this practice builds you up for the exam and for the real world beyond.
- Take the CDL Skills Test: This is the big day – the exam to get your CDL license. The CDL skills test usually has three parts: the pre-trip inspection test, a basic control test (maneuvers in a closed course like backing up, alley dock, parallel parking a truck), and the road test on actual streets/highways. You’ll usually take this test with a state examiner at a designated site. By now, you know your stuff – you’ll do a thorough pre-trip inspection (pointing out engine parts, brakes, lights, etc., making sure nothing is cracked, bent, or broken – words you’ll say a lot). Then you’ll demonstrate backing and parking skills. Finally, you’ll drive on the road following the examiner’s directions, demonstrating safe turns, lane changes, obeying signs, and so on. Take a deep breath, stay calm (maybe crack a little joke to yourself to ease the nerves), and drive like you’ve been trained. If you pass all portions, congrats – you’re about to get your CDL! (And if you don’t pass the first time, it’s not the end of the world. Many people retry; just practice some more on the parts that tripped you up and go at it again.)
- Pay Your Fees and Get Your CDL License: After passing, you’ll head to the DMV to do the paperwork, pay the licensing fee, and get your CDL license issued. The CDL license cost itself (for the test and license) isn’t too bad – usually on the order of $50-$200 depending on your state’s fees. For example, the license office in Montana might charge a bit differently than one in Utah, but generally it’s under a couple hundred bucks. You might also pay for your DOT medical card certification if not already done. Once all that’s done – drumroll – you officially have a CDL! Time for a victory lap (or maybe just a celebratory meal at your favorite diner).
Those are the basic steps how to get your CDL. It might sound like a lot, but thousands of drivers go through this each year. If you take it one step at a time, you’ll get there. Now, let’s tackle those other burning questions about time and money.
How Long Does It Take to Get a CDL?
A common question is how long does it take to get a CDL. The answer: it depends on your training schedule. If you go through an intensive full-time truck driving school, you can get your CDL in as little as 3-4 weeks. That’s pretty fast – under a month to go from zero to licensed trucker. This typically means Monday through Friday, 8 hours a day of training. Many programs in the Rocky Mountain region (and elsewhere) offer these full-time courses that last around 4 to 6 weeks.
If you’re training part-time (say, evenings or weekends because you’re juggling a day job until you switch careers), how long it takes to get your CDL will be longer – perhaps 2 to 3 months of classes. Everyone learns at their own pace too. Some folks might take a little extra time if they want more practice, and that’s totally okay.
Also, factor in the time to get your learner’s permit and schedule your final test. Studying for the permit might take a couple of weeks of self-study. In total, many new drivers spend about 1 to 2 months from starting the process to getting licensed. If you’re eager and go to an immersive program, you might be on the road in under a month. If you spread it out, it could be a few months.
Keep in mind, even after you get your CDL, many companies will have you go out with a trainer for several weeks. So, your first solo run might be a bit later. But the key takeaway: the path from “I want to get my CDL” to holding that license is relatively short – especially compared to other careers. Less than a season of the year, and you could be driving professionally. Not bad for a career that can take you across the country!
How Much Does It Cost to Get a CDL?
Alright, let’s talk dollars and cents – how much does it cost to get a CDL. The CDL cost can be broken into a few parts: training tuition, licensing fees, and other miscellaneous expenses. Here’s a rundown:
- CDL Training School Tuition: This is usually the biggest chunk. If you attend a private truck driving school or community college program, expect tuition costs roughly in the ballpark of $3,000 to $7,000. Prices vary by region and school. For example, a school in Colorado might charge $4,500 for a 5-week course, while one in Idaho could be $6,000 for an 8-week program. Some programs include certain fees (like testing fees) in their price. It’s a significant investment, but remember, this is training for a job skill that’s in high demand. CDL training is short compared to a four-year college, and many drivers earn back that tuition in their first few months on the job.
- Company-Sponsored Training (CDL Training Jobs): If paying thousands upfront isn’t in the cards, you can look into CDL training jobs with trucking companies. Many large carriers offer to pay for your CDL school or train you themselves. Essentially, they cover the CDL license cost and training, and you agree to work for them for a set period (often a year) after you get licensed. This can be a win-win: you get trained with little or no out-of-pocket cost, and you step into a guaranteed job. Just be sure to read the fine print – if you leave the company early, you might need to repay some training costs. But for many, this is an affordable path to that CDL.
- Permit and License Fees: These are the DMV charges. The commercial learner’s permit test might cost, say, $25, and the actual CDL license fee might be another $50-$100. It varies by state (for instance, the CDL license cost in Wyoming might differ from that in Utah). Overall, these fees are relatively minor compared to tuition – think of it as the paperwork cost.
- DOT Physical and Miscellaneous: To get your CDL, you need a Department of Transportation physical exam. This could be $50 to $100 at an approved doctor (some clinics specialize in trucking physicals). You’ll also need to take a drug screening. Additionally, if you want an endorsement like Hazmat, there’s a background check fee for that. For Hazmat, you’ll pay for fingerprinting and a TSA background check (around $100). And speaking of TSA…
- TWIC Card (Optional): If you plan to haul loads into ports or secure facilities, you might need a TWIC card. A TWIC is a Transportation Worker Identification Credential – basically a security clearance ID for port workers and truck drivers who go to ports. It’s not required for most trucking jobs, but it can open up extra opportunities (for example, hauling out of the Port of Los Angeles, or oil refineries, etc.). The TWIC card cost is about $125 for a five-year card. The process for how to get a TWIC card involves applying through the TSA, showing proper ID, and passing a background check. It’s an additional expense and step, but you don’t need to worry about it unless your job requires it. We mention it here since some truck drivers in specialized roles will consider it.
In total, if you pay for school yourself, the cost to get a CDL might run $5,000 or so on average when you add everything up. If that number gives you sticker shock, remember the company-sponsored options or local workforce grants that might help cover costs. Also, many trucking companies offer tuition reimbursement – they might pay you back monthly for your school cost once you start working. One way or another, there are options to manage the cost. Think of it as investing in a career that can start around $50k+ a year for many new drivers – pretty solid.
Entry-Level CDL Jobs and Starting Your Career
You’ve got your CDL in hand – congrats! Now what? It’s time to launch your new career and find an entry level CDL job. Many new CDL holders start out in long haul trucking, driving over-the-road (OTR) routes across states. Entry-level OTR jobs are plentiful since big trucking companies are always looking for new drivers. You might sign on with a national carrier and find yourself hauling a dry van trailer from Utah to Texas, or a refrigerated load ("reefer") full of Idaho potatoes to New York. It’s a fantastic way to rack up experience (and miles…and stories!).
Entry level CDL jobs for new drivers often involve going out with a trainer for a few weeks. This is sort of like a trucking apprenticeship – you get real-world experience while still having an experienced driver to guide you. After that, you’ll likely get your own truck and start solo driving or maybe team driving. Don’t worry if your first job is OTR and takes you far from home; after some experience, you can often find local or regional gigs if you prefer to stick around the Rocky Mountain region more. But many new drivers actually love the adventure of seeing the country. One week you’re running I-80 through Wyoming under a big sky, the next you’re in California sunshine. Not a bad way to spend your work week.
Aside from big carriers, other entry level CDL jobs include regional fleets, LTL (less-than-truckload) companies where you might do shorter hauls or city deliveries, and even industries like oil field trucking in places like Wyoming or North Dakota (though those may require extra training and endorsements). Speaking of endorsements: having extra skills can help you land certain jobs. For example, a tanker endorsement (and Hazmat) can allow you to haul fuel trucks or chemical tankers – these jobs often pay well but require a steady hand and extra safety focus. If you got those endorsements when you got your CDL, you have more options out of the gate. If not, you can always add them later by studying and taking another test.
Some companies also advertise CDL training jobs where they specifically hire new CDL holders and continue your training with pay. This can be a great way to transition from school to full professional status. Basically, when it comes to how to become a truck driver in practice, it’s usually: get CDL, then start in a starter company or role that gives you experience. After 6 months to a year, even more doors open (many companies start hiring you once you have 1 year experience accident-free). But everybody has to start somewhere, and that first year is where you’ll transform from a newbie to a true trucker.
Tips for New Truckers (From One Driver to Another)
Life on the road is a unique adventure. Here are a few tips and tidbits for new drivers as you kick off your trucking journey:
- Safety First: All that stuff about pre-trip inspections and following regulations isn’t just to pass the test – it’s for your safety. Every morning on the job, do a thorough pre-trip inspection of your truck. It might feel tedious at 5 AM in a Wyoming rest area, but it can save your life (or someone else’s). Plus, it keeps you from getting sidelined with breakdowns.
- Embrace Learning: Your CDL might be earned, but you’re going to keep learning every day. The first time you chain up tires on a snowy mountain pass in Colorado, the first time you slide tandems to adjust weight, or figure out how to back into a ridiculously tight dock in Denver – each challenge builds your skill. Don’t be afraid to ask other drivers for advice; most truckers are friendly and remember being rookies once.
- Be Prepared: Over-the-road trucking means you more or less live out of your truck. Pack smart. Bring a good sleeping bag or blanket for cold nights (Rocky Mountain nights can get chilly even in spring). Keep some tools, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. And yes, shower sandals – you’ll want those for the truck stop showers. By the way, truck stop showers are usually pretty clean (you get your own private bathroom/shower), but a pair of flip-flops is always wise. After a long day driving, a hot shower at a truck stop in the middle of nowhere can feel like a luxury spa!
- Stay Healthy on the Road: Trucking is a lifestyle as much as a job. Try to eat halfway decent when you can (we know those diner burgers are tempting – maybe balance it with a salad here and there). Do a few stretches or a quick walk at rest stops. Little things like that keep you feeling good for the long haul.
- Enjoy the Ride: This is an adventure not everyone gets to have. You’ll see sunrises in your mirrors, visit places you might never have otherwise, and have stories to tell. Sure, there will be tough days – traffic jams, tight schedules, homesickness. But there will also be moments like rolling down I-15 through Utah at dusk with the sky all pink and gold, and you realize, “Hey, I made it. I figured out how to get my CDL, and here I am actually doing the job I set out to do.” Those moments make it worth it.
- Plan for Home Time: If you’re from Montana or Wyoming or wherever home is, make sure to communicate with your employer about your home time needs. Good companies value work-life balance and will get you home on a schedule. When you’re out on the road, call your family and friends when you can – hands-free of course! It keeps you sane and connected.
Finally, remember that how to become a truck driver isn’t just about the license – it’s about adopting the trucker mindset. Responsibility, independence, and a bit of humor will carry you far. (When you find yourself telling a story about that “one time at a truck stop in the middle of Montana…” you’ll know you’ve fully joined the club.)
Hitting the Road
Becoming a truck driver is a journey, and it all starts with that CDL. By now, you should have a clear idea of how to get your CDL: the steps involved, how long it takes to get a CDL, and the key points about CDL cost and training. You’ve learned about the time commitment (just a few weeks for full-time training), the cdl license cost and training expenses (an investment in a rewarding career), and what kinds of entry level CDL jobs await once you’re licensed. From CDL training jobs that help you get started, to life on the open road with your new skills, trucking offers a lot of opportunity for those willing to grab the wheel.
The Rocky Mountain region is a great place to start a trucking career – challenging terrain that makes you a pro in no time and scenic views that beat any office window. But wherever you earn your CDL and start driving, the keys to success are the same: train hard, keep safety in focus, and maintain that adventurous spirit. Whether you’re hauling a flatbed with a Conestoga trailer full of lumber over a mountain pass or pulling into a rest area at midnight, you’re part of a proud tradition of truckers who keep America moving.
So here’s to you – future king (or queen) of the road. Stay safe, keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down (as drivers like to say), and maybe we’ll see you out there at a truck stop coffee counter swapping stories. Now that you know how to get your CDL and become a truck driver, it’s time to make it happen. The open road is waiting – go chase that horizon!
