If you want to become a truck driver, there are certain rules and obligations to consider, besides your skills, knowledge and desire to jump into the trucking industry.
The first step is to obtain a CDL driving license for which each state has its own regulations and rules.
You need to get your state’s manual either from the official website or a local department of motor vehicles, decide the CDL license you want to get (CDL A, CDL B or CDL C) and special endorsements.
Each type of license requires to pass skill test and, in some cases, a written test is needed.
A entry-level driver training is also needed for applicants for certain CDL licenses and endorsements before taking the CDL skill test.
Once you understand the process of getting a CDL license, proceed to the first step which is getting a CDL permit.
What is cdl permit?
A CDL permit (Commercial Learner’s Permit – CLP) is allowance to practice on a highway along with a person sitting next to you, who has a valid CDL for the class of the vehicle and proper endorsements for the type of vehicle.
A permit is the first step towards obtaining CDL license, and it requires more than just taking the knowledge test.
You will need DOT medical card, requiring a DOT physical.
Depending on the state you are issuing the license, you may need additional documents to prove your identity and residency.
There are also small fees for getting the CLP, which vary by state.
Can I take cdl permit test online?
The short answer is no. Although you can’t take a CDL permit test online, you can still take online practice tests and prepare well beforehand.
When ready, head to an actual CDL exam center and take the test.
Some changes are done lately in this regard in New York where students can take the test online, but still need to go to a DMV after finishing the test.
How many questions are on the CDL permit test?
It depends on the state you are issuing your CDL. The number varies from 18 to 60 depending on the state. To pass the test, you will need a success rate of minimum 80%.
Here is a list of the number of questions on the CDL permit test in each state.
- 18 Questions – Pennsylvania
- 20 Questions – Alaska, New York, Vermont
- 25 Questions – Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia
- 30 Questions – Arizona, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas
- 33 Questions – Montana
- 35 Questions – Iowa, Oregon
- 36 Questions – California
- 37 Questions – North Carolina
- 40 Questions – Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Ohio, Washington
- 50 Questions – Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
- 60 Questions – Maine
What’s in the knowledge test?
To get your CLP, you need to pass the tests for the license class and/or the endorsements.
The test is broken into three parts:
- General Knowledge – Questions about driving in different weather conditions, safe cargo transport, vehicle control and others.
- Air brakes – Part of the test with questions about the air brake system.
- Combination vehicles – Driving combination vehicles safely, inspection, coupling and uncoupling, etc.
Having endorsements requires taking additional tests, specific for the endorsement.
Here is a table of the required tests for CDL licenses and endorsements.
| Type of Vehicle | Test Required |
|---|---|
| All commercial vehicles | General Knowledge test |
| Any CMV with Air Brakes | Air Brakes test |
| Combination Vehicles | Combination Vehicles test |
| CMV with Hazardous Materials | Hazardous Materials test |
| CMV with Bulk Liquids or Gases | Tank Vehicles test |
| CMV with Double or Triple Trailers | Doubles and Triples test |
| School Bus | School bus endorsement test and passenger transport test |
| Other Bus | Passenger transport test |
What after passing the cdl permit?
After permit, you are one step closer to get your CDL license. As of 7 February 2022, drivers with CLP are subject to the requirements in the need to pass entry-level driver training as part of FMCSA requirements.
This applies to drivers who obtain CDL A and CDL B license for the first time, upgrade CDL B to CDL A or obtain endorsement such as school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.
The entry-level driver training should be taken with a registered training provider.
You need to have the CLP for at least 14 days before you can issue a Commercial Driver License. You can schedule appointment online. In this phase, the driver needs to pass the skill test, which consist of:
- Vehicle Inspection Test
- Basic Controls Test
- Road Test
After passing the skill test, you need to submit your application for processing. Make sure everything is correct and you have all necessary documents.
If everything is OK, you might have your CDL in the same day, and some States will send it to you in mail.
Further reading: Jobs You Can Get With a CDL License
When Do CDL Permits Expire?
It depends on the state. In most states, it lasts for 6 Months or 1 Year. Here is a table showing how long the CLP is valid since issuing in all states.
| State | Expire |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 6 Months |
| Alaska | 2 Years |
| Arizona | 6 Months |
| Arkansas | 1 Year |
| California | 6 Months |
| Colorado | 6 Months |
| Connecticut | 1 Year |
| Delaware | 1 Year |
| Florida | 6 Months |
| Georgia | 1 Year |
| Hawaii | 1 Year |
| Idaho | 6 Months |
| Illinois | 2 Years |
| Indiana | 6 Months |
| Iowa | 1 Year |
| Kansas | 6 Months |
| Kentucky | 6 Months |
| Louisiana | 2 Months |
| Maine | 5 Years |
| Maryland | 6 Months |
| Massachusetts | 6 Months |
| Michigan | 6 Months |
| Minnesota | 6 Months |
| Mississippi | 6 Months |
| Missouri | 1 Year |
| Montana | 6 Months |
| Nebraska | 6 Months |
| Nevada | 6 Months |
| New Hampshire | 6 Months |
| New Jersey | 6 Months |
| New Mexico | 6 Months |
| New York | 6 Months |
| North Carolina | 6 Months |
| North Dakota | 6 Months |
| Ohio | 6 Months |
| Oklahoma | 6 Months |
| Oregon | 1 Year |
| Pennsylvania | 6 Months |
| Rhode Island | 1 Year |
| South Carolina | 1 Year |
| South Dakota | 6 Months |
| Tennessee | 1 Year |
| Texas | 6 Months |
| Utah | 6 Months |
| Vermont | 1 Year |
| Virginia | 8 Years |
| Washington | 6 Months |
| West Virginia | 6 Months |
| Wisconsin | 6 Months |
| Wyoming | 6 Months |
What iF you fail to get Commercial Learner’s Permit?
That varies from state to state. In most states, you are allowed to take the test three times with no additional fees. Also, you might need to wait some time before re-taking the test.
If you fail three time, then you need to reapply.
