If you dream about a job that pays you to be out on the open road, you may be considering getting your commercial driver’s license (CDL) to become a professional truck driver. A career in this field can be tough but highly rewarding. You’ll be responsible for safely operating a large tractor-trailer and transporting important products and goods across local roads and highways.
If you’re at least 18 years old, you may be eligible to earn your commercial learner’s permit (CLP) and begin your truck driving career. This guide breaks down every state’s minimum age requirements, explains the federal rules that override state flexibility, and helps you understand exactly what opportunities open up at each age milestone.
Key Takeaways
- CDL age rules decide when you can train, what you’re allowed to drive, and whether you can cross state lines.
- Most states issue CDLs at 18, but interstate trucking still requires turning 21.
- Endorsements like Hazmat, school bus, or passenger often come with higher minimum ages, and each endorsement requires meeting specific criteria.
- Federal FMCSA rules always control interstate eligibility, even if states differ on intrastate options.
- Drivers under 21 typically start with intrastate or supervised roles to build experience.
- Knowing your state’s requirements early helps you plan training, endorsements, and job options more strategically.
Why CDL Age Requirements Matter
Understanding CDL age requirements helps you determine when you can start training and what commercial driving jobs you can legally qualify for.
Even if your state allows you to start commercial driving at 18, some trucking companies may prefer to hire a driver who is 21 or older. This could be due to insurance/liability or it could be related to your inability to legally perform interstate driving. It really depends on the employer you want to work for.
This will have an effect on how quickly you can start working as a professional truck driver. Federal guidelines set foundational safety requirements, and states then apply their own rules for local driving. These combined factors explain why intrastate driving is often the first career stage for younger drivers.
At the national level, CDL age requirements focus heavily on safety and insurance standards. States then layer on their own rules for intrastate trucking, apprenticeships, and endorsements. If you’re between the ages of 18 and 21—understanding these differences can help you plan your path into the industry.
Understanding the National Framework and Age Baselines
National CDL age requirements are governed by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules that set the minimum ages for intrastate and interstate commercial driving.1
FMCSA regulations define the minimum ages for commercial driving nationwide, including the federal requirement that interstate commercial drivers be at least 21.2 The FMCSA also defines “commercial motor vehicle” using criteria such as vehicle weight and purpose, which helps you when CDL rules apply.3
These FMCSA federal guidelines apply to every state—establishing two fundamental minimums:
- Age 18 to drive commercially within your home state (intrastate).
- Age 21 to drive commercially between states or haul certain restricted cargo (interstate).
States cannot lower the federal requirement for interstate hauling. However, they have flexibility in how they structure intrastate CDLs and age-specific training requirements.
How States Add Their Own Rules
Outside of CDLs, there are additional endorsement types that drivers can purchase and earn. This is where state rules come into play. Each state can set its own minimum age for certain endorsement types, especially passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsements, which typically require additional background checks and safety screening. For Hazardous Materials (H), applicants must also pass the TSA Security Threat Assessment.4
Each state determines:
- The minimum age for Class A, B, and C CDLs within state borders.
- Whether an 18-year-old can drive certain types of vehicles (such as school buses or passenger vehicles).
- Additional requirements for endorsements:
- Hazardous Materials (H)
- Tanker (N)
Standard Minimums Summary
Intrastate driving is generally accessible at 18, and federal law has set the interstate minimum age at 21. From here, the details depend on your state’s laws.
State-by-State Breakdown of Minimum Age Requirements
As previously mentioned, each U.S. state may set its own minimum CDL age for intrastate driving. In addition, each state may set its own limits for additional endorsements—like a school bus or passenger endorsement. According to the Trucker Certified website as of November 2025, “The minimum age for obtaining a school bus endorsement varies by state but is typically between 21 and 24 years old.”5
Below you’ll find a breakdown of CDL intrastate and interstate age minimums across all 50 states.
Formatting key:
State: Intrastate minimum age / Interstate minimum age
Northeast
Connecticut: 18 / 21
Maine: 18 / 21
Massachusetts: 18 / 21
New Hampshire: 18 / 21
Rhode Island: 18 / 21
Vermont: 18 / 21
Mid-Atlantic
Delaware: 18 / 21
Maryland: 18 / 21
New Jersey: 18 / 21
New York: 18 / 21
Pennsylvania: 18 / 21
Southeast
Alabama: 18 / 21
Arkansas: 18 / 21
Florida: 18 / 21
Georgia: 18 / 21
Kentucky: 18 / 21
Louisiana: 18 / 21
Mississippi: 18 / 21
North Carolina: 18 / 21
South Carolina: 18 / 21
Tennessee: 18 / 21
Virginia: 18 / 21
West Virginia: 18 / 21
Midwest
Illinois: 18 / 21
Indiana: 18 / 21
Iowa: 18 / 21
Kansas: 18 / 21
Michigan: 18 / 21
Minnesota: 18 / 21
Missouri: 18 / 21
Nebraska: 18 / 21
North Dakota: 18 / 21
Ohio: 18 / 21
South Dakota: 18 / 21
Wisconsin: 18 / 21
Southwest & South-Central
Arizona: 18 / 21
New Mexico: 18 / 21
Oklahoma: 18 / 21
Texas: 18 / 21
West
California: 18 / 21
Colorado: 18 / 21
Idaho: 18 / 21
Montana: 18 / 21
Nevada: 18 / 21
Oregon: 18 / 21
Utah: 18 / 21
Washington: 18 / 21
Great Plains and Mountains
Wyoming: 18 / 21
Colorado: 18 / 21
Idaho: 18 / 21
South Central / Gulf
Alaska: 19 / 21
Hawaii: 21 / 21
How to Prepare When You’re Underage or Close to Minimum
Most states allow CLPs starting at the age of 18, though exact timing varies by DMV. If you review Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements, it can help you understand training steps ahead of time.
If you’re 18–20 and planning to become a CDL driver, there are several ways to start preparing early:
- Start with a CLP as soon as your state allows.
- Enter a state-approved CDL training program, even if it only qualifies you for intrastate jobs at first. These programs prepare you for the required knowledge and driving test, including skills tests such as pre-trip inspection and air brake operation.
- Focus on intrastate driving roles such as local delivery, agricultural hauling, or in-state distribution.
- Consider apprenticeship or employer-sponsored programs that train younger drivers for future interstate work.
- Build experience and a clean driving record—two things employers value when hiring interstate drivers later on.
Bottom Line
Understanding CDL age requirements by state helps you plan when to begin training and which commercial driving opportunities become available to you based on your area. It’s helpful to review your state’s DMV CDL handbook to get up-to-date information on local regulations and rules.
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CDL age requirements vary from state to state, but federal rules create clear baselines: 18 for intrastate work and 21 for interstate driving. Your state may also require you to be 21 for certain endorsements or passenger operations. Knowing these rules early helps you plan your CDL training, understand what jobs you can take right away, and prepare for a smooth transition into interstate trucking once you’re eligible. Note that there is no maximum age for commercial drivers in the U.S., as long as you can safely drive and meet medical fitness standards.
If you’re ready to start, check your state’s DMV or transportation department page, choose a CDL school that fits your goals, and plan your path into a trucking career with a clear sense of your age-based limitations and opportunities.
CDL Age Requirements By State FAQs
What’s the youngest age you can get a CDL in the U.S.?
Generally, the youngest age is 18 for intrastate driving. Hawaii is an exception, as it requires you to be 21.
Can you drive interstate if you got your CDL at age 18?
No. You must be 21 to drive across state lines. Additionally, you must have a valid CDL and meet all federal requirements to operate motor vehicles in interstate commerce.
Do age requirements change for Hazmat or tanker endorsements?
Yes. Some states require you to be 21 for Hazmat, and some require 21 for passenger or school bus endorsements.
If I move to another state, do my age permissions carry over?
It depends. Your new state’s rules apply to intrastate driving, but interstate rules always require age 21.
Can I hold more than one license at a time?
No. A CDL holder is only allowed to have one valid CDL at any time.
Sources:
2 https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/faq/what-age-requirement-operating-cmv-interstate-commerce
3 https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/faq/what-difference-between-commercial-motor-vehicle-cmv-and-non-cmv
