Figuring out how long it takes to get your commercial driver’s license (CDL) can feel a little like trying to map a road you haven’t driven yet. You know what you want—perhaps a steady job and a skill you can take anywhere—but the timing? That may not be as clear. The truth is, CDL training doesn’t have to drag on for years like a college degree might; many CDL training programs wrap up in a matter of weeks or a few months, depending on the school and the licensure you’re pursuing.
If you’re in the beginning stages of your career or switching careers completely, this guide is intended to break down what actually affects your training timeline, how schools structure their programs, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clearer sense of what your own path might look like—and what steps you can take to keep things moving.
Key Takeaways
- CDL training length varies by license type, school format, and your state’s testing schedule, but most students finish the core program in a timeframe ranging from a few weeks to a few months.
- Class A programs typically require more time than Class B because they involve training on larger, more complex combination vehicles.
- Full-time truck driving schools move fast, while part-time and community college options may stretch the same material across a longer period.
- Endorsements like hazmat or tanker may extend your overall process, depending on whether you pursue them during or after training.
- Planning ahead—especially for your permit, medical exam, and test date—helps keep your overall CDL timeline on track.
What Can Affect the Length of CDL Training?
Several factors can influence the length of your CDL training, including your license class, program format, state requirements, and any additional endorsements you may want to obtain.
Type of License (Class A vs Class B)
Class A CDL training is generally longer and prepares you to operate large combination vehicles, which involve skills like coupling, uncoupling, and long-haul trip handling.
Class B CDL training is usually shorter because it focuses on single-unit vehicles such as straight trucks and large buses.
Program Format: Full-Time vs Part-Time
Full-time CDL programs can offer you a condensed training experience that is completed at a more accelerated rate, while part-time or evening and weekend programs spread the same instruction across a longer period. This can extend the timeline from several weeks to a few months, depending on schedule availability and individual school pacing.
State Requirements
CDL training providers must follow Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) standards, which outline required theory modules and behind-the-wheel (BTW) components.1
Please note that your ELDT training is designed to demonstrate proficiency over a set number of hours. Because of this, ELDT requirements are determined by states or schools.
Type of Truck Driving School
Different CDL providers follow different pacing formats:
- Private schools may offer the fastest completion options.
- Community colleges may run on semester systems, extending the timeline compared to private providers.
- Employer-sponsored programs may include additional paid onboarding or supervised driving after training.
Additional Endorsements
Adding endorsements such as hazmat, tanker, or passenger often requires additional education and testing, which may naturally extend your CDL timeline.
Typical Duration by Program Type and License Level
CDL training duration varies by license type, with most full-time Class A and Class B programs taking between a few weeks and a few months, depending on training depth and testing availability.
Class A CDL Training
Class A programs involve classroom learning, yard skills (like backing and coupling), and supervised road driving. Because they include more complex competencies, they typically fall toward the longer end of the weeks-to-months range.
Class B CDL Training
Class B training is often completed more quickly because it focuses on single-unit vehicles. These programs emphasize safe city driving, vehicle inspections, and basic operation.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Some trucking carriers offer paid CDL training that transitions directly into a truck driving career. While these programs move efficiently, they often include additional multi-day skills assessments or supervised driving before drivers begin solo driving.
Entire CDL Process Timeline
The full CDL process includes several steps beyond training itself, from earning a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) to completing employer orientation.2
CDL training is just one phase of becoming a commercial driver. New drivers typically move through a sequence that includes preparing for the CLP, completing classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, scheduling the CDL skills test, and completing any employer-specific onboarding. Because each step depends on scheduling availability—especially CLP appointments and skills test slots—the total timeline from starting the process to beginning your first job may span several weeks to a few months.
Choosing and Planning Your Training Timeline
Planning your CDL training timeline starts with understanding how program structure, scheduling, and test availability affect your total completion time.
Picking the right CDL program isn’t just about cost and location—timing matters. Your schedule, job goals, and preferred vehicle type should all guide your decision.
Evaluate Program Length and Structure
When researching schools in your area, check the website thoroughly. If there isn’t enough information online, call them. You can ask questions like:
- How many total hours of driving time are included?
- How many students share a truck during BTW training?
- What vehicle type will I train in?
- Are endorsements included or optional?
- What’s your average completion timeline?
These details can make a big difference in how long it actually takes to reach test day.
Sample CDL Training Timeline
Here’s an example of what a full-time Class A CDL timeline might look like:
Week 0: Apply for a commercial learner’s permit (CLP), complete medical exam, and study ELDT theory.
Weeks 1–3: Get classroom training and range driving practice.
Week 4: Conquer road training and skills test prep.
Week 5: Schedule and take the CDL road skills test. If you’ve been hired, you may also begin orientation with your employer at this point.
Note that your schedule may vary depending on state testing, endorsements, or whether you enroll in a full- or part-time training program.
Budget for Downtime
If you’re not going through an employer-sponsored program, it may be wise for you to plan for downtime between training completion and your first driving job. Testing delays, orientation scheduling, and paperwork processing may add additional time depending on your state.
Keep Organized Documentation
Throughout your training, keep copies of your CLP, ELDT certificates, Department of Transportation (DOT) medical paperwork, and any scheduling confirmations. Following up with your school and DMV helps prevent paperwork delays that could stretch your timeline.
Next Steps
CDL training remains an efficient pathway into this in-demand career.3 While specific timelines vary based on the license type you’re applying for, endorsements you may add on after earning your CDL, and state testing delays, you can streamline your progress by completing ELDT theory early, preparing required documents, scheduling your permit and skills test as soon as possible, and selecting a program with strong equipment availability and clear hour requirements.
Your next step is to compare accredited CDL schools in your state, schedule your CLP test date, and build a training plan that fits your work schedule and career goals. Demand for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers remains steady through 2034 (according to 2024 BLS data), so get started today and fulfill your dream career as a professional truck driver.3
How Long is CDL Training? FAQs
How many weeks is CDL school?
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CDL programs typically take from a few weeks to a few months. ELDT rules do not set a minimum number of behind-the-wheel hours, so schools and states determine the actual timeline.
Can I finish training faster if I’m full-time?
Yes. Full-time programs allow you to learn all the necessary curricula in less time than part-time programs.
What happens if I train part-time?
You’ll still get the same comprehensive training, but since part-time CDL programs spread training across more days or weeks, it may naturally take longer to complete than a full-time program.
Do I need additional endorsements that extend training?
No, you do not need to pursue additional endorsements to get your CDL.
Is on-the-job training counted as part of program length?
No. You may find that some CDL apprenticeships have an on-the-job training program that follows your CDL program, but this varies based on employer and state requirements.
Sources:
1 https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/entry-level-driver-training-eldt
2 https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/cdl3 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/heavy-and-tractor-trailer-truck-drivers.htm
