Thinking about pursuing a career in commercial transportation? Whether you’re looking at becoming a long-haul truck driver—staying on the road for weeks at a time—or you prefer shorter, local routes, you’ll first need to earn a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Your CDL will grant you the ability to operate vehicles professionally. Along with being a legal requirement, CDL training prepares you to handle real-world driving and the responsibilities that come with the job.
This page is your starting point for all things CDL training. Here, you’ll find resources on CDL training programs, license requirements, endorsements, average costs, and job opportunities after you earn your certification. Whether you’re comparing truck driving programs or figuring out how to get started, we’ve organized everything to help you embark on this exciting journey with confidence.
CDL Requirements
Before you decide on a CDL school, it’s important to note some of the requirements you’ll need to meet before earning your CDL.
- Meet age requirements (18 intrastate, 21 interstate)
- Earn a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) through your state provider
- Pass a medical exam—including physical and drug screening
- Prove U.S. residency
Step-by-Step CDL Roadmap
Here’s a short step-by-step guide to getting your CDL.
- Step 1: Earn a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). You can do this through your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency.
- Step 2: Complete an Entry-Level Driver Theory (ELDT) course. You can do this online or in person.
- Step 3: Complete behind-the-wheel training.
- Step 4: Pass your CDL skills test.
Considering a Commercial Truck Driving Career
Depending on which CDL class you choose to pursue and what area you’re located in, there are plenty of CDL career options available.
In this article, we’ll walk through what truck drivers actually do, how to become one, what it pays, and whether it’s the right fit for you.
Is Truck Driving a Good Career?
If you’re comfortable with time on the road and you want a career that doesn’t require a college degree, truck driving can be a great choice.
Complete Guide to CDL Jobs With No Experience
In this guide, we go through the process in a way that makes the license, the requirements, the training, and the first paid work feel straightforward instead of overwhelming.
CDL: An Introduction to Class A vs B vs C
This article is intended to outline CDL class a vs b vs c; what each of these classes is, the types of vehicles you can expect to drive, the educational requirements to obtain these CDLs, and more.
CDL Driver Salary: What You Can Earn?
In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into a career as a CDL driver, including salaries across the U.S., how you can increase your paycheck, and the career outlook you can look forward to as a professional truck driver.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Guides
CDL Age Requirements By State: What to Know
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.
How to get a CDL: A guide to starting a career in truck driving
An introduction to everything you need to know about earning your Class A or B CDL.
Your step-by-step guide to starting a truck-driving career. A CDL A is the highest level of commercial driver’s license you can get. It’s the license that gives you the most flexibility, allowing you to drive the largest and most powerful vehicles on the road.
How to get a CDL B license: a practical path to a stable, AI-resistant career
Learn how to qualify for a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), the types of vehicles you can drive, and the jobs that keep you close to home with reliable pay and hours.
How to get a Class C CDL license: a step-by-step guide for specialized commercial drivers
Many essential transportation jobs — from hazardous materials (hazmat) couriers and paratransit drivers to passenger shuttle operators — require a different kind of license: the Class C Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
State-by-State CDL Guides
Although CDLs are federally regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there are also state and local laws and requirements to consider. Be sure to read up on your area to get the most up-to-date information for CDL requirements in your state.
- Indiana
- Missouri
- Texas
- Utah
CDL Training and Education
There are three CDL class types to choose from, and each can get you started on a different career trajectory.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Training: Your 2026 Guide
In this guide, you’ll learn how CDL licensing works, what to expect from different training programs, how costs and financing play into it, and the types of driving careers available once you become certified.
This guide breaks down Class A CDL training, from meeting eligibility requirements to understanding training options, costs, and career outcomes.
In this guide, you’ll learn what the training process may look like, what requirements you’ll need to meet before enrolling in a Class B CDL training program, how much school typically costs, and what kinds of jobs are available after earning your license.
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.
Types of CDL Training Programs to Explore
From online CDL ELDT training to company-sponsored programs, completing CDL training can be widely accessible if you do your research.
CDL Classes Explained: From Training to a Truck Driving Career
In this article, we’ll cover how CDL classes work and what the commercial driver’s license class structure looks like. We’ll also review how long training takes, what a sample timeline might look like, what to expect from CDL classes, and how to set yourself up for success.
Cheap CDL Training: Program Models, Costs, and More
In this guide, we break down CDL training models, what to expect from different program types, and how to avoid paying more than you need to.
Online CDL Schools: A Guide for 2026
In this guide, we review the available online CDL courses for you to explore and help you understand what to expect from an online CDL school.
CDL Apprenticeships: Your Guide for 2026
This guide walks you through what CDL apprenticeships can actually look like—how the training works, what it costs, how long it takes, and how to choose a program that fits the type of license you want to earn.
CDL Training Costs and Financial Aid Options
How Much Does Truck Driving School Cost?
In this guide, we’ll break down the true costs of truck driving school, what influences tuition, and the smartest ways to finance your training.
