{"id":138696,"date":"2025-12-09T06:31:19","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T14:31:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/?page_id=138696"},"modified":"2025-12-26T18:52:55","modified_gmt":"2025-12-27T02:52:55","slug":"trades-cdl","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/trades-cdl\/","title":{"rendered":"CDL Career Resources"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Thinking about pursuing a career in commercial transportation? Whether you\u2019re looking at becoming a long-haul truck driver\u2014staying on the road for weeks at a time\u2014or you prefer shorter, local routes, you\u2019ll first need to earn a Commercial Driver\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This page is your starting point for all things CDL training. Here, you\u2019ll find resources on CDL training programs, license requirements, endorsements, average costs, and job opportunities after you earn your certification. Whether you&#8217;re comparing truck driving programs or figuring out how to get started, we\u2019ve organized everything to help you embark on this exciting journey with confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">CDL Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you decide on a CDL school, it\u2019s important to note some of the requirements you\u2019ll need to meet before earning your CDL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Meet age requirements (18 intrastate, 21 interstate)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Earn a Commercial Learner\u2019s Permit (CLP) through your state provider<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pass a medical exam\u2014including physical and drug screening<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prove U.S. residency<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step-by-Step CDL Roadmap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a short step-by-step guide to getting your CDL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Step 1: Earn a Commercial Learner\u2019s Permit (CLP).<\/strong> You can do this through your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 2:<\/strong> <strong>Complete an Entry-Level Driver Theory (ELDT) course<\/strong>. You can do this online or in person.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 3: Complete behind-the-wheel training.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 4: Pass your CDL skills test.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-considering-a-commercial-truck-driving-career\">Considering a Commercial Truck Driving Career<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on which CDL class you choose to pursue and what area you\u2019re located in, there are plenty of CDL career options available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/how-to-become-a-truck-driver\/\">How to Become a Truck Driver<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we&#8217;ll walk through what truck drivers actually do, how to become one, what it pays, and whether it\u2019s the right fit for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-is-truck-driving-a-good-career\"><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/is-truck-driving-a-good-career\/\">Is Truck Driving a Good Career?<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re comfortable with time on the road and you want a career that doesn\u2019t require a college degree, truck driving can be a great choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/complete-guide-to-cdl-jobs-with-no-experience\/\">Complete Guide to CDL Jobs With No Experience<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cdl-class-a-vs-b-vs-c\/\">CDL: An Introduction to Class A vs B vs C<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cdl-driver-salary-what-you-can-earn\/\">CDL Driver Salary: What You Can Earn?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide, we\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-commercial-driver-s-license-cdl-guides\">Commercial Driver&#8217;s License (CDL) Guides<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cdl-age-requirements-by-state-what-to-know\/\">CDL Age Requirements By State: What to Know<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide breaks down every state\u2019s minimum age requirements, explains the federal rules that override state flexibility, and helps you understand exactly what opportunities open up at each age milestone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-get-a-cdl-a-guide-to-starting-a-career-in-truck-driving\"><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/how-to-get-a-cdl\/\">How to get a CDL: A guide to starting a career in truck driving<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>An introduction to everything you need to know about earning your Class A or B CDL. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/how-to-get-a-cdl-a-license\/\"><strong>How to get a CDL A license<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your step-by-step guide to starting a truck-driving career. A CDL A is the highest level of commercial driver\u2019s license you can get. It\u2019s the license that gives you the most flexibility, allowing you to drive the largest and most powerful vehicles on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-get-a-cdl-b-license-a-practical-path-to-a-stable-ai-resistant-career\"><a href=\"\/blog\/how-to-get-a-cdl-b-license\/\">How to get a CDL B license: a practical path to a stable, AI-resistant career<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn how to qualify for a Class B Commercial Driver\u2019s License (CDL), the types of vehicles you can drive, and the jobs that keep you close to home with reliable pay and hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-get-a-class-c-cdl-license-a-step-by-step-guide-for-specialized-commercial-drivers\"><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/how-to-get-a-class-c-cdl-license\/\">How to get a Class C CDL license: a step-by-step guide for specialized commercial drivers<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Many essential transportation jobs \u2014 from hazardous materials (hazmat) couriers and paratransit drivers to passenger shuttle operators \u2014 require a different kind of license: the Class C Commercial Driver&#8217;s License (CDL).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:44px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">State-by-State CDL Guides<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Indiana\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/best-cdl-training-in-indianapolis-top-schools-and-how-to-choose\/\">Indianapolis<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Missouri\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cdl-training-in-kansas-city\/\">Kansas City<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Texas\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/top-cdl-training-in-dallas-fort-worth-start-your-trucking-career-today\/\">Dallas-Fort Worth<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cdl-training-in-utah\/\">Utah<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:44px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cdl-training-and-education\">CDL Training and Education<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are three CDL class types to choose from, and each can get you started on a different career trajectory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-commercial-driver-s-license-cdl-training-your-2026-guide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cdl-training-guide\/\">Commercial Driver\u2019s License (CDL) Training: Your 2026 Guide<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide, you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/class-a-cdl-training\/\"><strong>Class A CDL Training<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide breaks down Class A CDL training, from meeting eligibility requirements to understanding training options, costs, and career outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/class-b-cdl-training\/\">Class B CDL Training<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide, you\u2019ll learn what the training process may look like, what requirements you\u2019ll 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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/how-long-is-cdl-training\/\">How Long is CDL Training?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:44px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-types-of-cdl-training-programs-to-explore\">Types of CDL Training Programs to Explore<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From online CDL ELDT training to company-sponsored programs, completing CDL training can be widely accessible if you do your research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cdl-classes-explained-from-training-to-a-truck-driving-career\/\">CDL Classes Explained: From Training to a Truck Driving Career<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we\u2019ll cover how CDL classes work and what the commercial driver\u2019s license class structure looks like. We\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cheap-cdl-training-program-models-costs-and-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cheap-cdl-training\/\">Cheap CDL Training: Program Models, Costs, and More<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/online-cdl-schools-a-guide-for-2026\/\"><strong>Online CDL Schools<\/strong>: <strong>A Guide for 2026<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/cdl-apprenticeships-guide\/\">CDL Apprenticeships: Your Guide for 2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide walks you through what CDL apprenticeships can actually look like\u2014how 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:44px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cdl-training-costs-and-financial-aid-options\">CDL Training Costs and Financial Aid Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/how-much-does-truck-driving-school-cost\/\">How Much Does Truck Driving School Cost?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide, we\u2019ll break down the true costs of truck driving school, what influences tuition, and the smartest ways to finance your training.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Thinking about pursuing a career in commercial transportation? Whether you\u2019re looking at becoming a long-haul truck driver\u2014staying on the road for weeks at a time\u2014or you prefer shorter, local routes, you\u2019ll first need to earn a Commercial Driver\u2019s License (CDL). Your CDL will grant you the ability to operate vehicles professionally. Along with being a&hellip;","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-category-l1.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-138696","page","type-page","status-publish"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.0 (Yoast SEO v27.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>CDL Career Advice &amp; Resources<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Considering CDL? 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