How To Obtain Your Commercial Driver’s License

No one can drive a heavy-duty semi-truck without being properly licensed for the task. If you plan to become a trucker, then you’ll need to get a commercial driver’s license or CDL. This task requires some time, patience, practice and planning, but it can be done relatively easily if you know what the process is. At DeBary Truck Sales here in Sanford, Florida, we have all the knowledge you need to get your commercial driver’s license. Read on to learn the steps you’ll need to take to get your CDL and start driving!

Review The Requirements

Your first step should be to look over the necessary requirements in the CDL testing manual to make sure that you qualify for this license. Some requirements may include being of a certain age or having certain physical capabilities, which differs state by state, so think about where you live when you’re reviewing the manual.

Get Your Permit

As with any license, you’ll start out by obtaining a permit. The Class A CDL permit requires you to take and pass a series of written exams. You’ll also have to have a driving record that’s clean of major infractions for the past ten years. Medical proof that you’re able to drive is also necessary. You can get a manual to study at the testing sites or online.

Practice With A Certified Trainer

Now that you’ve gotten your permit, you’ll be able to drive on public roads, provided you’re with a qualified CDL holder at all times. You’ll need to have your permit for at least 14 days before you can apply for the official license. Spend those two weeks going over all the skills you’ll need to master with your trainer. Some states may even require you to get in a certain number of driving hours before you get the license.

Your given state will test you on the specialized skills that you need to know. If you desire more structured training, you can look into CDL training programs that provide you with classroom experience to help you pass the written exam with flying colors. Some of these courses even offer hands-on training to get you practiced up on all your skills! If you’re nervous about the test due to a lack of experience, then taking a class can help to assuage your fears and build your confidence.

Obtain Necessary Endorsements

You’ll need to pass your CDL endorsement exam for whatever endorsements you may need for your job. Some of these may have additional requirements you’ll need to meet to obtain them. The Hazardous Materials endorsement, for example, necessitates that you pass a background check before they’ll be added to your license, so make sure you know the requirements of the endorsements you need.

Pass The Skills Exam

The final step will be to pass a three-part driving exam and a driving test at a state CDL site or an approved third-party test site. You’ll have to test in the type of vehicle you plan to drive with your CDL, so make sure you have access to the truck when you need it. Once you pass these tests, you should get your license from your state. It may be granted to you the day you pass the test, or it may come in the mail later, which means you’ll have to wait to receive it before you can operate your truck.

We hope that our guide to getting your CDL helps to take some of the worry out of the process! If you study hard and practice up, you should be able to obtain the license you need to do your job well. Still in search of a truck? Visit our dealership in Sanford, Florida, to see our current selection of new and used trucks for sale. DeBary Truck Sales proudly serves the city of Atlanta, Georgia, as well as the entire state of Florida and all of our customers in and around the Gulf of Mexico!