Thinking about becoming a truck driver in the Garden State?
Getting your CDL in New Jersey can feel intimidating. The NJ MVC requirements, permit tests, waiting periods, and strict road test can make the journey confusing and frustrating without the right guidance.
The good news is that you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. At Driving Academy, we guide you through every step so you can move forward faster and with confidence.
In this guide, you’ll learn the full process of getting a CDL in New Jersey, including what documents to bring to the permit test, how ELDT works, and what to expect on the NJ CDL skills test. And if you’d rather have an experienced team walk you through it step by step, our advisors are ready to help you get started.
Before you start: Choose The Right CDL
Before anything else, choose the CDL class that matches your goals:
Class A CDL (our recommendation)
Best if you want:
- Tractor-trailer work (combo vehicles)
- The widest job options
- Flexibility between local/regional/OTR jobs
Class B CDL
Best if you want:
- Straight truck jobs (dump truck, box truck, certain local routes)
- Municipal/fleet roles (depending on employer)
If you’re unsure, check out our article about the difference between Class A and Class B CDL
NJ CDL Requirements
These are the very basic requirements to get a CDL and become a certified truck driver
Have a valid New Jersey driver’s license
Be at least 18 years old (21 to drive across state lines)
Be a US citizen or have a green card/work visa
Pass a DOT physical
Most CDL drivers need a DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate. Even if you’re eager to knock out permit tests first, doing the physical early prevents the classic problem: you pass the tests, but paperwork slows down getting the permit/license. In New Jersey, you will need to have your DOT Physical in order to get your CDL permit.
Pro tip: schedule your DOT physical during the same week you plan to start studying for your permit.
Driving Academy CDL School Locations In NJ
Steps To Get A CDL In New Jersey
Step 1: Pass The NJ CDL Knowledge Tests (Permit Tests)
New Jersey’s CDL knowledge tests follow the standard structure. Make sure to
know what you should bring to the CDL permit test before you go.
Subjects for CLP:
- General Knowledge
- Combination Vehicles (For Class A)
- Air Brakes
| What it covers | # of Questions | CDL A Permit | CDL B Permit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | Basic trucking concepts, safe driving & CDL regulations | 50 | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Combination | Covers driving vehicles with a tractor-trailer combination | 20 | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Air Brakes | Focuses on vehicles equipped with air brakes | 25 | ✔️ | ✔️ |
CDL Endorsements
Commercial drivers who haul certain types of cargo or transport passengers must add “endorsements” to their New Jersey CDL license. This shows they have specialized knowledge to operate these vehicles safely.
What Are The Endorsements You Can Get?
There are 6 truck driving endorsements that you can get on your license that allow you to legally transport different types of vehicles and cargo. They are:
| Endorsement | Purpose | Special Requirement | Knowledge Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| T - Double & Triple Trailer | Pulling 2 or 3 trailers. (Where legally allowed) | Class A license is required | ✔️ |
| P - Passenger | Buses or vehicles used to transport passengers. | Requires Road Test in a bus or passenger vehicle | ✔️ |
| S - School Bus | Transporting children in a bus | Requires "P" endorsement, background check & Road Test in a school bus | ✔️ |
| N - Tanker Vehicle | Transporting liquids or gas in a tanker | Just pass Knowledge Test | ✔️ |
| H - Hazardous Materials | Transporting hazardous materials |
Must be trained & retested every 2 years. Note: Federal Requirements | ✔️ |
| X - Combination Hazardous Materials & Tank Vehicles | Transporting hazardous materials in a tank | Earned automatically with both "H" & "N" Endorsements. |
Step 2: ELDT(Entry-Level Driver Training)
You may or may not have heard the phrase ELDT training before. ELDT, which stands for Entry-Level Driver Training, is the truck driver training that’s required not just by New Jersey law but by the federal government in order to get your CDL license.
Now there are two parts to the ELDT truck drive training: ELDT Theory and Behind-The-Wheel. In order to take your road test, you’ll need to complete both portions of the training at a federally licensed CDL school like Driving Academy.
ELDT Theory
ELDT theory is the curriculum required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for those looking to get their Commercial Driver’s License in NJ or elsewhere in the USA.
The government wanted to make sure that everyone had a standard piece of knowledge because they understood that just because you passed your permit test doesn’t really mean that you learned everything that you needed to safely drive a truck or bus. So they mandated that every student take an ELDT theory course.
This program covers all the things you need to know to drive on the road. It includes topics like operating your vehicle, backing and docking, driving at night, post crash procedures and a whole bunch more.
There are no required minimum teaching hours for theory training,
Because there isn’t a single format, it’s up to the schools to build a curriculum that gets approved by the FMCSA. This leeway with the program means the coursework can be done in a live classroom, online or through a collection of recorded videos.
After completing the training you need to take another test to prove your knowledge. Yes that’s right, another exam.
Unlike the permit and knowledge tests that must be done at the DMV (known as the MVC in NJ), the ELDT exam can be taken anywhere.
You need to get 80% of the test correct to pass. But if you don’t, all you have to do is just start the test over.
Once you pass the ELDT theory exam you’re ready to rock and roll. You’re now up to the fun part, practicing on a real truck!
Behind-The-Wheel Training
The second part of training is actually getting to drive the truck. This Behind-The-Wheel training is done at a certified truck driving school like the Driving Academy.
You might be thinking, “Hey, why do I even have to go to a trucking school? My uncle/brother/friend drives a truck. I can just learn with them to get my CDL.”
…Nope.
You Must Complete Behind-The-Wheel Training In-Person At A Licensed CDL School!
According to § 380.609 of the Federal Code regarding entry-level driver training requirements:
“An individual who applies, for the first time, for a Class A or Class B CDL, or who upgrades to a Class A or B CDL, must complete driver training from a provider listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR).”
This means that truck driver training can only be done by a licensed instructor at a federally approved school.
So, if you haven’t already, you’ve got to enroll at a CDL driving school like Driving Academy for yard training.
Yard Training
Your behind-the-wheel training will take place in a yard or lot, which is why it’s often referred to as yard training.
Yard training at a certified trucking school is a crucial part of a commercial driver’s license (CDL) training program.
Not only is it federally mandated but it takes place in a controlled environment (the “yard”) where students learn to safely operate and maneuver a truck before heading out on public roads.
This CDL yard training helps you become a truck driver by preparing you for the road test.
Different schools have different set ups, but a training yard typically consists of four sections that mirror the parts of the CDL road test.
Truck Yard Training
Pre-Trip Inspection
Where you practice the external inspection typically on a stationary truck
In-Cab Inspection / Air Brake Test
Where you practice the inside inspection on a truck that can move enough to do the tug test
Parking Maneuvers
Where you practice backing up and parking the truck
Road Driving
An instructor takes you out on the public road to practice driving and shifting gears
Step 3: CDL Skills Test (Road Test)
The skills test has three parts:
1) Pre-Trip Inspection
The first stage of the CDL road test is going to be the Pre-Trip Inspection. In this section you’re going to have to know how to inspect both the outside and then inside of the vehicle.
The Pre-Trip exam consists of two parts:
- Outside Inspection
- In-Cab Inspection
2)Parking Maneuvers
The second stage of the CDL road test is the Parking Maneuvers. These are going to test your Basic Vehicle Control.
In New Jersey you’ll just need to execute a Forward Stop, Straight Line Backing, Forward Offset and Reverse Offset.
In each of these maneuvers you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to control the truck or bus by guiding it into a defined area marked with traffic cones and painted lines.
If you miss or go over the lines, then you fail. It might seem unfair but in the real world, if you go over the line, then you’ve hit a car or building.
3) Road Test
The third and final section of the CDL is actually driving the truck on the road itself. This CDL road test is just like the road test you took to get your regular license.
Your examiner will tell you where to drive and put you in a variety of traffic situations. This would include:
- Left and Right Turns
- Intersections
- Railroad Crossings
- Up and Down grades
- Single and Multi-Lane Roads, Streets, and Highways
The main difference between the CDL road test and a regular car road test is that you’ll also need to point out signs like speed limits and bridge heights.
What To Bring To Your NJ CDL Road Test
On test day, NJ requires you to show up with proper documentation and a vehicle that meets the test requirements.
Must-have documents (bring these physically)
- Your CLP (Commercial Learner’s Permit) — valid and not expired
- Your driver’s license (your regular NJ license, if separate from the CLP)
- Your road test appointment confirmation / test receipt (whatever NJ MVC gave you when you scheduled)
- Medical card proof (DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate) if your CDL category requires it (smart to bring even if already on file)
You must bring the right vehicle (and it has to be test-ready)
A Commercial Motor Vehicle that matches the CDL class you’re testing for:
- Testing for Class A: needs a combination vehicle (tractor + trailer) that qualifies
- Testing for Class B: needs a single vehicle that qualifies
The vehicle must be safe and legal
- Valid registration
- Valid insurance
- Current inspection / safety compliance (as applicable)
- No major safety issues (lights, brakes, tires, signals, etc.)
You must bring a qualified driver with you
You can’t drive the Truck to the test location alone on a CLP. You need:
A properly licensed CDL driver who can accompany you and is qualified for that vehicle/class.
Common issues that get people sent home for:
- Wrong class/type of vehicle (doesn’t match what you’re testing for)
- No qualified driver accompanying you
- Vehicle documentation issues
- Showing up without the correct receipts/permit
New Jersey CDL Costs
NJ MVC fees you can expect：
- Examination Test Receipt: $125
- CDL license (4-year): $42
- Endorsements: $2 each
- DOT physical (clinic dependent)
- Training tuition
How Much Does CDL School Cost In NJ?
The cost to go to a Commercial Driver’s License school in New Jersey can vary quite a bit depending on the type of program you choose, the structure of the driving school, and what’s included in the training
On average, NJ CDL school costs between $3,000 and $10,000
At Driving Academy, our CDL courses typically cost between $3,000 and $5,600. With our Guaranteed CDL programs starting at just $4,600. We provide affordable CDL training by offering flexible payment plans that start at just $500 down!
FAQ: How To Get A CDL In New Jersey
The total cost depends on MVC fees, your DOT physical, and CDL school tuition. New Jersey MVC charges an Examination Test Receipt fee ($125) and the CDL license fee ($42 for 4 years), plus small endorsement fees if you add any. On top of that, most people pay for a DOT physical and training, which can vary based on schedule, truck time, and what’s included (ELDT, test prep, and testing support).
In New Jersey, the fastest timeline is limited by scheduling and the 14-day waiting rule after you get your CLP before you can take the skills test. If you book appointments early and train consistently, some students can finish the full process in around 3～4 weeks.
You generally need a valid NJ driver’s license, the required ID documents for NJ MVC, and to complete the CDL steps in order: get the Examination Test Receipt, pass the knowledge tests, receive your CLP, complete ELDT if required, meet medical requirements (often a DOT medical card), and then pass the skills test (pre-trip, backing, and road test).
It’s not “hard” if you train the right way, but many people fail because they under-practice pre-trip inspection and backing maneuvers, not because they can’t drive.
No. Failing usually means you need more targeted practice and then retest after NJ’s waiting period. This is why many students prefer the guaranteed package that provides unlimited test.
Class A opens the most doors because it covers combination vehicles (tractor + trailer). Class B can still be a strong choice for straight trucks and certain local roles, but it’s more limited. If you’re switching careers and want the widest hiring market, Class A is usually the safer pick.
Yes，if you choose a program with a schedule built for working adults. Many students need weekend and evening classes so they can train without quitting their job.
Driving Academy offers weekend/night options, which is why a lot of career changers can stay employed while moving through CDL training.
