What Is The Average Length Of CDL Training?
The length of CDL training really depends on the truck driving school you go to and whether you’re doing it full time or part time.
On average, CDL school takes around 5 weeks of yard training to get you ready to take the license exam.
In many cases, students can complete their CDL training and be ready for their road test in as little as two to eight weeks, depending on the training program, how quickly they get their Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), and how soon they can schedule their CDL skills test.
On average it takes 4-6 weeks to complete CDL training
If you’re serious about becoming a truck driver and want to get your CDL as quickly as possible, the first step is finding the right training program so you can get started on the road to freedom.
At Driving Academy, we help students understand the CDL process, prepare for their permit tests, and move into hands-on training so they can get their CDL as soon as possible!
Contact Driving Academy today to learn how you can start your CDL training now:
Process Of Getting A CDL
In order to really get an idea of how long it takes to get a CDL license, you’ve got to have an understanding of the process to get one.
While the exact process can vary slightly by state, most drivers follow these general steps:
Step 1: Study the CDL Manual
Before applying for a CDL permit, you’ve got to study your state’s CDL manual, which covers the rules, safety procedures, and knowledge required to operate commercial vehicles. This prepares you for the written permit tests.
Step 2: Obtain Your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
To receive your Commercial Learner’s Permit, you must pass the required written knowledge tests at your state’s licensing agency. These tests usually include the General Knowledge test, and depending on the CDL type, may also include Air Brakes and Combination Vehicles.
Step 3: Complete a DOT Medical Examination
Most CDL applicants must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam to ensure they meet the federal health requirements for commercial drivers. This exam checks vision, hearing, blood pressure and overall physical fitness.
Step 4: Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Federal regulations require new CDL applicants to complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) through an FMCSA-approved training provider. This training includes both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel driving practice.
Step 5: Practice Driving with Your CLP
After receiving your CLP, you must hold it for at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test. During this time, students practice driving commercial vehicles and learn important skills such as backing, turning, and performing vehicle inspections.
Step 6: Take the CDL Skills Test
The final step is the CDL skills test, which includes three parts:
- Pre-trip vehicle inspection
- Basic vehicle control test
- On-road driving test
Once you’ve successfully pass all three sections, you can receive your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and begin working as a commercial driver.
So, How Fast Can You Get A CDL?
Because of the FMCSA’s 14 day rule, the absolute shortest time it can take to get a CDL is 2 weeksRegardless of how quickly you can become a commercial truck driver, Driving Academy is here to help you!
Factors That Affect How Fast You Get A CDL
While some students are able to earn their CDL in just a few weeks, the actual timeline can vary depending on several factors. Understanding these factors can help you plan your training and avoid costly delays during the CDL licensing process.
Your CDL Permit Preparation
One of the biggest factors is how quickly you obtain your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). Students who study ahead of time and pass the written tests on their first attempt can move into training immediately. However, failing the permit tests may require rescheduling and additional study time.
What State You Live In
The FMCSA generally requires a 14 day waiting period after issuing a Commercial Learner’s Permit before taking the CDL skills test. However, federal waivers allow some states the discretion to waive this requirement.
While most states adhere to the 14-day rule (like California, Illinois, New Jersey), Pennsylvania, for example, requires a minimum of 15 days.
If you’re becoming a school bus driver in New York, they’ve actually waived the 14 day waiting period compeletly!
Training Schedule
The type of training program you choose can also affect how fast you get your CDL. Full-time training programs typically allow students to complete their training much faster, sometimes within a few weeks. In contrast, part-time or weekend programs may take longer because training hours are spread out over a longer period of time.
What CDL School You Go to
Different CDL driving schools have different programs and courses. Some have very rigid training schedules where you train with a cohort of other students for a fixed amount of time.
Other schools, like Driving Academy, let you train on your schedule so you choose how often you come in for training. This flexible program lets you practice at your own pace which can be lightning fast, or slow and easygoing.
CDL Testing Availability
One of the limiting factors for how quickly you can get a commercial driver’s license is being able to schedule your CDL skills test. In some areas, testing appointments may be available quickly, while in others there may be a waiting period depending on the number of applicants and available testing locations.
With most DMVs, it can take weeks to schedule a CDL road test.
At 3rd party testing facilities like the ones offered at Driving Academy, you can take your road test ASAP.
Your Learning Pace
Every student learns at a different speed. Some drivers quickly become comfortable operating commercial vehicles, while others may need additional practice before feeling confident enough to take the CDL road test.
Real Example: One of the Fastest CDL Training Stories
One of the fastest students to complete CDL training at Driving Academy actually traveled all the way from Hawaii to attend our training program in Linden, New Jersey.
He began by taking and passing his permit exams in his home state. Then he started his hands-on CDL training on Sunday and trained intensively throughout the week, practicing vehicle control, pre-trip inspections, and road driving each day. By Thursday, he had completed his training and was ready for testing.
He then took his CDL skills exam on Friday, successfully completing the program in just one week of training. After finishing the program, he flew back to Hawaii where he finalized the licensing process in his home state.
Stories like this show that while most drivers take a few weeks to finish training, the timeline can move much faster when someone arrives ready to focus on training full-time.
