If you are looking for ways to get your CDL license without attending a school, then this article is for you.
If you are interested in learning how to get your CDL without going to school, then first things first.
How to get your CDL without a school?
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There are a few ways that you can get your CDL without attending school.
One way is to find an employer who will sponsor you and provide the necessary training on the job.
However, this option is usually only available for those with some driving experience.
This option is good for those who want more one-on-one instruction.
The last way to get your CDL without attending a truck driving school is to study for the CDL test on your own and then take the test at your local DMV office.
This option might be best for those who have some mechanical or driving experience.
If you are interested in getting your CDL without attending a truck driving school by taking the test at your local DMV office, then the first step is to find out what requirements your state requires.
The steps below will inform you on how to get your CDL without going to school.
Get your CDL permit
Before you can take the written exam for your CDL at your local DMV, you will need to get a CDL permit.
Most states require that you be 18 years old before they will issue you a commercial learner’s permit (CLP). You can find out what your state requires on our permit page.
If you are over 18 and have at least one year of driving experience in certain hazardous materials or passenger zones, then most states will let you waive the training requirements initially.
This is good news if school isn’t an option for some reason.
Just make sure that you do all of the required steps first.
Take the test
After getting your CLP, passing a vision test, and doing all of any other requirements that your state asks, then you will be ready to take the written test for a CDL at your local DMV.
To prepare for the test, you should consider taking a practice test.
These tests are created by state DMVs and have questions representative of those on the actual exam.
In addition to being an excellent study tool, taking them can also help you avoid having to retake the written test if you fail it initially.
Get Your CDL
Once you pass both tests (the CLP and road skills), then all that is left to do is obtain your commercial driver’s license (CDL). Congratulations!
The whole process might seem like a lot of work (and it can be) but in most states, commercial drivers are in high demand.
Now that you have your CDL, the sky is the limit!
Do I need to rent a truck for my CDL test?
Whether or not you need to rent a truck for your CDL test depends on what type of vehicle you plan on testing for.
If you are planning on getting your Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) then yes, in all likelihood, you will be required to rent a Tractor Trailer Truck.
That is because the Class A CDL allows drivers to drive any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating greater than 26,000 pounds provided that they have the proper endorsements.
How much does a CDL permit cost?
The cost of a CDL permit can vary from state to state.
In most states, the CLP costs between $5 and $20.
Some states also have separate fees for the written test and for the Commercial Learner’s Permit.
How much does a CDL license cost?
The cost of a standard CDL license can also vary from state to state.
In most states, the cost ranges from $75 to $100 but in some states, it can be more.
How much do endorsements cost?
An endorsement is an addition to your license that authorizes you to drive certain kinds of vehicles.
A few examples are combinations, tanker, air brake (only required in some states), and passenger vehicle endorsements.
Endorsements can vary in price depending on the state in which you live, but the average is about $75 per year.
How much do CDL classes cost?
As for truck driving school, costs go, most schools charge between $1,000 and $5,000 per student.
Private vocational schools usually cost more than public training facilities or community colleges.
Trucking companies may also offer tuition reimbursement programs for their employees so if you have a job already it might be wise to check
What is CDL?
A commercial driver’s license (or “CDL”) is a driver’s license required to operate large or heavy vehicles.
Currently, all drivers operating commercial motor vehicles must obtain a commercial driver’s license regardless of the type of vehicle they are driving.
A commercial driver’s license permits the holder to drive any class of commercially registered vehicle.
The classes of vehicles include:
Passenger bus, cargo van, straight truck, or articulated (tractor) truck tractor-trailer combination with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) greater than 26,000 pounds; a vehicle that is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver; and a school bus with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 10,000 pounds.
What you need to know before getting started:
You must be at least 21 years old to drive passenger buses and trucks that carry hazardous materials requiring placarding.
If you are under 21 years of age and wish to operate any other type of CMV, then you must obtain your CDL from an accredited school.
You cannot receive your CLP without first passing the DOT physical examination and obtaining a commercial learner’s permit (CLP).
The DOT physical exam is good for 1 year.
The only exception is if you have two full years of driving experience in the military.
In that case, the DOT physical exam is good for 3 years.
To get your CDL from an accredited school, you must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have a valid driver’s license in any U.S. state
- Possess a clean driving record with no serious traffic violations in the past 3 years
- Meet Department of Transportation (DOT) medical requirements
- Pass a knowledge test on commercial driving regulations and safety procedures
- Pass a road test in the type of vehicle you will be driving
What are some states where you can get your CDL without attending a school?
There are many states throughout the country that allow you to get your CDL without attending a school.
They are:
Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming.
If you want to get your CDL in one of the states listed above without attending a school go ahead and surrender your driver’s license from your current state and follow the steps necessary to get your CLP.
After passing the CDL test you will be issued a CDL from that state.
Keep in mind that some states may have different requirements than the ones listed above. Be sure to research the regulations for the state in which you plan on getting your CDL.
So, if you are looking for ways to get your CDL without attending a school, then the options listed in this article are a great place to start.
Just be sure to research the specific requirements of the state in which you plan on getting your CDL and follow the steps necessary to obtain your CLP.
Good luck!
