Everything You Need To Know About a CDL

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the country while earning living, then you’re in luck. A career in trucking has given thousands of people the job of their dreams. When you earn your CDL or commercial driver’s license, you earn more than the legal privilege of driving a big rig. You earn the privilege of driving big on the open road and seeing the country from a whole new perspective.

What is a CDL?

Every commercial truck driver on the road has a CDL or a commercial driver’s license. A CDL allows individuals to operate commercial vehicles in multiple states. To earn your CDL, you must first have all of the qualifications and requirements for a traditional driver’s license.

Each state’s laws differ in regard to a CDL. In Virginia, you may not have both a driver’s license and a CDL. You may have just one license at a time.

What  Do You Need To Obtain a CDL?

To obtain a CDL, you must apply in person at the local DMV customer service center. But before you do this, you must meet the general criteria for holding a CDL.

Have an existing driver’s license
Be 18 years or older to drive in the state
Be 21 years or older to haul hazardous materials or drive across state lines
Have a clean driving record with no suspensions, traffic violations, DUIs, DWIs, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court
Have no criminal record
Have proof of citizenship
Read and speak English
Complete and pass the physical and medical standards and have a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate

You should also complete CDL training to boost your chance of passing the CDL exam. Even if you grew up in a rural area where you’ve been illegally driving a truck for your family farm, you should complete certified CDL training to prepare yourself for the open road and the CDL test.

What Types of Jobs Can You Perform With a CDL?

When you obtain your CDL, you open a door to many job opportunities. Not only can you drive a commercial vehicle, but you also can now be your own boss. You can be a company driver like a class A company driver or an owner-operator of a commercial truck. Here are a few common jobs for individuals with a CDL.

Local truck driver
Long-haul cargo ruck diver
Bus driver
Heavy equipment hauling
Truck driver school instructor
Dispatcher

In most recent years, industries are begging for employees with CDLs. School districts across the nation are offering signing and retention bonuses for bus drivers. Bigger companies are offering thousands of dollars for truck drivers to come work for them.

How Long Does It Take To Get a CDL?

The trucking industry is booming, and as a result, you can fast-track your CDL process if you choose the right schooling. Some trade schools will offer shorter timelines to obtain a CDL compared to a four-year degree. For example, the fast track at one school has students in classes for 168 hours spread across 20 days. They accommodate students by offering both evening and day classes. So, in a matter of a month, you could have your CDL training and license in hand. More in-depth training will take a bit more time, but compared to a traditional school, you will have a job much sooner. In-depth programs require around 600 hours over 20 weeks. Most technical schools and trade schools offer evening classes so you can better yourself as you work during the day. Truck driver programs teach drivers emergency maneuvers and maintenance as well as the rules of the road. When you attend driver training, you’ll find yourself prepared for the CDL tests in the future.

How much does a CDL cost?

CDL tests and training costs vary. In Virginia, a basic CDL fee costs $64.00 and lasts for 8 years. If you want an endorsement, you will have to pay $1.00 per year. CDL training will cost between $3,000 and $8,000 without assistance. However, many schools offer assistance to individuals, especially if their major focus of study requires a CDL. Look for jobs that offer tuition reimbursement or paid CDL training.

How Often Do You Have To Renew Your CDL License?

In Virginia, you must renew your CDL every eight years. Your license will expire on your birthday on the eighth year of its validity. In your process of obtaining a CDL, you can obtain a CLP or commercial learner’s permit. This lasts one year, and you may not renew it. If you’re on the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry, you can still obtain a CDL, but you cannot get one with an “S” endorsement during any time that you have to register with the Registry. You also may not get a “P” endorsement it comes with a restriction code that prohibits the driver from transporting minors.

If you live in another country but have the authorization to be in the United States temporarily, you may carry a “non-domiciled CDL.” This license is valid only during the time that you’re legally in the United States. Your CDL will expire the same day that your documentation for legal residency expires. If your documents do not have a stated expiration date, then it will expire one year after you obtain it.

Can You Have Your CDL Revoked or Suspended?

Before you lay down the cash for your driver training, make sure you’re qualified to have a CDL. Once you obtain your CDL, make sure you follow the laws that could easily cause you to lose your license. To obtain this license and a truck driving job, you must have these things:

A clean criminal record
A clean driving record
A healthy medical record
A clean drug/alcohol history
A recent and verifiable work history

Put yourself in the trucking company’s shoes. They do not know you, and if you’ve had a DUI, how do they know you won’t do that again but behind the wheel of their vehicle? You’re now a liability and not an asset.

Driving History

You must have a relatively clean driving record. This means you need a clean three-year motor vehicle record with no careless driving, speeding tickets, accidents, or suspensions.

With that said, some companies exercise more leniency than others. After all, our world needs truck drivers. Some companies may ask you to apply again once time has passed and you have a cleaner record.

Criminal,  Drug, and Alcohol Background

Your criminal record and drug and alcohol record will automatically disqualify you from obtaining a commercial truck driving job. These records indicate your character, integrity, and discipline. If you have theft on your record, the company cannot trust you o drive their big, expensive equipment. DUIs and DWIs are both liabilities for trucking companies. Furthermore, a driver with a DUI on their record will cost trucking companies hundreds of dollars more in insurance fees. If you’ve never had a DUI or DWI but do take drugs, be aware that trucking companies will test you at random. Even if you’re taking a legal substance, if the drug shows up on a drug test, you could lose your job. Learn your company’s policies about over-the-counter and prescription drugs. If you fail a drug test, the company may give you a second chance by having you attend mandatory drug rehab classes.

Medical Record

Truck driving companies will ask you about your medical history. Companies will want to see 30 days of stability regarding conditions like sleep apnea and blood pressure. The Department of Transportation requires all drivers with a CDL to complete a physical annually. The company you want to drive for may have even stricter requirements. Many companies now ban psychotropic medications, so ask about policies if you’re on anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications. Most companies will give you a list of their banned medications. This way you can go home and switch medications if necessary. Then you can return 30 days later once you’ve been on your new medications and are stable.

What Other Certifications Help When Obtaining a CDL License?

CDL

If you have just a CDL, you can obtain a trucking job. However, a few other certifications will help you land a job sooner. They will also make you a more educated driver overall. In addition to your CDL, look into certifications such as the OSHA Safety Certificate, Amusement Operators Safety Certification, and Defensive Driver Instructor Certification. It’s always good to have a basic first aid course and CPR certification under your belt as well.

Study Hard, Drive Safely, Earn Money

Your dream of driving a big truck is right around the corner. To obtain your CDL, you need to study hard and take the right training. Then you’ll pass your CDL test with ease and find yourself on the open road, seeing the country, and earning a living. You’ll be making a meaningful contribution as well, hauling goods from one place to another. Are you looking for a place where you can use your CDL and earn a fantastic living? Contact us. Join our team of highly trained, reliable individuals today.