Truck driver: CLP, entry-level driver training, then the CDL skills test
Most drivers have a high school diploma and attend a professional truck driving school of 3 to 6 months. Every long-haul driver needs a commercial driver's license (CDL): a learner's permit first, then federal entry-level driver training with a registered provider, then the state skills test.
For: Independent, patient drivers who are fine with long hours on the road and time away from home.
Route 1: Truck driving school → CLP → ELDT → CDL Typical
Private truck-driving schools and community college programs teach how to maneuver large vehicles and the federal rules for interstate trucking.
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Start here
High school diploma or equivalent
Most companies require one.
GED or HiSETBLS
Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Certificate
Commercial learner's permit (CLP)
Pass the general knowledge test; your driving record for the last 10 years is checked, and most commercial driving needs a DOT medical card. The CLP lets you practice on public roads with a CDL holder beside you.
FMCSA
How do I get a Commercial Driver's License?U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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3–6 months
Truck driving school + entry-level driver training
First-time Class A or Class B applicants must train with a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry (rule in force since 7 February 2022).
FMCSA
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Exam gate
CDL skills test
You must hold the CLP for 14 days. Three parts: vehicle inspection, basic controls and road test.
FMCSA
How do I get a Commercial Driver's License?U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Certificate
Commercial driver's license
FMCSA does not issue CDLs; your state does.
FMCSA
How do I get a Commercial Driver's License?U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Several weeks
On the job with a mentor driver
BLS
Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Goal
Heavy or tractor-trailer truck driver
BLS
Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Interstate age
- A driver of a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce must be at least 21 (49 CFR 391.11); the CLP itself needs age 18.
eCFR
49 CFR 391.11: General qualifications of driverseCFR (National Archives) · FMCSA rule- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- CLP validity
- No more than one year from first issue without retaking the knowledge tests.
eCFR
49 CFR 383.25: Commercial learner's permit (CLP)eCFR (National Archives) · FMCSA rule- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Health and record
- A physical exam every two years, a clean driving record and random drug and alcohol tests.
BLS
Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Route 2: Registered Apprenticeship Earn while you learn
Some carriers run DOL-registered apprenticeships; the CDL steps above still apply.
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Start here
High school diploma or equivalent
GED or HiSETBLS
Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Find a program
A Registered Apprenticeship
Validated by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency.
USDOL
What is a Registered Apprenticeship Program?U.S. Department of Labor (Apprenticeship.gov)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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2,000 hours
Truck Driver, Heavy (RAPIDS 0980)
Time-based minimum term: 2,000 hours.
USDOL
Approved occupations for Registered Apprenticeship (spreadsheet: RAPIDS code, type, minimum term)U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship (Apprenticeship.gov)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Linked from apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-occupations. Term lengths are hours of on-the-job learning; time-based programs list one figure, hybrid programs a range.
View source -
Goal
CDL truck driver
BLS
Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
National certifications and federal rules
Federal rules apply in every state; voluntary certifications are ones employers may ask for. State rules are in the matrix below.
- Hazardous materials endorsement (H)
State CDL agency - Needed to haul hazardous materials: an extra knowledge test and a background check; first-time applicants also complete entry-level training for it.
BLS
Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsements
State CDL agency - First-time applicants complete the endorsement's entry-level training with a registered provider.
eCFR
49 CFR 380.609: General entry-level driver training requirementseCFR (National Archives) · FMCSA rule- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
State rules
Each state issues its own CDL and has its own CDL manual and processes; some states add training rules on top of the federal ones. Start with your state's CDL manual. FMCSA
View source
Where to go next
Every trade on one matrix: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and the tools of the trade.