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How to obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL)
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How to obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL)
How to obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL)
A Commercial Driver's License is a license required by any professional driver in transportation industry and it is strictly regulated by the State and Federal regulations of the United States. CDL is required to operate any type of vehicle with a gross weight of 26,001 lb (11,793 kg) or by those who drive a vehicle of 15 passengers or more and carry large amounts of hazardous materials. Commercial Driver License (CDL) is the most universal requirement to become a truck driver.
There are two different types of certification: Interstate Commerce and Intrastate Driving. Then there are three different types of classes of CDL: A, B, and C. The class A license allows to drive all the types of B or C vehicles.
Classes of CDL as per Federal Standards:
Class A -- Any combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
Class B -- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.
Class C -- Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is placarded for hazardous materials.
Step by Step procedure to obtain a CDL
There are many steps to be followed to clear CDL test and obtain your CDL. Following is the list of steps to be followed and kept in mind to obtain your Commercial Driver License:
- You should be at least 21 years of age for interstate driving or 18 years old for intrastate driving before you apply for CDL.
- Along with the required age the applicant must have a valid license. They must apply in a Licensing Services Office and give them their security number for identification purpose.
- Join a commercial driver's license school, which will help you to pass CDL tests. The CDL test is divided in two sections: the General Knowledge Test and the Road Driving Test. The written test is required for the class of vehicle, endorsements and air brake systems. The skill test requires inspection before trip and backing exercises.
- You also have to pass drug tests and medical exams.
Surpassing all these steps, you will successfully pass the CDL exam.
After you get your CDL and are ready to work, there are other requirements/ endorsements that you may be required to pass. This depends on the kind of truck that you are going to drive, or the kind of job you are going to take up. One common requirement is the airbrakes endorsement which is required for drivers who are going to operate a vehicle with airbrakes. If a driver either fails the air brake component of the general knowledge test or performs the skills test in a vehicle not equipped with air brakes, the driver is issued an air brake restriction, restricting the driver from operating a commercial motor vehicle equipped with air brakes.
Conclusion
After receiving the CDL you can start your dream career as a professional truck driver. With the help of a commercial driver license you become more preferred candidate for a job in a trucking company, thus opening doors to a better pay package.
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