How Long to Get CDL: Complete 2025 Guide for New Truck Drivers

CDL License Timeline, Training Duration, and Testing Explained

Wondering how long to get CDL certified in 2025? Whether you’re aiming for Class A, B, or C, the time it takes depends on your training path, location, and goals. In this guide, we’ll break down the entire CDL license timeline—from permits to testing—so you can start your truck driving career with confidence.

⏱️ How Long Does It Take to Get a CDL?

The time it takes to get a CDL license varies depending on your schedule, training format, and state testing availability. But on average, most drivers earn their CDL within 6 to 12 weeks.

Here’s a quick look at typical timeframes:

• CDL School (Full-Time): 3–6 weeks
• CDL School (Part-Time): 8–12 weeks
• Permit Preparation + Knowledge Test: 1–3 weeks
• Scheduling & Testing Delays: Can add 1–4 weeks depending on your state

If you attend a full-time training program and pass all your exams on the first try, you could be on the road in as little as 30–45 days. However, if you’re balancing work, family, or part-time night classes, the process may take closer to 2–3 months.

🧭 Step-by-Step: How to Get Your CDL in 2025

Getting your CDL license isn’t as simple as signing up and hitting the road. It involves multiple steps that must be completed in order, and missing even one can delay your progress. Below is a clear, step-by-step path to becoming a licensed commercial driver in 2025.

1. Meet the Basic Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old (21+ for interstate driving)
• Have a valid non-commercial driver’s license
• Be able to speak and read English
• Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam

2. Get a DOT Medical Card (Physical)

You’ll need a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner. This confirms you’re physically fit to operate a commercial vehicle and grants you a Medical Examiner’s Certificate — also known as your “DOT medical card.”

3. Study for and Pass the CDL Permit Exam (CLP)

Before you can drive with an instructor or school, you’ll need a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). This means passing written tests on:

• General Knowledge
• Air Brakes (if applicable)
• Combination Vehicles (for Class A CDL)

4. Attend CDL Training (School or Program)

CDL training programs prepare you for the hands-on skills exam. They include both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel experience. Most reputable programs last between 3–7 weeks full-time, or longer if part-time.

5. Take and Pass the Skills Test

The final exam includes three parts:

• Pre-trip Inspection: You must walk around and explain how you’d inspect your vehicle
• Basic Controls: Includes parking, backing, and maneuvering
• On-Road Test: A driving test in real traffic conditions

Once you pass all three, your CDL license will be issued — and your career officially begins.

🎓 CDL Training Options: Private Schools vs. Company-Sponsored Programs

Choosing the right CDL training path is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Your choice affects not just your wallet — but also your freedom, job options, and how quickly you hit the road. There are two main options:

Option 1: Private CDL Training School

These are independent, state-approved training centers that charge tuition for classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. You pay upfront or use financing, but you’re free to work for any carrier once you graduate.

• Tuition: Typically $4,000–$7,000
• Freedom: Choose your own job after graduation
• Financing: Some offer grants, loans, or GI Bill assistance
• Schedule: Often faster-paced with full-time or night/weekend options

Option 2: Paid CDL Training (Company-Sponsored)

Some large carriers offer “free” training in exchange for a signed work contract. You train through their school or partner location, then agree to drive for the company for 6–12 months.

• Low or No Upfront Cost: Usually $0–$2,000
• Obligation: Required to drive for the company post-training
• Job Guarantee: Most grads are hired immediately
• Drawback: Lower starter pay, limited home time, and long-term contracts

🧐 How to Choose the Right CDL School

Not all CDL schools are created equal. Choosing the right one can mean the difference between a solid career start and months of frustration. Here’s what to look for when evaluating commercial driving schools in 2025.

✅ Accreditation & Licensing

Make sure the school is certified by your state’s DMV and follows the FMCSA’s ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) guidelines. If they aren’t on the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry, they can’t legally certify you.

🚛 Equipment Quality & Fleet Size

Ask if you’ll be training in manual or automatic trucks — and how old their equipment is. Real-world training with newer trucks better prepares you for today’s industry.

👩‍🏫 Instructor Experience & Class Size

Look for schools with experienced instructors who offer hands-on, one-on-one guidance. Smaller class sizes mean more time behind the wheel and personalized help.

📈 Job Placement & Partnerships

A great school won’t just teach you to drive — they’ll help you launch your career. Ask about job placement rates, carrier partnerships, and whether they connect students to dispatching services or owner-operator networks like Freight Girlz.

💰 Time & Cost Comparison Between CDL Training Programs

One of the most common questions future drivers ask is: “What’s the cheapest and fastest way to get my CDL?” The answer depends on your goals, financial situation, and whether you prefer flexibility or immediate job placement.

⚠️ Hidden Delays That Can Extend Your CDL Timeline

Many new drivers assume they’ll get their CDL in a month or two — and most do. But hidden delays can throw your timeline off track and cost you time and money. Here are the most common reasons CDL students get stuck in limbo:

• Missed Permit Appointments: DMV backlogs or reschedules can delay written test access
• Failed Knowledge or Skills Tests: Each retake usually requires a waiting period (and retesting fee)
• Medical Card Issues: Missing or outdated DOT physicals prevent testing eligibility
• Background Check Delays: Hazmat endorsements or TWIC cards can delay your certification
• Incomplete ELDT Records: If your school doesn’t upload ELDT completion, the state won’t let you test
• Instructor Shortages or Class Waitlists: Some CDL schools are booked 4–6 weeks out

🌎 State-by-State CDL Processing Times

CDL licensing timelines vary widely by state due to differences in testing availability, DMV backlog, and scheduling systems. Here’s a snapshot of how long it typically takes in several popular states:

These are general averages — the actual time it takes will depend on how prepared you are and how efficient your school is at booking exams.

🚚 How Fast Can You Start Earning After CDL School?

One of the best parts about getting your CDL is how quickly you can start making money. In most cases, new drivers begin earning within 1–3 weeks of passing their road test. But your timeline depends on your job path and paperwork readiness.

If you’re going the owner-operator route, working with a dispatching service like Freight Girlz can help you stay loaded and profitable right from your first week. We help new CDLs navigate paperwork, compliance, and lane strategy to stay on the road — not on hold.

📅 The CDL Timeline — From Day 1 to First Paycheck

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what your CDL journey might look like, from enrollment to getting behind the wheel and collecting that first check. Timeframes may vary slightly by state and school, but this is a reliable guideline to help you plan:

✅ Final Tips to Speed Up Your CDL Process & Avoid Mistakes

Getting your CDL license can be a smooth and quick process — but only if you avoid common bottlenecks and plan ahead. Below are expert tips to help you get on the road faster, safer, and with fewer setbacks.

• Pre-Apply to Jobs: Don’t wait until you graduate. Many carriers will offer conditional hires once you have your permit.
• Use Online Practice Tests: Boost your confidence and cut study time with free CDL prep apps and mock exams.
• Pick the Right School: Choose a reputable, state-certified CDL training provider with a job placement program.
• Budget for Licensing Fees: DMV fees, DOT physical, drug screen, and school tuition can add up — plan for ~$1,500–$5,000 depending on the path.
• Don’t Delay Paperwork: File for TWIC, medical card, and background checks early. Delays here are the #1 reason drivers fall behind.
• Know Your End Goal: Whether you want to be an OTR lease operator or a local company driver, have a plan from Day 1 to guide your choices.

Don’t let confusion, delays, or shady recruiters slow your start. With a clear timeline, quality CDL training, and the right support network, you can earn your Class A in less than 8 weeks — and be on the road to real income and independence.