How long does it take to become a CDL driver?

It takes around seven weeks to become a CDL driver. The length of time it takes to get your CDL relies on a handful of factors. It can take as little as three weeks or upwards of 6 months. Many factors, including the type of license (class A vs. class B) and the type of program, determine how long it can take to get your CDL.

How much does it cost to become a CDL driver?

The cost to become a CDL driver ranges from $425 to $5,000 depending on the qualification, with a median cost of $3,500. There are several company-sponsored CDL training programs in the industry. Each program is different, so be sure to ask for details on the overall cost and pay for the program.

Is it easy to become a truck driver?

Yes, it is easy to become a truck driver. You can become a truck driver in as little as three weeks, but most programs take around seven weeks to complete. The process to become a truck driver can be done in 3 steps.

Is it hard to be a CDL driver?

Yes, it is hard to be a CDL driver. While becoming a CDL driver is not hard, working as a CDL driver can be. Many CDL drivers must work long hours, spend lots of time away from home, and remain seated for most of their workday.

What are CDL truck drivers?

CDL truck drivers are truckers that have a commercial driver's license (CDL). CDL trucks require special licenses for operation because of their bulk. Drivers must not only be able to maneuver these trucks for miles at a time, often in heavy traffic, but they must also be alert and follow all roadway safety regulations. They are responsible for such duties as loading and unloading heavy cargo, tracking their mileage, fuel, toll expenses, ensuring delivery, and maintaining their trucks.

How To Become A CDL Driver: What It Is and Career Path

What is a cdl driver and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A CDL driver is a person who holds a commercial driver's license. They operate large vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, buses, and delivery trucks. CDL drivers transport goods and passengers, following traffic laws and safety regulations. They inspect their vehicles before and after trips, maintain accurate records of their driving, and communicate with dispatchers and customers. CDL drivers require driving skills and an understanding of traffic laws and regulations.

ScoreCDL DriverUS Average

Salary

4.9

Avg. Salary $63,112

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

7.3

Growth Rate 4%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.77%

Asian 3.37%

Black or African American 12.69%

Hispanic or Latino 20.46%

Unknown 4.54%

White 58.18%

Gender

female 7.25%

male 92.75%

Age - 49

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 49

Stress Level

7.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

4.6

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

1.4

Work Life balance is very poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a CDL Driver?

Pros

Good pay and benefits
High demand for drivers, leading to job security
Variety of driving jobs available
Potential for advancement to management positions
Ability to work outdoors and enjoy the scenery while driving

Cons

Long hours and time away from home
High stress levels due to traffic, weather conditions, and tight deadlines
Sedentary lifestyle and health risks associated with sitting for long periods of time
High turnover rates in some companies due to poor working conditions or low pay
Exposure to hazardous materials or dangerous driving conditions

Key steps to become a cdl driver

Explore cdl driver education requirements

Most common cdl driver degrees

High School Diploma

38.0 %

Associate

17.6 %

Certificate

14.9 %

Start to develop specific cdl driver skills

Skills	Percentages
DOT	16.90%
CDL-A	13.40%
Customer Service	13.15%
OTR	6.78%
PET	6.72%

Complete relevant cdl driver training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New cdl drivers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a cdl driver based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real cdl driver resumes.

Obtain the necessary licensing

Becoming a licensed cdl driver usually doesn't require a college degree. However, you need to pass an exam to become a licensed cdl driver in most of states. 13 states require cdl drivers to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.

State	Education	Exam	License Url
Arkansas	Specific course required	State exam required	Commercial Driver (Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver)
California	-	State exam required	Commercial Driver License
Idaho	-	State exam required	Commercial Drivers
Massachusetts	-	State exam required	COMMERCIAL DRIVERS
Missouri	-	State exam required	Truck Drivers, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer

Gain additional cdl driver certifications

Cdl driver certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific cdl driver certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for cdl drivers include Commercial Driver License (CDL) and OSHA Safety Certificate .

More About Certifications

Research cdl driver duties and responsibilities

Complete proper amount of OTR hours and training including school training to become CDL-A certify.
clean the delta airline of the meals, food, drinks for the next flight.
Pick up and deliver all kids of freight
Dedicate route driver for pet supplies company.

Prepare your cdl driver resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your cdl driver resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a cdl driver resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable CDL Driver Resume templates

Build a professional CDL Driver resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your CDL Driver resume.

Apply for cdl driver jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a cdl driver job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do cdl drivers rate their job?

5/5

Based On 2 Ratings

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

CDL Driver reviews

5.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2022

Pros

Seeing different areas and being left alone. Meeting new people along the way.

Cons

Rough roads people that are texting while I'm driving down the road. At least 5 out of 10 drivers are texting.

A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2022

Pros

Experience 8 year GCC county almost work driving responsibility passenger drop location and food delivery timing driving delivery I am work hope

Cons

Cinema

A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2021

Pros

I always want to be a good behaviour and transparency

Cons

I don't like laziness or bad behaviour or any controversy

What is a cdl driver and how to become one

What are the pros and cons of being a CDL Driver?

CDL Driver career paths

Key steps to become a cdl driver

Explore cdl driver education requirements

Most common cdl driver degrees

Start to develop specific cdl driver skills

Complete relevant cdl driver training and internships

Obtain the necessary licensing

Gain additional cdl driver certifications

Research cdl driver duties and responsibilities

Prepare your cdl driver resume

Choose From 10+ Customizable CDL Driver Resume templates

Apply for cdl driver jobs

How Did You Land Your First CDL Driver Job

Average cdl driver salary

How do cdl drivers rate their job?

CDL Driver reviews

CDL Driver FAQs

How long does it take to become a CDL driver?

How much does it cost to become a CDL driver?

Is it easy to become a truck driver?

Is it hard to be a CDL driver?

What are CDL truck drivers?

Search for cdl driver jobs

CDL Driver jobs by state