How to Get a CDL
What Future Truck Drivers Need to Know
If you’ve ever thought about a career in trucking, now is a great time to make that move. The industry is in high demand for trained, licensed drivers, and the path to getting started is more straightforward than you might think. Earning your Commercial Driver’s License, commonly known as a CDL, is your main goal.
In this guide, we’ll explain what a CDL is, who needs one, how to get a CDL, and how TransTech, a trusted CDL training provider in the Southeast, can help you launch your career with confidence.
What Is a CDL and Who Needs One?
A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a special license required to operate large or specialized vehicles for commercial use. Unlike a standard driver’s license, a CDL equips you to drive heavy-duty trucks, buses, and other vehicles that carry passengers or cargo across state lines.
- There are two main classes of CDLs, based on vehicle size and use:
- Class A CDL: This license allows you to drive vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, with a towed unit weighing more than 10,000 pounds. It covers tractor-trailers, flatbeds, and tankers.
- Class B CDL: For operating a single vehicle over 26,001 pounds or towing a unit under 10,000 pounds. This includes box trucks, dump trucks, and school buses.
If you want to drive commercially for a living, especially across state lines, you’ll need a CDL. It’s a federal requirement aimed at ensuring safety on the roads and confirming a driver’s ability to handle heavy or hazardous vehicles responsibly.
CDL Requirements in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina
CDL requirements follow federal guidelines, but each state has its own specific rules and processes. If you’re located in Georgia, North Carolina, or South Carolina, here’s what you need to know about how to get a CDL:
Basic Requirements For a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL):
- Be at least 18 years old to drive within your state (intrastate) and 21 years old for interstate or hazardous materials driving.
- Hold a valid driver’s license.
- Prove U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency.
- Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam and obtain a medical examiner’s certificate.
- Have a clean driving record and pass a background check.
State-Specific Differences:
- Georgia: Requires you to apply for your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) before enrolling in a skills test. You’ll need to show proof of residency and pass a series of written exams.
- North Carolina: Mandates entry-level driver training (ELDT) through an FMCSA-approved provider like TransTech before you can take the skills test.
- South Carolina: Similar to NC but may have different documentation requirements depending on your residency and vehicle class.
Understanding your state’s cdl requirements is crucial. TransTech provides support tailored to your location, so you won’t miss a step.
Steps to Get Your CDL
Getting a CDL is a process, but it’s a manageable one, especially with the right training program. Here’s a breakdown of how to get a CDL:
Step 1: Choose Your CDL Class
Think about your long-term career goals. Class A CDLs offer the most job flexibility and higher earning potential, as they allow you to drive a wide range of commercial vehicles. Many new drivers start with Class A for this reason.
Step 2: Get Your CDL Permit
Before you can get behind the wheel, you’ll need a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). This permit allows you to practice driving a commercial vehicle under the supervision of a licensed CDL holder.
To get your CLP:
- Study your state’s CDL manual (TransTech provides helpful prep materials).
- Pass knowledge tests covering general trucking knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles.
- Provide a valid DOT physical exam and medical certificate.
Step 3: Enroll in a CDL Training Program
Professional CDL training significantly improves your chances of passing the CDL skills test and being job-ready from day one.
At TransTech, we offer:
- Hands-on training with real commercial vehicles.
- Classroom instruction led by experienced instructors with trucking industry backgrounds.
- Flexible full-time and part-time programs that fit your schedule.
Our programs are designed to meet FMCSA training requirements and prepare you for real-road challenges, not just test day.
Step 4: Pass the CDL Skills Test
Once your training is complete, you’ll take the three-part skills test:
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- Pre-trip inspection: Prove your knowledge of vehicle systems and safety protocols.
- Basic vehicle controls: Demonstrate your ability to maneuver through cones, backing exercises, and tight turns.
- On-road driving test: Navigate public roads and show shifting, turning, and defensive driving techniques.
In North Carolina, TransTech is a certified third-party testing site for the CDL skills test. We ensure you’re fully prepared for each section through repetition, coaching, and practice.
After You Get Your CDL?
Earning your CDL is a major milestone, but it’s also just the beginning of your career journey. After meeting all CDL requirements, you’ll be eligible for a variety of entry-level trucking jobs in industries like logistics, construction, waste management, and food distribution.
What Happens Next?
- Job Placement Assistance: TransTech partners with leading carriers and local employers to help place graduates in jobs quickly.
- Ongoing Support: From resume help to interview prep, our job placement team is here to guide you even after graduation.
- Add Endorsements: Want to drive tankers or haul hazardous materials? You can study and test for additional CDL endorsements such as:
- Tanker (N)
- Hazmat (H)
- Doubles/Triples (T)
- Passenger (P)
These endorsements open even more doors and can boost your pay.
Why Choose TransTech?
At TransTech, we don’t just teach you how to pass a test, we train you to succeed in a competitive industry. Students benefit from experienced instructors who are former truck drivers and understand the industry from the inside out. Training is carried out using a modern fleet of trucks and trailers, providing hands-on experience that mirrors real-world job conditions. Our campuses offer safe, controlled environments where students can learn with confidence.
TransTech’s proven success is reflected in our high pass rates, satisfied graduates, and strong partnerships with employers. With multiple locations across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, there’s a conveniently located TransTech campus ready to support your journey into the trucking industry.
Take the First Step Toward Your Trucking Career
Getting your CDL is a big step, but with the right support, it’s more than achievable. Whether you’re switching careers, starting fresh, or looking to improve your earning potential, TransTech can help you get there.
Reach out today and speak with one of our advisors. They’ll walk you through program options, start dates, and tuition assistance options. Your new career could be just weeks away.