How to Get Your CDL Faster: Tips for Getting a License Quickly in 2022
A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is the license needed to drive commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) such as trucks, trailers, and flatbeds in the US. How fast you can get your CDL depends on various factors, such as your driving skills with commercial vehicles, the type of commercial vehicle, and how much driver training you need.
Here’s a quick rundown of all the information you’ll need to know about getting a CDL and a few tips that can make the process faster for you.
Steps Required to Get a CDL License in 2022
Before we take a look at how to get your CDL fast, here’s a quick rundown of the steps required to get your CDL:
Submit your state’s CDL Application and pay the application fee
Provide proof of identification
Provide evidence of US residency and state
Complete and submit your Medical Examination Report Form and Medical Examiner’s Certificate Form
Pass your knowledge exam
After passing this exam, you will receive a Commercial Learner’s Permit.
6. Whenever you’re ready, schedule your CDL road skills examination
Initially, you’d need to wait for 14 days before applying for the CDL road skills exam. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has since wavered the wait time in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
7. Pass your pre-trip inspection exam
8. Pass your road skills and driving exam
9. After passing, pay the necessary fees to get your CDL
You need to be 21 years or older to apply or 18 years and older if you’ll only be driving within certain states.
Tip 1: Get your military waiver
Are you a military veteran with experience driving military trucks or buses? If so, you may be eligible for waivers on various tests required, depending on your state. Some tests that you may waive include CDL General Knowledge and passenger, Tanker, or Hazmat endorsements. However, all forms can allow you to waive your driving test.
You’ll have to prove the relevant military experience to get the waiver.
Tip 2: If you’ve got the driving skills already, there is no need to go through CDL School
While some companies require driving practice hours, you don’t need to go through school to get your CDL. You can save yourself the expense and the time if you already know how to drive a large vehicle by applying to take the CLP and road skills exams directly.
Tip 3: Looking for a CDL School? Choose the right one.
If you’re like most who are looking for commercial driving licenses, you’re most likely to go through a CDL school. Depending on your preference, you can either attend a private school or one of the schools run by major trucking companies. To save yourself time down on the road, find out precisely what the CDL school covers in the training fees and training. While some schools include these costs, you may need to have more money for these:
CLP permit costs
Driving test fees and any endorsement-specific costs
Medical tests
Books and road maps
Being adequately prepared to pay for the training and any extras saves you from waiting to get enough funds to complete the course.
Tip 4: Get your medicals sorted out before you begin
Covid-19 has changed a lot over the last two years. You should check your local area for more information on vaccination and testing. Professional commercial vehicle drivers have to undergo a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical test to ensure that they can handle the rigorous demands of the job. It’s a good idea to have a picture of your health before beginning the program, especially if you’ll be going to a CDL school. To prepare for the test:
Have your eyes checked and your prescriptions up to date
If you take medication, ensure that they’re up to date and you take them as prescribed
Avoid heavy drinking and misuse of substances
Exercise and manage your weight
Most conditions that can disqualify you from taking the test, such as diabetes mellitus, very high blood pressure, and heart diseases, can be managed. Have all your medical records on hand to avoid delays when taking the test.
At the end of the process, you’ll have to submit the duly filled Medical Examination Report Form (MCSA-5875) and the Medical Examiner’s Certificate Form (MCSA-5876) to continue.
Tip 5: Plenty of study and practice
It’s essential to take some time to research and understand the material well before taking the tests so that you won’t have to retake them. While you may feel compelled to rush through and take the tests, you may end up spending more time if you have to do the test again.
Ask your instructor plenty of questions during the process and get as much time as you can behind the wheel before taking the test.
There are plenty of free CDL practice tests as well as your state’s CDL manual (available for free on your state’s DMV page) that you can study beforehand to give you confidence before the exams.
Tip 6: Ensure your documents are in order
To avoid any problems during the process, ensure you have all the required documents to submit your application. It is best to check your state’s DMV before applying to know what documents are accepted. Alongside your state’s CDL application, you’ll need to provide proof of:
Your identity
Some of the standard documents most states accept will include; a US birth certificate, a valid US passport, valid military ID, and permanent residency ID.
Your social security number
Most states accept a social security card, a current ID from any US Armed Forces, or a Medicare ID card.
Your residency
While submitting your application, ensure that your documents are up-to-date and accepted by your state to avoid delays.
Conclusion
Getting a CDL isn’t an easy process - there will be a lot that you have to go through and complete before getting it. However, if you’re committed to the training and have all the required documentation, the process should be smooth and easy. you got this!
