Last Updated September 16, 2025
Each year, tens of thousands of aspiring truck drivers apply for a CDL.
With so many new drivers, it’s common to wonder how long the process takes. From driving school to paperwork, there’s a healthy amount of work that goes into the CDL application process.
How long it takes depends on the amount of time you can dedicate to coursework and testing, as well as factors out of your control, like administrative red tape.
However, many controllable factors play into how long it takes to get your CDL. In this guide, you’ll learn about CDL requirements, the average length of training and testing, and other aspects of the process that could affect your timeline.
Key Takeaways
-
Earning a CDL can take as little as four weeks with full-time training, but part-time programs, endorsements, and testing delays can stretch the process to several months.
-
Training typically includes 160 hours split between classroom instruction and road practice, with Class A programs generally taking longer than Class B.
-
Applying for additional endorsements (like hazmat or passenger) can increase the amount of time it takes to get a CDL.
-
Your performance in school and how quickly you can schedule the driving test are key factors that can determine the exact timeline.
What Is Required to Get a CDL?
Before enrolling in a CDL school, it’s important to know what’s required to get your CDL. Knowing the process will help you estimate a timeline for your situation.
To drive within your own state, you must be at least 18 years old, while interstate driving is reserved for those over 21. You also need to complete several requirements to get a CDL, such as:
- Providing proof of citizenship
- Being able to speak and read fluently in English
- Having a valid non-commercial driver’s license
- Passing a background check and drug test, which are also required to get trucking authority
- Passing a DOT medical exam and vision exam
- Completing an FMCSA-approved training course, which is required for getting your driver qualification file (DQF)
- Passing a written exam and a road test
- Paying required fees
Make sure you have these things before pursuing a CDL training program. Eliminating any roadblocks ahead of time can help you save time in school.
How Long Does CDL Training Take?
FMCSA requires every aspiring truck driver to attend a qualified training program. If you want to be a company driver, your new employer will likely provide and pay for this. If you’re starting your own business, add it to your list of owner-operator expenses.
In terms of how long CDL training takes, it depends on the program. Full-time schools offer three- or four-week accelerated programs. But if you need to work while earning your CDL, you can take a part-time class that will take about six months.
Regardless of the program you take, you can expect:
- 40 hours of classroom instruction
- 120 hours of practical road training
All in all, most qualified programs take 160 hours.
Keep in mind that additional endorsements, like hazmat or passenger travel, will require more training. These add-ons usually require an additional week of classroom training, plus a written test.
How Long Does a CDL Driving Test Take?
While the written test takes only an hour or two, the CDL driving test lasts 90 minutes to two hours. You’ll need to show proficiency in several areas, including:
- The pre-trip inspection
- Basic control skills, like backing up or turning within tight spaces
- The on-road portion where you’ll drive in traffic
If you’re wondering how long the CDL test takes, keep in mind that scheduling plays a role in how quickly you can finish. Some states have long wait times for testing appointments, which can add days or weeks to your timeline. But once you’ve passed, you’re one step closer to being fully licensed.
Factors That Can Change How Long It Takes to Get a CDL
If you pursue your CDL full-time, you can get licensed in less than a month. However, there are many factors that affect your timeline. Understand these factors before planning your future as a trucker, since you need a CDL for everything from filing business paperwork to purchasing a truck.
Type of CDL License
You’ll need to select the proper class to drive certain vehicles, which affects how long it takes to get a CDL.
A Class A license typically takes longer because the training is more extensive, but it allows you to operate larger vehicles and combinations like tractor-trailers. Class B programs are generally shorter, since they cover single vehicles like buses or straight trucks.
It might be tempting to go with Class B if you’re in a hurry, but ensure that this matches your career goals. While Class B is generally faster, pursuing a Class A license allows you to drive a wider variety of vehicles without going back to school.
Type of Training
How long CDL school takes depends entirely on the program you choose.
A full-time program lasts anywhere from three to six weeks, while part-time courses on weekends or evenings can last six months or more. Part-time courses take longer, but they allow you to work a full-time job in addition to class.
If you plan on being a company driver, some businesses offer accelerated bootcamp-style CDL courses. These programs are demanding, but they can get you licensed in less than three weeks in some cases.
Additional Training for Special Permits or Endorsements
Opting to get your hazmat or passenger endorsements can open up more career opportunities, but these add-ons take time. Because hazardous materials carry higher risks, you’ll need extra classroom hours, a separate written exam, and a security threat assessment from the TSA. Similarly, adding endorsements like passenger, school bus, or tanker may mean additional training days and testing.
Still, most of these programs only take a week of additional classroom training and a written test. These extras don’t drastically change how long it takes to get a CDL overall, but they do extend the timeline slightly, depending on the availability of classes and testing in your state.
How Quickly You Can Schedule a CDL Driving Test
Even if you’ve finished school, the waiting period for your exam can affect how long it takes to obtain a CDL. Depending on demand in your state, scheduling delays can stretch the timeline.
You must hold a commercial learner’s permit for at least 14 days before applying for your driving test. Most CDL tests allow you to schedule your test within a 48-hour window of becoming eligible. If your local DMV has open slots right away, you could be fully tested within two to seven days of finishing training.
But in busier regions, test appointments may be backed up for weeks, adding time before you can officially get certified. In some cases, you may have to wait two weeks to 30 days before your test.
If you have to wait a while to take your test, make sure to keep the information as fresh as possible. Take practice drives when you can and familiarize yourself with the basics of operating a truck. Failing this test will require waiting even longer, so prepare accordingly.
Your Performance in CDL School
How you perform in school and training will also affect how long it takes to get your CDL. If you pick up concepts quickly and pass each assessment on the first try, you’ll move through faster. But if you need extra time to master backing maneuvers or retake exams, your timeline will stretch. This applies whether you’re in Class A or Class B training.
Just like any class or program, the better prepared you are, the quicker you’ll reach testing day and earn your license in less time. If possible, consider buying additional exam prep and testing materials to help you absorb important concepts more quickly. This is especially helpful if you want to make progress while waiting to start driving school.
Whether You’re Becoming an Interstate or Intrastate Driver
Whether you plan to get interstate or intrastate authority can also influence how long it takes to get a CDL. In some states, intrastate drivers may not need a CDL at all, depending on the type and weight of the vehicle. In others, the requirements are the same as for interstate drivers, meaning you’ll still need to go through school and testing.
This factor depends heavily on local laws, but if you only plan to drive within your state, you may be able to skip applying for a CDL. However, if you plan to drive interstate routes, you must follow federal standards and obtain a valid CDL.
In-Summary: How Long Does It Take to Get a CDL?
Most new drivers can expect to receive their CDL in anywhere from three to eight weeks, though in rare cases it can take up to three months.
The exact timeline depends on factors like whether you’re pursuing Class A or B, how long CDL training takes at your school, and how quickly you can schedule exams. Background checks and endorsements, such as hazmat, may also add time.
Ultimately, the CDL timeline is flexible. With full-time training and quick scheduling, you could be on the road in a month. With part-time classes, additional endorsements, or testing delays, the process may take six months or more. Consider the factors in this guide to manage your expectations and plan your schedule around school. The better prepared you are, the faster you’ll be able to obtain your CDL and finally hit the road.
Michael McCareins is the Content Marketing Associate at altLINE, where he is dedicated to creating and managing optimal content for readers. Following a brief career in media relations, Michael has discovered a passion for content marketing through developing unique, informative content to help audiences better understand ideas and topics such as invoice factoring and A/R financing.
