Steady, local, home-every-night work driving, operating and fixing the trucks that build and maintain the country. Here is how to get your CDL, find training and choose a path.
Career paths
You don’t need a four-year degree for most of these jobs. Pay is the U.S. median from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025; septic and sewer is 2025 BLS data via O*NET).
See the jobs and credentials for each trade in the industry guides.
How to get a CDL
Federal rules set the basics, and your state DMV runs the tests. Check your state’s CDL manual and fees before you start.
Paying for training
Many new drivers and technicians pay little or nothing out of pocket. Ask about these before you enroll.
Military skills test waiver: FMCSA has extended the window for qualifying service members to two years after leaving a military driving job, through October 29, 2026 unless FMCSA renews it; the normal rule is one year, and states choose whether to adopt the waiver (FMCSA). Apprenticeships: Apprenticeship.gov.
Find training
Search by program and location. Before you enroll in CDL training, confirm the school is listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry.
Vocational driving, operator and technician jobs across every vocational industry. Get an email when it opens.
Private CDL schools typically take about three to six weeks. Community college programs can take several months. You must hold your learner’s permit for at least 14 days before the skills test.
Tuition typically runs about $4,000 to $10,000 for Class A and $2,000 to $6,000 for Class B, plus permit, medical exam and testing fees. Many employers, state workforce programs and veterans’ benefits can help pay.
Yes, in most states you can drive commercially within your state at 18. You must be 21 to drive across state lines.
Not for every job. Diesel technicians, equipment operators and many service roles don’t require one, though a CDL helps you move trucks and opens more jobs.
Steady, local, home-every-night work driving, operating and fixing the trucks that build and maintain the country. Here is how to get your CDL, find training and choose a path.
Career paths
You don’t need a four-year degree for most of these jobs. Pay is the U.S. median from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025; septic and sewer is 2025 BLS data via O*NET).
See the jobs and credentials for each trade in the industry guides.
How to get a CDL
Federal rules set the basics, and your state DMV runs the tests. Check your state’s CDL manual and fees before you start.
Paying for training
Many new drivers and technicians pay little or nothing out of pocket. Ask about these before you enroll.
Military skills test waiver: FMCSA has extended the window for qualifying service members to two years after leaving a military driving job, through October 29, 2026 unless FMCSA renews it; the normal rule is one year, and states choose whether to adopt the waiver (FMCSA). Apprenticeships: Apprenticeship.gov.
Find training
Search by program and location. Before you enroll in CDL training, confirm the school is listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry.
Vocational driving, operator and technician jobs across every vocational industry. Get an email when it opens.
Private CDL schools typically take about three to six weeks. Community college programs can take several months. You must hold your learner’s permit for at least 14 days before the skills test.
Tuition typically runs about $4,000 to $10,000 for Class A and $2,000 to $6,000 for Class B, plus permit, medical exam and testing fees. Many employers, state workforce programs and veterans’ benefits can help pay.
Yes, in most states you can drive commercially within your state at 18. You must be 21 to drive across state lines.
Not for every job. Diesel technicians, equipment operators and many service roles don’t require one, though a CDL helps you move trucks and opens more jobs.