How to Obtain CDL License: 5 Simple Steps

Why Getting Your CDL License Opens New Career Opportunities

Learning how to obtain cdl license is the first step toward a stable, well-paying career in the trucking industry. A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) allows you to operate large commercial vehicles and opens doors to local, regional, and over-the-road driving opportunities throughout Oregon and Washington.

Here’s the basic process to get your CDL license:

1. Meet eligibility requirements – Be 18+ years old, hold a US driver’s license for at least one year, and pass a DOT physical
2. Get your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) – Pass written knowledge tests at your state DMV
3. Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) – Finish a 160-hour, 4-week training program from an approved provider
4. Pass the CDL skills test – Demonstrate pre-trip inspection, basic controls, and on-road driving abilities
5. Receive your license – Pay fees and start your new trucking career

The trucking industry offers excellent job security with over 575,000 new CDL positions expected nationwide. Commercial truck driving is one of today’s fastest growing career paths, providing opportunities for people seeking a fresh start in a stable profession.

Most states allow CDL training at age 18, though drivers must be 21+ to operate commercial vehicles across state lines. The process typically takes 4-6 weeks from start to finish when you complete professional training through an FMCSA-approved program.

Your 5-Step Guide on How to Obtain a CDL License

Starting on a career as a professional truck driver is an exciting journey, and obtaining your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is the essential first step. For those looking to operate large commercial vehicles, particularly the tractor-trailer combinations that define the Class A CDL, understanding the meticulous process is crucial. We guide our students through each stage, ensuring they are well-prepared and confident.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility and Medical Fitness

Before beginning your training, you must meet federal and state eligibility requirements. In Oregon and Washington, you must be at least 18 for intrastate driving and 21 for interstate driving. Applicants must also have held a valid US driver’s license for at least one year and have a clean driving record, as serious violations can lead to disqualification.

A critical step is passing a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam. This must be conducted by a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. The exam assesses your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall health to ensure you meet the strict Physical Requirements for CDL Drivers. Upon passing, you’ll receive a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, which is required for your application. Finally, federal regulations mandate that all commercial drivers must be proficient in English to ensure clear communication and safety on the road. Our CDL Training Program Qualifications page details these prerequisites.

Step 2: Obtain Your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

After confirming your eligibility, the next step is to get your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). This permit allows you to practice driving a commercial vehicle on public roads with a qualified CDL holder in the passenger seat.

To get your CLP in Oregon or Washington, you must pass several written knowledge tests at the DMV. For a Class A CDL, these include:

• General Knowledge: Covers safe driving practices, vehicle inspection, and traffic laws.
• Air Brakes: Assesses your understanding of air brake systems.
• Combination Vehicles: Focuses on the unique aspects of driving tractor-trailers.

You will also need to pass a vision test and provide your driver’s license, Social Security number, proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residency, and your Medical Examiner’s Certificate. Federal regulations require you to hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the final CDL skills test, giving you essential practice time. Understanding How the CDL Licensing Process Works is key to a smooth progression.

Step 3: Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

With your CLP, you must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a provider on the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR). This federal mandate ensures all new drivers receive standardized, comprehensive instruction. Elite Truck School is a registered provider offering a 160-hour program completed over four weeks.

Our training is divided into two parts:

• Theory Instruction: In the classroom, you’ll learn about safety regulations, vehicle systems, cargo handling, and trip planning.
• Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) Training: You’ll gain hands-on experience operating a Class A vehicle under instructor supervision. This includes pre-trip inspections, backing maneuvers, and driving on various roads in Oregon and Washington.

Professional training is an investment in your future, providing the skills and confidence needed for a successful career. It’s the best way to prepare for the CDL skills test and the realities of the trucking industry. Explore our ELDT Training Requirements, our CDL Training Curriculum, and the Benefits of Attending Truck Driving School.

Step 4: Pass the Three-Part CDL Skills Test

After successfully completing your ELDT and holding your CLP for the minimum 14-day period, the final hurdle is the three-part CDL skills test. This comprehensive practical examination demonstrates your ability to safely and competently operate a commercial motor vehicle and must be taken in a Class A vehicle.

The CDL skills test consists of three distinct components:

1. Vehicle Inspection (Pre-Trip Inspection): This first part assesses your ability to perform a thorough safety inspection. You will be required to identify and explain key vehicle components to ensure they are safe and functional, as detailed in this CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Guide. This is not just a test; it’s a fundamental safety practice that every professional driver performs daily.

2. Basic Vehicle Controls: This segment evaluates your ability to maneuver the commercial vehicle in a controlled environment. You will be required to demonstrate various backing maneuvers, such as straight-line backing, offset backing, and alley dock backing.

3. On-Road Driving Test: This is the culmination of your practical training, where you demonstrate your driving skills in real-world traffic. An examiner will evaluate your ability to shift gears, execute turns, merge, change lanes, and adhere to all traffic laws and defensive driving techniques.

Thorough preparation through a professional training program significantly boosts your confidence. Our guide on How to Pass the CDL Road Test provides invaluable strategies for this crucial examination.

Step 5: Finalizing Your License and Starting Your Career

Congratulations! After passing the skills test, you’re ready for the final step. Visit your local DMV or DOL office to submit your results, pay the licensing fees, and receive your official Class A Commercial Driver’s License. You’ll typically get a temporary license on the spot, with the permanent card mailed to you.

Your Class A CDL is the most versatile commercial license, opening doors to a wide range of high-demand jobs. Graduates can pursue:

• Local Jobs: Be home every night with daily routes in your area.
• Regional Routes: Drive within a multi-state region with a balance of road time and home time.
• OTR (Over-the-Road) Opportunities: Travel the country on long-haul routes with the highest earning potential.

The demand for qualified drivers in Oregon and Washington ensures excellent job security. Our Class A CDL Training specifically prepares you for these in-demand roles. Our team can also guide you through general avenues for CDL Tuition Assistance to ensure your path to a new career is as smooth as possible.

Your Future on the Open Road

Learning how to obtain cdl license is the first step on an exciting journey into a stable, well-paying career with genuine job security. As the backbone of the U.S. economy, the trucking industry ensures that professional drivers are always in high demand in Oregon, Washington, and nationwide, offering competitive wages and the freedom of the open road.

For over 20 years, Elite Truck School has helped students in the Portland, Salem, and Vancouver, WA areas transform their lives. We offer more than just test preparation; we provide comprehensive training that leads to high job placement rates and includes our unique promise of lifetime support for all our graduates. A Class A CDL opens doors to diverse opportunities, including local jobs with nightly home time, balanced regional routes, and high-earning OTR (Over-the-Road) positions.

Investing in professional CDL training is an investment in a rewarding future. We equip you with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to excel as a safe and responsible commercial driver. If you’re ready to take the wheel of your career, find out Why Enroll in a CDL Training Program? and learn more about our Comprehensive CDL Training. We’re here to support you every mile of the way.