I'm going to explain how to get your commercial driver's license (CDL)
If you have or know someone that has been thinking about getting a CDL, then this guide will save you from frustration, and more importantly, it will save you time.
Unfortunately… most people will get their hopes up just to be disappointed by missing just one of these simple steps. (Step-4)
DOT Drug Screening
Some people will blindly enroll in CDL School just to be surprised you will have to take a DOT Drug screen & end up failing it. Other reasons.
CDL School Takes (4-6 Weeks)
Don't want to be locked into a contract
Not of age to obtain a CDL
Fails the knowledge test
However, here are some simple steps you can take to be successful in obtaining your CDL.
Step 1. Obtain a Regular Driver's License.
This might sound very cliche but most people actually overlook this and do not realize they need a driver's license, to begin with. Don't overlook this step.
Step 2. Age Requirements
In some states, you can be 18, & in some states, you can be 21. Usually, it's 21. So you're going to have to check with your state to see if it's 18 or 21 before you can apply to get your Commercial Driver's License.
Step 3. Pass the Knowledge Test
The next step is taking the trip down to your local DMV to go ahead and pick up a Commercial Driver's Guide. Once you pick that up, I'll definitely study it from the back page to the page. Don't skip any pages. It's very important that you read it all because most of that stuff is on your test. So go ahead and study.
Oh! Another thing you can do is download some apps from the play store, or apple store to help you study for the knowledge test.
Now that you have been studying for a week, it's time to pass the knowledge test.
Step 4. Once you have a commercial learner's permit, Pick a good CDL school to enroll in
I wouldn't waste any time now that you can enroll in a CDL school or go through company-sponsored CDL training. If you are not familiar with the difference between them here is a video on that.
While your in CDL School at some point you will usually have to go down and do a DOT Drug Screening, so make sure you are good to go because I've seen a lot of people unforntally fail this part.
CDL School in Washington I recommend - Perry Tech
Company Sponsored I recommend - Prime Inc
Step 5. Complete the training requirements then your school will set you up to take an exam.
Once you're done with CDL school, your school will set you up to take an exam for your road skill test, and usually, it's about a week out.
I recommend showing up early so you can go over the pre-trip that you learned in school but of course, that's not required. You may be nervous, don't worry that's normal.
Best of luck! You got this!
And now, congratulations my friend, You now have a Commercial Driver's license.
See you next week.
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