Getting Your Learner's Permit

• 1). Schedule a DOT physical exam with your family doctor. If you are deemed healthy enough to operate a commercial vehicle, the doctor will give you a copy of the Medical Examiner's Certificate, also known as the Federal Medical Certificate, or Fed Med Card.
  
  
• 2). Bring your Medical Examiner's Certificate and driver's license to the local vehicle-licensing agency's office. To find the office nearest you, see the Resources section.
  
  
• 3). Fill out the CDL learner's-permit application and return it to a cashier at the DMV, along with your Medical Examiner's Certificate, a valid driver's license and the posted application fee. Complete a brief written exam at the office to receive your permit. See Resources for a state-by-state collection of CDL manuals to study.
  
  
• 4). Practice operating a semi-trailer truck and performing the pre-trip vehicle inspection. If you don't have access to a semi-trailer truck, consider enrolling in a CDL training course at a local community college.
  
  

Getting Your CDL-A

• 1). Drive a truck (including semi-trailer) to your local vehicle-licensing agency office.
  
  
• 2). Fill out the CDL application form, making sure to check "A" under "License Class." Check all the endorsements (e.g. Doubles/Triples, Hazardous, Tanker, Combination and Air Brakes) you want to add to your license. Return the completed application to the cashier, along with your CDL Learner's Permit, a valid driver's license, your Medical Examiner's Certificate and the posted testing and registration fees.
  
  
• 3). Take and pass the General Knowledge written examination and the written exams for any endorsements you selected.
  
  
• 4). Take the skills test with the official license examiner. You will be required to perform the pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic vehicle-control demonstration while the truck is parked and an on-road exercise.
  
  
• 5). Get your picture taken, sign your license, and you are now licensed to operate a semi-trailer truck.