Frequently Asked Questions

Obtaining Your CDL Made Easy – Answers to All Your Questions

What is a CDL?

A commercial driver license or “CDL” is a license that allows you to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). A CMV is a motor vehicle to transport passengers (16 or more including the driver) or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more or combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, unit with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more.

What are the requirements to get a CDL?

You need to hold a regular “Class D” driver license from any state or country for a minimum of one (1) year.

You must be at least 18 years of age. You are considered a minor until age 21.

You need a Department of Transportation Medical Certificate – MCSA-5876 (DOT card  ).

Complete the Utah self-certification form when you apply for the CDL.

Complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) for the appropriate class and/or endorsement(s). For information about the ELDT and contact a training provider, you will need to go to the Training Provider Registry (TPR) website. As a registered training facility, CDL Solutions is available to help answer any questions!

Class A vs Class B CDL

What's the difference between a 'Class A' and a 'Class B' CDL?

Class A

A Class A CDL allows you to drive trucks and trailers with a maximum gross weight of 80,000 pounds

A Class A CDL requires more classroom instruction, driving experience, and a more comprehensive skills test than a Class B CDL

The average annual salary for drivers with a Class A CDL is $103,742

Class B

A class B CDL allows you to drive a truck or truck/trailer with a maximum gross weight of up to 26,000 pounds, and also allows you to tow another vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating that does not exceed 10,000 pounds.

The average annual salary for a driver with a Class B CDL is $67,671,

Whichever class of driver's license is right for you, CDL Solutions can help you meet the requirements, and get the certification that you need!

How do I get a "Hazardous Materials License"?

A hazardous materials license is a driver’s license with an endorsement that allows the holder to drive a vehicle carrying hazardous or dangerous goods. The hazmat endorsement is a great tool that can open new opportunities to CDL drivers!

 

Complete hazmat training: This training covers how to safely load, unload, store, and transport hazardous materials, as well as how to respond to emergencies.

Pass a written exam: You must pass a written exam to get a hazmat endorsement.

Undergo a background check: You must pass a background screening, also known as the Hazmat Endorsement Threat Assessment Program. You must also be fingerprinted with every renewal of your hazmat endorsement.

Complete a medical screening: You must complete a medical screening.

Apply for a hazmat endorsement: You must complete a hazmat application through the DMV or TSA.

Be at least 21 years old: You must be at least 21 years old to become a hazmat driver.

Have at least three years of driving experience: You must have at least three years of driving experience.

Requirements vary by state

Provide proof of citizenship or immigration: You must provide a document to show proof of U.S. citizenship or immigration.

About Obtaining Your CDL

A commercial driver license or “CDL” is a license that allows you to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). A CMV is a motor vehicle to transport passengers (16 or more including the driver) or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more or combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, unit with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more. It is important that you understand this when obtaining your CDL

You need to hold a regular “Class D” driver license from any state or country for a minimum of one (1) year.

You must be at least 18 years of age. You are considered a minor until age 21.

You need a Department of Transportation Medical Certificate – MCSA-5876 (DOT card  ).

Complete the Utah self-certification form when you apply for the CDL.

Complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) for the appropriate class and/or endorsement(s). For information about the ELDT and contact a training provider, you will need to go to the Training Provider Registry (TPR) website. As a registered training facility, CDL Solutions is available to help answer any questions about obtaining your CDL!

Class A

A Class A CDL allows you to drive trucks and trailers with a maximum gross weight of 80,000 pounds

A Class A CDL training requires more classroom instruction, driving experience, and a more comprehensive skills test than a Class B CDL

The average annual salary for drivers with a Class A CDL is $103,742

Class B

A class B CDL allows you to drive a truck or truck/trailer with a maximum gross weight of up to 26,000 pounds, and also allows you to tow another vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating that does not exceed 10,000 pounds.

The average annual salary for a driver with a Class B CDL is $67,671,

Whichever class of driver's license is right for you, CDL Solutions can help you meet the requirements, and get the certification that you need!

A hazardous materials license is a driver’s license with an endorsement that allows the holder to drive a vehicle carrying hazardous or dangerous goods. The hazmat endorsement is a great tool that can open new opportunities to CDL drivers!

 

Complete hazmat training: This training covers how to safely load, unload, store, and transport hazardous materials, as well as how to respond to emergencies.

Pass a written exam: You must pass a written exam to get a hazmat endorsement.

Undergo a background check: You must pass a background screening, also known as the Hazmat Endorsement Threat Assessment Program. You must also be fingerprinted with every renewal of your hazmat endorsement.

Complete a medical screening: You must complete a medical screening.

Apply for a hazmat endorsement: You must complete a hazmat application through the DMV or TSA.

Be at least 21 years old: You must be at least 21 years old to become a hazmat driver.

Have at least three years of driving experience: You must have at least three years of driving experience.

Requirements vary by state

Provide proof of citizenship or immigration: You must provide a document to show proof of U.S. citizenship or immigration.

Yes! We offer full Class A and B CDL training, including Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) and testing for obtaining your CDL. Our comprehensive programs cover test preparation, hands-on driver training, and backing experience using an automatic tractor-trailer. We provide a third-party test instructor but also allow you to schedule your CDL test with the state.

ELDT Training & Testing: $50 (online materials & test)

CDL Class B Training: $2000 (includes ELDT, 20-40 hours BTW training)

CDL Class A Training: $4000 (includes ELDT, backing & BTW training)

CDL Class B to A Upgrade: $2000 (includes Class A BTW training & one drive test)

CDL Class A 3-Month Work Experience: $3000 (add-on for additional experience)

Group discounts may be available. Contact us for details!

When obtaining your CDL in the U.S., follow these steps:

  1. Get a state-issued driver’s license.
  2. Complete ELDT training (we provide Utah-based ELDT training).
  3. Pass the CDL Class A permit test at the DMV.
  4. Obtain a medical card and background check.
  5. Enroll in our CDL Class A hands-on training program.
  6. Prepare for and pass the CDL skills test.
  7. Receive your CDL and gain experience through our three-month work program.

We guide you at every step, ensuring you meet all federal and state requirements.

Yes! Once you pass our test with an 80% or higher, your score is recorded with the FMCSA.

Yes, our Hazmat ELDT training is 100% online and can be taken at your convenience.

ELDT Training & Testing: $50 (online materials & test)

After passing our ELDT test, your certification is added to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. You can then apply to take your Hazmat written test at the DMV.

Pass an ELDT-approved course with 80% or higher.

Obtain a medical long form from a certified medical examiner.

Secure a CDL permit before behind-the-wheel training.

Pass required DMV tests for endorsements (varies by state).

The average completion time is 20 to 40 hours. Some students finish within a weekend, while others take longer depending on their study pace.

Once you’re ready, we’ll send you the test link. The test must be completed in one sitting with a stable internet connection.

The test is not timed. You can take it as many times as needed to pass when obtaining your CDL, but questions are randomized upon each attempt.

No, but we track your attempts to help you improve and succeed.

Your certification is added to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, linking it with your driver record. You can then proceed with your CDL permit test at the DMV.

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