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01
Oct
How Long Does It Take to Get a CDL in California?
If you’re considering a career in trucking, one of your first questions may be: How long does it take to get a CDL in California?
There isn’t one timeline that applies to every future driver. Your schedule, previous driving experience, the type of CDL you’re pursuing, and how quickly you complete the required steps can all affect the process. However, understanding what’s involved can help you plan your path toward becoming a professional truck driver.
At America Truck Driving School, students receive training and guidance designed to help them move through the CDL process while developing skills they’ll need once they’re on the job.
Step 1: Determine Which CDL You Need
Before beginning CDL training, think about the type of commercial vehicle you want to operate.
A Class A CDL generally provides the broadest range of commercial driving opportunities because it allows qualified drivers to operate certain combinations of commercial vehicles. Many tractor-trailer careers require a Class A license.
A Class B CDL is commonly associated with certain heavy single vehicles, such as straight trucks, buses, and dump trucks.
Your career goals can help determine which training path makes sense for you.
Step 2: Obtain Your Commercial Learner’s Permit
Before you can begin certain behind-the-wheel portions of CDL training, you’ll need to obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit, or CLP.
Preparing for the permit generally involves studying topics such as:
- Commercial driving rules
- Vehicle safety
- Air brakes
- Combination vehicles
- Pre-trip inspections
Taking your time to understand this material doesn’t just prepare you for a test. It also creates a foundation for the practical skills you’ll develop during training.
Step 3: Complete Required CDL Training
For many new drivers, CDL training includes both classroom or theory instruction and practical behind-the-wheel experience.
This is where students begin translating information into real driving skills.
Training can cover areas such as vehicle inspections, backing, maneuvering, turning, road awareness, and safe commercial vehicle operation.
At America Truck Driving School, hands-on instruction is an important part of helping students become more comfortable operating commercial vehicles.
Step 4: Practice for the CDL Skills Test
Once you’ve met applicable requirements, you’ll need to demonstrate that you can safely operate a commercial vehicle.
The CDL skills testing process generally evaluates areas including vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
This is why quality CDL training matters. Passing the test is important, but your ultimate goal should be developing skills you can carry into your first professional driving job.
So, How Long Does Getting a CDL Take?
Your individual timeline will depend on several factors, including your availability for training, how quickly you complete permit requirements, the program you select, and your readiness for testing.
Instead of focusing only on finishing as quickly as possible, look for a program that provides the instruction and practice you need to become a safe, confident driver.
Ready to Start CDL Training?
Your path toward a trucking career can start with one conversation.
America Truck Driving School offers CDL training designed to help students develop real-world driving skills and prepare for the next step in their careers.
Contact America Truck Driving School to learn about current programs, scheduling, and enrollment options.
Also read: Back-to-School Shipping Season: Why August Is a Busy Month for Truck Drivers