1. What is a CDL?
A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is a license issued within the United States that enables a person to operate any type of vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lb or over. A CDL allows a person to drive vehicles such as: tractor trailers, tow trucks, or buses that are designed to carry 16 or more people.

2. Benefits of Having Your CDL
If a person is looking to receive a job there are many opportunities for the person that has a CDL. The advantage of having a CDL is that there are many jobs that you could choose from. You could decide to haul cargo across the country, make local deliveries in your area, or you could use your CDL to help find a job that may require the use of CDL on occasion. Obtaining a CDL will certainly increase your chances of receiving a job with a prospective employer. There are many fields that require a CDL. Trucking companies obviously require a person to obtain a CDL to drive cross country but also many construction companies value employees that have their CDL. When you receive your CDL you are opening many doors to employment.

3. Steps to Receiving Your CDL
First a prospective driver must pass three required written tests. The General Knowledge, Combination Knowledge and Air Brake Knowledge tests are mandatory written tests that must be passed to receive your CDL Permit. The permit will allow you to operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) on public roads as long as you are accompanied by a person having their CDL. Second, you must schedule a driving test at the testing facility. This test will include a pre-trip inspection, a skills test, and an over-the-road test. Once you have passed all three sections of the test you will be issued your CDL. You can then legally operate a CMV on public roads.

4. Ways to Receive Your CDL
There are many Commercial Driving Schools around the country which will teach prospective drivers how to operate a commercial vehicle. The training usually lasts 3-4 weeks. There are alternatives to Commercial Driving Schools. If someone has had experience in professional driving or they simply want a CDL to increase their chances of getting a job, they may want to rent a vehicle and receive instruction for one day so that they will be able to get their CDL.