How to become a CDL Truck Driver

What the job is really like, school vs. apprenticeship, the certifications you need, and what it pays, from primary sources.

BLS median pay (May 2025): $58,640/year ($28.19/hour)
Lowest 10%: under $40,140 · Highest 10%: over $79,380
Jobs (2025): 2,221,200 · Projected growth 2025–35: 4% (as fast as average) · Openings per year: ~214,500
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

The job

Heavy and tractor-trailer drivers haul goods, mostly in trucks over 26,000 lbs total weight. They inspect trailers, secure cargo, log hours under federal rules and report incidents. Many are paid by the mile plus bonuses.

The honest part: BLS calls long-haul trucking "a lifestyle choice" since drivers can be away for days or weeks, and says the job has one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses, and of occupational fatalities, of all occupations. Federal rules cap work at 14 hours (up to 11 driving), require 10 hours off, and limit drivers to 60 hours in 7 days or 70 in 8.

Trade school vs. apprenticeship

School: BLS says many drivers attend a private truck-driving school or community college program lasting 3 to 6 months, then get several weeks of on-the-job training with a mentor driver.

Required training: FMCSA says first-time Class A or B CDL applicants issued a learner's permit on or after Feb. 7, 2022 must complete Entry-Level Driver Training with a provider on the Training Provider Registry before the skills test. Some carriers and apprenticeship programs offer training; search apprenticeship.gov and ask about any repayment obligations before signing.

Certifications and licensing

FMCSA's three steps (FMCSA): (1) get a Commercial Learner's Permit — knowledge tests, a 10-year driving-record check, and proof of medical qualification (usually a DOT medical card); (2) complete Entry-Level Driver Training; (3) hold the CLP at least 14 days, then pass all three skills tests: vehicle inspection, basic controls and road test. States, not FMCSA, issue CDLs.

Ongoing: BLS says drivers must keep a clean record, pass a physical every two years and face random drug/alcohol testing. A HAZMAT (H) endorsement needs an extra knowledge test and background check.

Pay by industry

Industry (May 2025)Median annual wage
Truck transportation$60,320
Wholesale trade$58,550
Manufacturing$56,570
Construction$56,080

The median is the midpoint: half earned more, half less. BLS wage data excludes self-employed workers. Apprentices and new hires usually start below the median. For your area, see the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics state and metro data.

How to start

  1. Get your state's CDL manual and a DOT physical.
  2. Pass the knowledge test for your CLP.
  3. Pick an ELDT provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.
  4. After 14+ days with the CLP and training done, take the skills test.

Sources

Checked October 17, 2026.