Ashwin Lewis
A CDL, or commercial driver's license, is required to drive certain trucks. CDLs are most often held by professional truck drivers and other commercial vehicle operators. This type of license is different from a typical Class D driver's license, which is the license most drivers use for passenger vehicles. A Class D license allows you to drive your car, crossover, SUV, minivan or whatever personal vehicle you may choose. It also allows you to drive light-duty and some medium-duty trucks and lighter-weight box trucks. A CDL, on the other hand, requires a greater amount of training for the driver, as well as specialized testing, certifications for handling specific types of freight, and the meeting of specific federal and state regulatory requirements. Heavy-duty truck and semi-trailer rentals, including tandem-axle sleeper cab tractors and 53-foot trailers, require a CDL.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of license | Commercial driver's license (CDL) |
| Training required | Greater amount of training than a typical Class D driver's license |
| Testing | Specialized testing |
| Freight | Requires certifications for handling specific types of freight |
| Regulatory requirements | Must meet specific federal and state regulatory requirements |
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What You'll Learn
CDL vs non-CDL truck rentals
A CDL, or commercial driver's license, is required to drive certain trucks. CDLs are most often held by professional truck drivers and other commercial vehicle operators. This type of license is different from a typical Class D driver's license, which is the license most drivers use for passenger vehicles. A Class D license allows you to drive your car, crossover, SUV, minivan or whatever personal vehicle you may choose. It also allows you to drive light-duty and some medium-duty trucks and lighter-weight box trucks.
A CDL, on the other hand, requires a greater amount of training for the driver, as well as specialised testing, certifications for handling specific types of freight, and the meeting of specific federal and state regulatory requirements. For heavy-duty truck and semi-trailer rentals, you do need a CDL. These include single-axle and tandem-axle day cab tractors and tandem-axle sleeper cab tractors and 48- and 53-foot trailers.
For light-duty truck rentals, you do not need a CDL. These include 12-foot cargo vans, high-roof cargo vans, 12- and 16-foot box trucks, and 16- and 18-foot cabover trucks. You do not need a CDL to rent any medium-duty 22- or 26-foot box truck, 18- or 26-foot refrigerated truck, or 24- or 26-foot flatbed truck with a GVWR of 26,000 lb. or less.
However, you do need a CDL to rent the same size medium-duty truck if it has a GVWR of 26,001 lb. or more. A CDL is required when driving and renting a heavier vehicle for commercial deliveries. These vehicles may include some medium-duty trucks and all heavy-duty tractor-trailers.
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CDL requirements
A CDL, or commercial driver's license, is required to drive certain trucks. CDLs are most often held by professional truck drivers and other commercial vehicle operators. This type of license is different from a typical Class D driver's license, which is the license most drivers use for passenger vehicles. A Class D license allows you to drive your car, crossover, SUV, minivan or whatever personal vehicle you may choose. It also allows you to drive light-duty and some medium-duty trucks and lighter-weight box trucks.
A CDL, on the other hand, requires a greater amount of training for the driver, as well as specialised testing, certifications for handling specific types of freight, and the meeting of specific federal and state regulatory requirements. Heavy-duty truck and semi-trailer rentals, for example, require a CDL. This includes tandem-axle sleeper cab tractors and 48- and 53-foot trailers.
The Commercial Vehicle Operator program at SCI can prepare you to sit for the Class A CDL with Air Brakes and Combination Endorsements exam. This will give you a solid foundation for over-the-road driving in a standard sleeper cab truck with a 53-foot trailer.
If you're not sure whether you need a CDL or non-CDL rental, commercial truck rental specialists are available to help you make the choice as you select the vehicle that will get the job done and fit your driver's needs.
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CDL training
A CDL, or commercial driver's license, is required to drive certain trucks. CDLs are most often held by professional truck drivers and other commercial vehicle operators. This type of license is different from a typical Class D driver's license, which is the license most drivers use for passenger vehicles. A Class D license allows you to drive your car, crossover, SUV, minivan, or whatever personal vehicle you may choose. It also allows you to drive light-duty and some medium-duty trucks and lighter-weight box trucks.
A CDL, on the other hand, requires a greater amount of training for the driver, as well as specialized testing, certifications for handling specific types of freight, and the meeting of specific federal and state regulatory requirements. For example, to drive a heavy-duty truck and semi-trailer, you will need a CDL. This includes single-axle and tandem-axle day cab tractors and tandem-axle sleeper cab tractors with 48- and 53-foot trailers.
If you're looking to obtain your CDL, there are a few steps you need to take. First, you'll need to meet the basic requirements, which typically include being at least 18 years old (21 years old for interstate driving), having a valid driver's license, and passing a physical exam. Once you've met these requirements, you can begin your training.
In addition to the training, you will also need to pass a series of tests to obtain your CDL. This includes a written knowledge test and a skills test. The knowledge test will cover topics such as traffic laws, vehicle inspection, and safe driving practices. The skills test will assess your ability to operate a commercial vehicle, including pre-trip inspections, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
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CDL testing
To drive a 53-foot sleeper cab tractor, you will need a commercial driver's license (CDL). This is a different type of license to a typical Class D driver's license, which is used for passenger vehicles. Obtaining a CDL requires more training, specialised testing, certifications for handling specific types of freight, and meeting specific federal and state regulatory requirements.
The Commercial Vehicle Operator program at SCI can prepare you to sit for the Class A CDL with Air Brakes and Combination Endorsements exam. This will give you the skills to drive a standard sleeper cab truck with a 53-foot trailer.
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CDL federal and state regulatory requirements
To drive a 53-foot sleeper cab tractor, you will need a CDL, or commercial driver's license. CDLs are most often held by professional truck drivers and other commercial vehicle operators. This type of license is different from a typical Class D driver's license, which is the license most drivers use for passenger vehicles. A Class D license allows you to drive your car, crossover, SUV, minivan or whatever personal vehicle you may choose. It also allows you to drive light-duty and some medium-duty trucks and lighter-weight box trucks. A CDL, on the other hand, requires a greater amount of training for the driver, as well as specialised testing, certifications for handling specific types of freight, and the meeting of specific federal and state regulatory requirements.
Federal and state regulatory requirements for a CDL include:
- Must be able to speak and read English at a sufficient level.
- Must provide a DOT medical card, which requires a DOT physical.
- Must not be a disqualified driver.
- Must pass all required background checks.
- Must first obtain a CLP, which must be held for a minimum of 14 days (this minimum differs from state to state).
- Must pass a road skills test, as well as any additional knowledge or skills exams for endorsements.
- Must not hold more than one CDL at a time.
- Must have a valid regular (non-commercial) driver's license and be at least 18 years old (in most states).
- Must surrender your regular state driver's license once you earn a CDL.
- Must certify that you are not subject to any disqualification under FMCSA 383.51, or any license disqualification under state law, and that you do not have a driver's license from more than one state or jurisdiction.
- Must have a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate (DOT card), or a photographic copy of your valid Certificate, to receive a CDL or CLP.
- Must have at least one or two years of driving experience (depending on the state).
- Must provide to the state proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency.
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Frequently asked questions
CDL stands for commercial driver's license. It is required to drive certain trucks and is held by professional truck drivers and other commercial vehicle operators.
A Class D license is the license most drivers use for passenger vehicles. It allows you to drive your car, crossover, SUV, minivan or other personal vehicle, as well as light-duty and some medium-duty trucks and lighter-weight box trucks. A CDL, on the other hand, requires more training and specialised testing.
You need a CDL to drive heavy-duty trucks and semi-trailers, including tandem-axle sleeper cab tractors with 53-foot trailers.
You can prepare to sit for the Class A CDL with Air Brakes and Combination Endorsements exam by enrolling in a Commercial Vehicle Operator program.
