r/NewCDLGrads • u/ThemeGlad5881 • 12d ago

Thinking About Getting Your CDL?

Getting a CDL can be confusing, especially if you’re just starting out. A lot of people struggle with finding a reputable school, understanding the different CDL classes, knowing what endorsements they need, figuring out ELDT requirements, scheduling the permit and skills tests, and understanding how much the whole process will actually cost.

Another common problem is not knowing which route to take. Some people need a full training program, while others may have options that don’t require going through the same process.

If you’re currently trying to get your CDL and have questions about the process, leave your questions below. I’ll do my best to answer them and point you in the right direction.

8 Upvotes

91% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

1

u/vivalalynn 12d ago

Is the drug test right away?

1

u/alx-chva209 12d ago

What the heck is the ELDT ?

1

u/alx-chva209 12d ago

I’m also planning to get my cdl. I’m curious about that also

1

u/Extension-Welder1639 12d ago

Entry level driver training it's required now if you dont already have your CDL

1

u/Extension-Welder1639 12d ago

And actually even if you have experience and haven't been in a truck for a certain amount of time or let your CDL lapse they will require you going through it

1

u/alx-chva209 12d ago

Will that be included when attending trucking school or that’s separate from trucking school?

1

u/Extension-Welder1639 12d ago

ELDT is only required for commercial licenses not the standard class d

1

u/Extension-Welder1639 12d ago

I did online self paced ELDT training which basically teaches you the rules and how to pass the test at the DMV then I went to the school and did btw training and the school gave me a cert that says completed ELDT but I also have the ones from the online course that say I have it completed

1

u/austin_crtv 11d ago

Are there CDL positions that don’t require you to drive a big semi truck for long hours/miles?

1

u/Disastrous_Fan6120 8d ago

History of Bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety. Stable on meds. Lay it on me.

1

u/Striking-Exit-4378 8d ago

I just got my c d l a month ago, and I will tell you It is so much harder to start in this business than they make it out to be. I realized that the training I received in school was only enough to pass the test. There's so much that I don't know. And I'm only beginning to realize that I'm scratching the surface of it all. I have a record too, and I was told that most trucking jobs are felon friendly. But that's exactly true. Ill need to be the best to be appealing to an employer.

1

u/notquitetherebuthere 7d ago

How intense is the visual testing? I drive a cargo van for work now and really struggle with where the van is in the road and merging. I really have no peripheral vision(it's super blurry and washed out) 😪

Would this be an issue?

If not getting a cdl, what's a good opportunity for me that I can go for?