What Is CDL School?

Woman truck driver getting out her log book and getting ready to start her trip.

CDL stands for commercial driver license, and these types of licenses are required if you want to drive a bus, dump drunk or tanker truck or want to transport hazardous materials. Almost all states provide you with a free manual to take the commercial driver license test, but attending a CDL school can give you hands-on experience and access to various teaching and learning techniques.

Requirements

Some schools require that you take the state test and get your commercial driver license permit before applying, and some allow you to train using your current normal driver's license and help you to get your CDL at a later time. A commercial driver license permit requires passing only a written test and allows you use of commercial vehicles to train to take the driving test. Some schools require you to have reached a certain age and have a certain amount of driving or construction experience. You need to fill out an application, just as if you were applying to college. Some courses last days, and others can last a few months.

Make sure you fill out your application well in advance to assure your placement in the class you desire, and make punctual payments.

What you learn

Commercial driver license classes obviously teach you how to drive large vehicles, but they also teach you basic maintenance. Many schools have a number of different types and sizes of vehicles to give you a vast array of experience. Many teach basic law information and what type of insurance you need. Some laws that you are accustomed to may change when you have a commercial driver license, such as the legal blood alcohol limit. If you hold a commercial driver license, you have a lower legal blood alcohol limit than regular drivers.

Make sure you come out a success by investing your time and taking a commercial driver license course.

Drivers who hold a commercial driver license have a lower blood alcohol limit