Obtaining a commercial driving license is an option that should be weighed seriously, as it might be the pathway to a new career. Commercial driving is an industry that's experiencing a shortage of qualified candidates at this time. With unemployment rates at historic lows, it's an opportune moment to get into the market and start making money. A commercial driving license is a valid path to a new career as it generally requires no formal education, experience, or a test of any kind. All that’s required is a valid Class D driver's license and a vehicle to drive. Commercial driving is a different skill set than what they learned in school, meaning it takes time to learn and perfect the skills required to succeed in this industry. With this in mind, it's advised that they take their time and gain practical experience (piloting and maintaining a vehicle) by working as a driver for one of the commercial trucking companies. The best way to practice is by seeking out these opportunities and taking advantage of them.

Tests That Must Be Passed For a Commercial Driving License

There are no formal tests for a commercial driver's license, but tests must be passed before obtaining one. While this is not a formal test, they will be tested on the rules of the road, as well as inspection and maintenance of their vehicles, vehicle fitness and inspection procedures, and regulations related to the industry (for example, those related to hours of service), and safe driving practices. Here are tests that must be passed before they can become a commercial driver:

1. Seating and Safety Test - This test must be passed before they can qualify for a CDL. The test measures their ability to safely operate a vehicle, even if it's an unfamiliar vehicle to them. They must demonstrate their ability to modify the seat, adjust mirrors and see over or around obstructions. It's also tested on how they buckle themselves in and fasten children into car seats or booster seats in the back seat of the vehicle they are driving.
2. Vehicle Inspection Test - The vehicle inspection test must be passed before qualifying for a CDL. They must demonstrate that they know how to inspect the vehicle from top to bottom and spot things like flat tires, bald tires, unsecured loads, and other similar items. They'll be required to demonstrate their abilities to check all of the safety features on the truck, including ensuring that all of the lights are working properly, mirrors and signals. They'll test their knowledge about the tires, including the number of tires, dimensions, wear and tread depth. They must also test their abilities to do simple maintenance procedures.
3. Rules of the Road Test - The road test rules will be the last test they need to pass to qualify for a CDL. They'll have to demonstrate their abilities to operate a commercial vehicle in accordance with appropriate rules and regulations, including traffic laws, speed limits, stopping and turning rules, safe driving practices, and inspection procedures.

While no formal exam is required for a commercial driver's license, the above tests are still required before obtaining their standard Class D driver's license. These tests ensure that they're qualified to operate a commercial vehicle safely.

Jobs Needing a Commercial Driving License

As mentioned above, the commercial driving license is a valid pathway to enter the trucking industry, and other careers utilize this type of license. The following is a list of jobs requiring a commercial driver's license, whether it be CDL/CDL-A or similar licenses.

1. Loaders and Drivers: Truckload/TL Lines and Lessors - The primary responsibility of loaders and drivers is to load, unload and maintain safe vehicle operation while transporting customer shipments per the customer's requirements. Their responsibilities include to load, unload, and maintain safe vehicle operation. They also must safeguard the customer's property and operate vehicles under applicable laws and regulations.
2. Bus Drivers - The primary responsibilities of bus drivers are to drive school buses and other public or private transportation vehicles. These drivers transport passengers between schools, universities, colleges, and other locations. They also drive agency buses to various facilities where the client has assigned the driver.
3. Tank Truck Drivers - The primary job of these drivers is hauling flammable liquids, radioactive materials, and compressed gasses in mobile containers. They also transport chemical materials in containers that are not mobile. Their responsibilities include the following: drive and maintain the vehicle to ensure safety, properly inspect, load, and unload the contents of the tank truck, and to ensure that they each comply with applicable federal regulations.
4. Driving Instructor - A driving instructor is an experience where they will have to instruct someone on how to operate a truck. They can also provide training and encourage them to pass their test. They need a valid CDL license to be able to do this job.
5. Parts Driver - The primary responsibility of parts drivers is to maintain the safe transport of parts and assist in any required maintenance tasks. They also transport them safely according to their customer's specifications. Here are some of their main responsibilities:
   1. Maintain proper vehicle inspection.
   2. Properly load and unload cargo.
   3. Perform pre-trip inspections
   4. Properly inspect the system, accessories, and associated attachments for damage, leaks, or other problems.
   5. Properly maintain engine oil and transmission fluid levels.