How To Qualify For A CDL

Many employees have found that they require a CDL or commercial driving license in Chicago IL to retain their employment. There are many types of work-related automobiles that require a qualified, licensed driver. In many different professional career paths, there are times when a CDL helps to move the employee through the ranks to better paying jobs. With a CDL, the driver will have a specific skill set and important knowledge necessary to operation a range of commercial vehicles. There are several different circumstances which could make it necessary for you to earn a commercial driving license. Continue on to learn when you need a CDL and how to go about earning one.

One quick way to recognize the need for a commercial driving license in Chicago IL is by the weight of the vehicles being driven. If the vehicle weighs more than ten thousand pounds, most states will require you to earn a CDL before operating the vehicle. It is important that you recognize that if you are pulling a trailer or towing another vehicle, you’ll need to qualify for a CDL as well. A couple of other scenarios requiring a CDL include the number of passengers in your vehicle (up to 16) and the type of materials that you are hauling. If anything that you’re transporting is dangerous, you’ll need to have your CDL before driving.

Once you’ve ascertained that you need the CDL, you’ll want to find a truck driving school with the necessary qualifications. Some community colleges offer courses. And most local DMVs can provide you with a referral to a qualified truck driving school near you. Fortunately, most courses run between six weeks to six months, so you’ll be ready to get on the road within just a short amount of time. Keep in mind that taking the class is not a guarantee that you’ll pass the CDL exam. It will be up to you to be sure that you are successfully learning the information.

You will also need to pass a variety of personal tests. If you have a traffic record full of speeding tickets and other offenses within the past couple of years, then you won’t be eligible for a commercial driving license in Chicago IL. You’ll also need to pass a physical given by the Department of Transportation and a drug test from the DOT as well as any others required by your employer. If you aren’t certain that you’ll meet these qualifications, it’ll be better to check them out before you even enroll in the truck driving courses to save yourself the costs of the class if you should fail them.

Improve your circumstances with a commercial driving license in Chicago IL – start today.