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How Old Do You Have To Be To Get A CDL?

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Created at November 17, 2024

If you are wondering “How old do you have to be to get a CDL”, you are in the right place. In short, you need to be at least 18 years old to get a CDL to drive intrastate, and 21 years old to drive interstate. Whether you are looking to start a career in trucking or to hire new drivers for your own business, understanding the Commercial Driver’s License is of extreme importance. Therefore, this blog post will go through every detail of CDL age limits for you to properly prepare. Now scroll down and discover CDL age requirements to ace your driving career or expand your workforce.

How old do you have to be to get a CDL?

To get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), you typically need to be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving and 21 years old for interstate driving. Here are some key points about the Commercial Driver’s License’s age requirement:
  • Intrastate CDL: Minimum 18 years old in most states.
  • Interstate CDL: Minimum 21 years old nationwide.
[caption id="attachment_4678" align="aligncenter" width="800"]how old do you have to be to get a cdl? How old do you have to be to get a CDL?[/caption] However, it is worth noting that age requirements may vary by state regulation and CDL class as well. Specifically, there are several states in the US that allow those under 18 years old to acquire a CDL. For example:
  • Florida: According to Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida has a program that allows those under 18 years old to obtain a limited CDL, specifically for driving certain types of vehicles including farm vehicles and trucks for business purposes.
  • Kentucky: As stated in Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, 16 and 17-year-olds can obtain a restricted CDL to operate commercial vehicles within the state.
  • South Dakota: South Dakota allows 16-17-year-olds to obtain a class A or class B restricted CDL for intrastate driving, subject to specific limitations.
  • Ohio: Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles offers a “Temporary Instruction Permit” for 16-17-year-olds, allowing them to operate certain commercial vehicles.
  • Nebraska: In Nebraska, individuals aged 16 and 17 can obtain a restricted CDL to operate certain types of commercial vehicles, according to Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
It is worth noting that CDLs that are given to those under 18 years old by the above states are often restricted and also applied to certain types of vehicles. In addition, this type of license typically requires a accompany that is at least 21 years old and only allows teen drivers to drive during certain hours per day. Therefore, to acquire an official CDL you must be at least 18 or 21 years old. Besides age requirements, getting a Commercial Driver’s License is also entitled to other requirements like medical checks or even drug tests. Have you ever wondered: Do you have to drug test for CDL? Read our post here to find the answer.

What is the maximum age to get a CDL?

There is no maximum age limit to get a Commercial Driver’s License as long as you can meet the physical and mental qualifications, you can obtain a CDL at any age. [caption id="attachment_4679" align="aligncenter" width="800"]What is the maximum age to get a CDL? What is the maximum age to get a CDL?[/caption] Still, there are some points about age requirements you should keep in mind to ensure you can take a driving job successfully.
  • No federal upper-age restrictions.
  • Must pass regular medical exams.
  • More frequent medical checks may be required for older drivers.
  • The ability to perform job duties matters more than age.
  • A safe driving record is crucial at any age.
Although there is no maximum age to get a CDL, drivers who are older should be aware of their own physical capability to ensure safety for them and others. There are some challenges that older drivers should notice:
  • Increased frequency of medical check.
  • Potential challenges with long hours and physical demands.
  • Possible insurance-related restrictions from employers.

FAQs

1. What is the youngest age to get a CDL?

The youngest age to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License is 18 years old. At this age, you are eligible for an intrastate CDL, allowing you to drive commercial vehicles only within your home state. To drive across the state lines or to transport hazardous materials, you must be at least 21 years old.

2. What is the minimum age for CDL in the USA?

The minimum age to get a CDL in the USA is 18 years old. By the time you turn 18 years old, you will have a permit to get a CDL to drive within your state.

3. What age do most people get their CDL?

Most people get their Commercial Driver’s License at 21 years old, as this is when they can apply for an interstate CDL. With an interstate CDL, drivers will have access to a wider range of job opportunities, including long-haul and hazardous material transport.

Final thoughts

To conclude, understanding the Commercial Driver’s License’s age requirement is necessary for anyone desiring to pursue a driving career. The answer to the question “How Old Do You Have To Be To Get A CDL” is in short, you must be at least 18 years old to get an intrastate CDL and 21 years old to get an interstate one. Get everything ready by learning how to drive safely today and do not forget to practice for the CDL knowledge test on CDL Prep for comprehensive preparation.