Q: How long does it take to become a CDL driver?

It takes around seven weeks to become a CDL driver. The length of time it takes to get your CDL relies on a handful of factors. It can take as little as three weeks or upwards of 6 months. Many factors, including the type of license (class A vs. class B) and the type of program, determine how long it can take to get your CDL.

Q: Is it easy to become a truck driver?

Yes, it is easy to become a truck driver. You can become a truck driver in as little as three weeks, but most programs take around seven weeks to complete. The process to become a truck driver can be done in 3 steps.

Q: Is it hard to be a CDL driver?

Yes, it is hard to be a CDL driver. While becoming a CDL driver is not hard, working as a CDL driver can be. Many CDL drivers must work long hours, spend lots of time away from home, and remain seated for most of their workday.

Q: Do truckers make good money?

Yes, truckers make good money. While there is a great deal of variability in earning depending on the type of truck driver and whether you own your own trucking driving company. For example, the average salary for a truck driver is $68,000 per year but can range from anywhere from $25,740 per year up to $100,000 per year. A truck driver who owns his own truck can even earn upwards of $150,000 a year.

Q: How much do CDL drivers make per mile?

CDL drivers make between $0.48 to $0.75 per mile. While a company solo truck driver might earn around $0.40 to $0.68 per mile, an owner-operated driver earns between $0.94 to $1.79 per mile.

Q: How much do CDL drivers make starting out?

CDL drivers make $52,154 a year starting out. A CDL driver's salary has the potential to range from as high as $78,500 a year and as low as $23,500 a year. For example, the top 90% earn around $72,500 a year, while the bottom 10% earn around $27,000.

Q: How much do new CDL drivers make?

New CDL drivers make around $52,154 a year. A CDL driver's salary has the potential to range from as high as $78,500 a year and as low as $23,500 a year. For example, the top 90% earn around $72,500 a year, while the bottom 10% earn around $27,000 a year.

Question 1

How long does it take to become a CDL driver?

Accepted Answer

It takes around seven weeks to become a CDL driver. The length of time it takes to get your CDL relies on a handful of factors. It can take as little as three weeks or upwards of 6 months. Many factors, including the type of license (class A vs. class B) and the type of program, determine how long it can take to get your CDL.

Question 2

How much does it cost to become a CDL driver?

Accepted Answer

The cost to become a CDL driver ranges from $425 to $5,000 depending on the qualification, with a median cost of $3,500.

There are several company-sponsored CDL training programs in the industry. Each program is different, so be sure to ask for details on the overall cost and pay for the program.

Question 3

Is it easy to become a truck driver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is easy to become a truck driver. You can become a truck driver in as little as three weeks, but most programs take around seven weeks to complete. The process to become a truck driver can be done in 3 steps.

Question 4

Is it hard to be a CDL driver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is hard to be a CDL driver. While becoming a CDL driver is not hard, working as a CDL driver can be. Many CDL drivers must work long hours, spend lots of time away from home, and remain seated for most of their workday.

Question 5

What are CDL truck drivers?

Accepted Answer

CDL truck drivers are truckers that have a commercial driver's license (CDL). CDL trucks require special licenses for operation because of their bulk.

Drivers must not only be able to maneuver these trucks for miles at a time, often in heavy traffic, but they must also be alert and follow all roadway safety regulations. They are responsible for such duties as loading and unloading heavy cargo, tracking their mileage, fuel, toll expenses, ensuring delivery, and maintaining their trucks.

Question 6

Do truckers make good money?

Accepted Answer

Yes, truckers make good money. While there is a great deal of variability in earning depending on the type of truck driver and whether you own your own trucking driving company.

For example, the average salary for a truck driver is $68,000 per year but can range from anywhere from $25,740 per year up to $100,000 per year. A truck driver who owns his own truck can even earn upwards of $150,000 a year.

Question 7

How much do CDL drivers make per mile?

Accepted Answer

CDL drivers make between $0.48 to $0.75 per mile. While a company solo truck driver might earn around $0.40 to $0.68 per mile, an owner-operated driver earns between $0.94 to $1.79 per mile.

Question 8

How much do CDL drivers make starting out?

Accepted Answer

CDL drivers make $52,154 a year starting out. A CDL driver's salary has the potential to range from as high as $78,500 a year and as low as $23,500 a year. For example, the top 90% earn around $72,500 a year, while the bottom 10% earn around $27,000.

Question 9

How much do CDL local drivers make?

Accepted Answer

CDL local truck drivers earn anywhere from $25,740 per year up to $70,000 per year, with a median income of $39,520.

Many companies pay their truck drivers by the mile -

The average truck driver's pay per mile is between 28 and 40 cents per mile.
Most drivers complete between 2,000 and 3,000 miles per week.
That translates into average weekly pay ranging from $560 to $1,200.
If you drove all 52 weeks in a year at those rates, you would earn between $29,120 a year and $62,400 a year.

Question 10

How much do new CDL drivers make?

Accepted Answer

New CDL drivers make around $52,154 a year. A CDL driver's salary has the potential to range from as high as $78,500 a year and as low as $23,500 a year. For example, the top 90% earn around $72,500 a year, while the bottom 10% earn around $27,000 a year.

Question 11

What is the best job to get with a CDL?

Accepted Answer

The best job in CDL is being an owner-operator truck driver. A truck driver who owns his own truck, for example, can average around $155,475 a year. The top earners average $300,000, and the lower 25% average $95,453.

Frequently asked questions about cdl drivers

Questions about becoming a cdl driver