Training for your CDL license at Swift Academy equips you with the professional skills and real-world driving experience needed for a career in the fast-paced world of commercial trucking. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your driving career, Swift Academy offers expert instruction and personalized support from day one.

Our mission is simple: to help you earn your CDL license and launch a career you can be proud of. From preparing for your CDL permit to passing the Class A CDL test, our instructors are here to guide you every mile of the journey.

Many prospective drivers have questions: Do you need a GED or high school diploma to get your CDL? What age can you get your CDL? What does the process look like? Let’s break it down.

What is a Commercial Driver’s License?

A Commercial Driver’s License is a specialized license required to operate large or heavy commercial vehicles such as tractor-trailers, buses, and tankers. Without a CDL, it is illegal to drive these types of vehicles on public roads.

There are three main classes of CDLs—Class A, Class B, and Class C—each with specific vehicle and cargo endorsements. Understanding the differences between them is key to choosing the right path for your trucking career.

TYPES OF CDL LICENSES

Understanding CDL License Classes

Class A CDL

Class A licenses are the most versatile. With this license, you can operate vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, including a towed unit weighing over 10,000 pounds. This includes:

Tractor-trailers (also known as semis or big rigs)
Tanker trucks
Flatbeds
Livestock carriers

Class B CDL

Class B licenses are used for single vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more, but the towed vehicle must not exceed 10,000 pounds. Examples include:

Straight trucks
Large buses (school buses, city buses)
Dump trucks with small trailers

This is a good option for drivers focusing on local routes or public transit.

Class C CDL

Class C licenses are for vehicles that do not meet Class A or B criteria but are designed to transport 16 or more passengers or hazardous materials (hazmat). These vehicles include:

Passenger vans
Small hazmat vehicles
Some box trucks with specific endorsements

Why You Need a CDL

A CDL is more than just a license—it’s your ticket to a high-demand, high-reward career. With a CDL, you can:

Legally operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs)
Transport goods across state lines
Drive specialized vehicles like tankers, school buses, and hazmat trucks
Qualify for higher-paying jobs with reputable trucking companies.

Swift requires a Class A CDL, which allows you to drive the widest variety of commercial vehicles, including tractor-trailers.

Department of Transportation (DOT) Requirements

Before you can start training at Swift Academy, there are several DOT requirements you'll need to meet.

DOT Physical

A DOT physical ensures you are healthy enough to operate a commercial vehicle. It includes vision and hearing tests, blood pressure checks, and a general physical examination.

Drug Test

Applicants must pass a DOT-regulated drug test, which includes urine and hair testing to screen for controlled substances.

Language and Reading Tests

To meet regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), all drivers must be able to read, write, and speak English proficiently. Swift Academy includes a basic English assessment, as well as reading and comprehension evaluations to ensure you can safely understand traffic signs, regulations, and communication with dispatch.

CDL Permit and License Requirements

To earn your CDL, you'll need to complete these three essential steps:

Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): This is your first step toward getting behind the wheel. A CDL learners permit study guide can help you pass the knowledge test.
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT): Swift’s training meets federal ELDT requirements, ensuring you get instruction in key safety and operational skills.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): After successfully passing both your written and skills test, you’ll receive your full CDL.

Along with the national commercial driver's license requirements put forth by the FMCSA, every state has their own list of guidelines. To review CDL requirements by state, visit FHWA.DOT.gov to find your state's Department of Transportation.

TIPS FOR TAKING THE CDL

Where Are Swift Academy’s CDL Schools Located?

Swift Academy has nine training locations across the United States, plus a network of trusted training partners, making it easy to find CDL classes near you. These schools provide convenient access to Swift's professional training resources and mentorship.

From coast to coast, Swift offers flexible training options to help you build your career with confidence.

What Do You Learn in CDL Training?

Throughout your CDL classes at Swift Academy, our instructors will cover the basics, including truck driver requirements, pre-trip inspections, trip planning, and how to maintain legal log books. You'll also get ample time in the cab and behind the wheel, getting the real-world experience you need to become a safe, confident driver.

In order to ensure you have the skills you need to drive in a variety of conditions, our CDL class includes lessons on:

Cab Controls
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- Straight Line
- 45- or 90-Degree Alley Dock
- Offset Backing
- Sight Side/Blind Side Backing
- Parallel Parking
Mountain Upgrade/Downgrade
Road Training
- Commentary Driving
- Intersections - Controlled/Uncontrolled
- Railroad Crossings
- Emergency Stopping/Parking
- Log Book Entries
- Enroute Inspections
- Student Driving
Correct Mirror Usage
Handling Accidents, Incidents, and Emergencies

What disqualifies you from getting a CDL?

Along with FMCSA's commercial driver's license requirements, the agency also lists several things that will disqualify you from getting a CDL, either for a period of time or a lifetime. Just a few of the CDL disqualifications include being convicted of:

Leaving the scene of an accident
Being under the influence of alcohol as prescribed by state law
Driving recklessly, as defined by state or local law or regulations
Being under the influence of a controlled substance as prescribed by state law
Speeding excessively, involving any speed of 15 mph or more above the regulated or posted speed limit.

For a complete list of CDL disqualifications, visit FMCSA.gov and eCFR.gov.

Get Started at Swift Academy

Are you ready to begin your career as a professional truck driver? Apply online or call us at (888) 903-9757 to speak with an advisor. The application takes only a few minutes and begins with a quick check to see if you meet basic eligibility requirements:

At least 21 years old
Able to pass DOT physical, drug test
No DUI in the last 10 years (if CDL holder) or 5 years (if non-CDL holder)
No more than 2 moving violations in the last 2 years
No more than 1 preventable accident in the last 2 years
No major accidents within the last 5 years

Once accepted, you’ll have access to Swift’s expert instructors, on-the-road training, and all the tools you need—including a full commercial driver’s license study guide—to succeed.

Class A CDL License: What is a CDL License?