How do I get my Commercial Driver's License (CDL)?

At TGA Truck Driving Schools, we offer dedicated classroom permit prep classes designed to help you pass the written exams and earn your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). Getting your CLP is the first step toward a career in trucking, and we’re here to make sure you’re prepared. To qualify, you’ll need to be at least 21 years old for interstate driving, have a valid driver’s license, and pass a DOT physical exam. Once you’ve got your CLP, you’re on your way to earning your full CDL and launching a rewarding career on the road.

​

If you're new to the trucking world, here’s what you need to know: As of 2022, all first-time commercial drivers are required by law to complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a school approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

​

At TGA Truck Driving Schools, our 160-hour CDL-A training program meets all these requirements. You'll get classroom instruction and hands-on experience with real trucks—learning how to do pre-trip inspections, practice backing maneuvers, and drive safely on public roads. We use modern automatic transmission trucks, just like what most companies use today.

​

After completing your training, you’ll take the official CDL skills test, which includes three parts: vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and a road test. Once you pass, you'll earn your Class A Commercial Driver’s License, which allows you to drive tractor-trailers and start your new career in the trucking industry.