Last Updated 16th of March, 2010

How long must I hold a CDL permit before applying for a CDL license?

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Before you can get a CDL license you must first hold a CDL permit. This requires passing a knowledge CDL test. These exams are based on information found in your state's CDL manual. You can grab a copy for free from any DMV office, or download one online. After studying the manual, you'll next want to take a CDL practice test. You can find these online from a long list of sites advertising CDL practice tests.

After you pass the written test you'll then be eligible to take the road test, the final step in obtaining a commercial license. All but a few states require zero waiting time in between obtaining a permit and taking the exam (see grid below).  

Alabama No required waiting.
Alaska No required waiting.
Arizona No required waiting.
Arkansas No required waiting.
California No required waiting.
Colorado No required waiting.
Connecticut No required waiting.
Delaware 10 days
Florida No required waiting.
Georgia No required waiting.
Hawaii No required waiting.
Idaho No required waiting.
Illinois No required waiting.
Indiana No required waiting.
Iowa No required waiting.
Kansas No required waiting.
Kentucky 10 days
Louisiana No required waiting.
Maine No required waiting.
Maryland No required waiting.
Massachusetts No required waiting.
Michigan No required waiting.
Minnesota No required waiting.
Mississippi No required waiting.
Missouri No required waiting.
Montana No required waiting.
Nebraska No required waiting.
Nevada No required waiting.
New Hampshire No required waiting.
New Jersey 10 days
New Mexico No required waiting.
New York No waiting required.
North Carolina No waiting required.
North Dakota No waiting required.
Ohio No waiting required.
Oklahoma No waiting required.
Oregon No waiting required.
Pennsylvania 15 days
Rhode Island No required waiting.
South Carolina No waiting required.
South Dakota No required waiting.
Tennessee No required waiting.
Texas No required waiting.
Utah No required waiting.
Vermont No required waiting.
Virginia 30 days
Washington No required waiting.
West Virginia No required waiting.
Wisconsin No required waiting.
Wyoming No required waiting.
Washington DC No required waiting.

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