The driving test for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in the United States has certain points in common with the driving test for a standard license , but they are not equal. As business licenses are intended for specialized drivers who must operate very private vehicles , this assessment turns out to be much more complex to ensure that the privileges are granted to the right people. Despite its difficulty, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) maintains that there are at least two ways to pass this exam in the country without problems:
1. Enlisting in a private truck or heavy vehicle driving school.
2. Applying for an apprenticeship with an employer.
Private truck driving schools have a program designed exclusively for drivers who are in the process of obtaining a commercial driver’s license in the United States . However, their program does not cover the entire business branch, a branch that also includes school buses or public transportation. It also does not contemplate other commercial vehicles. It is a school specialized in the driving of cargo trucks and, therefore, it is ideal for those who will be part of a commercial fleet of this nature.
The second option is directly related to employers, since in the United States there are some that offer their own training programs for commercial drivers . As with truck driving schools, employers will require that the applicant have at least one Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) to be able to start the program. In addition, it is very likely that the employer will also require the signing of an employment contract in order to provide the benefit of the training.
The cost varies significantly for each of these options . In that sense, truck driving schools turn out to be the most expensive alternative, but many of them offer paid amenities for those interested. Apprenticeships from employers can cost very little or even be free, and is often seen as the most beneficial option because it is associated with secure employment.
When one of these programs ends, the driver can make an appointment with the corresponding DMV to take the driving test and change their driver’s license for a commercial driver’s license. The only people who are exempt from this test are those who have recently left the military.
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