To become a truck driver in the US, you get a commercial driver's license (CDL) by passing a knowledge test and a driving test in your state. Before your first Class A or Class B CDL, federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rules apply, and most drivers train at a professional truck driving school or a community college program that lasts 3 to 6 months.
The ELDT rule is the part older advice leaves out. It's been in force since 7 February 2022, so any guide that only tells you to study the manual and book your test is out of date.
This guide uses the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook page for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) ELDT page, both read on 26 October 2026.
Truck driver pay and jobs at a glance
| Measure | BLS figure |
|---|---|
| Median pay (May 2025) | $58,640 a year, $28.19 an hour |
| Lowest 10 in every 100 earned less than | $40,140 |
| Highest 10 in every 100 earned more than | $79,380 |
| Jobs in 2025 | About 2.2 million |
| Projected growth 2025 to 2035 | 4%, about as fast as average |
| Openings each year | About 214,500 on average |
Those pay figures are as of October 2026, from the May 2025 BLS wage survey.
The route in, step by step
- Finish high school or an equivalent. BLS says most companies require it.
- Choose a training program. A private truck driving school or community college program typically lasts between 3 and 6 months, and you'll get a certificate of completion.
- Complete Entry-Level Driver Training if you're getting a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time. The FMCSA Training Provider Registry records who has completed it.
- Pass your state's CDL knowledge test and driving test.
- Add endorsements if you need them, such as hazardous materials (H), which needs an extra knowledge test and a background check.
- Start your first job. BLS says new drivers usually get several weeks of on-the-job training with an experienced mentor-driver.
Who the ELDT rules apply to
FMCSA says its ELDT regulations set the baseline training for entry-level drivers. They apply if you're seeking to:
- Get a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time.
- Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL.
- Get a school bus (S), passenger (P) or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.
The rules aren't retroactive. If you were issued a CDL or an S, P or H endorsement before 7 February 2022, you don't need to complete the training for it. That's why a driver who got their licence years ago may tell you there's no training requirement: for them, there wasn't.
Keeping your CDL once you have it
Getting the licence is only half of it. BLS says federal rules require CDL drivers to keep a clean driving record and pass a physical exam every two years, and drivers are subject to random drug and alcohol testing. A CDL can be suspended for driving under the influence or for a felony involving a motor vehicle, and multiple violations can also lead to suspension.
States can also refuse a CDL to anyone whose CDL was suspended by another state. And some companies set stricter standards than the federal rules, so read each employer's requirements before you apply.
How truck drivers are paid
BLS says heavy truck drivers are usually paid by the miles they drive, plus bonuses. The per-mile rate varies by employer and can depend on the cargo and your experience. Some long-distance drivers, especially owner-operators, get a share of the revenue from the shipment instead.
| Industry | Median pay, May 2025 |
|---|---|
| Truck transportation | $60,320 |
| Wholesale trade | $58,550 |
| Manufacturing | $56,570 |
| Construction | $56,080 |
Truck transportation employs 40% of drivers and paid the highest median of the top industries, at $60,320, as of October 2026.
The hours rules
FMCSA limits how long long-haul drivers can work. BLS summarises the rules: no more than 14 hours straight, with up to 11 of those spent driving, and at least 10 hours off duty between working periods. Drivers are also limited to 60 hours of driving in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days.
BLS describes long-haul trucking as a lifestyle choice, because drivers can be away from home for days or weeks. It's also physically demanding, and truck drivers have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations.
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Tools that help on the road
If you're planning to run your own truck one day, the business side matters as much as the driving. Our guide to the best trucking dispatch software covers load planning, our look at fleet management software helps if you grow beyond one truck, and our roundup of the best apps for drivers covers the everyday tools.
How long it takes
Truck driving school typically takes 3 to 6 months, followed by your CDL tests and then several weeks of mentored driving once you're hired. That makes it one of the faster routes into a full-time job with no degree, as long as you finish ELDT with a provider on the federal registry.
My verdict
Trucking is a quick way into steady work, with about 214,500 openings a year. The key is doing it in the right order: training, ELDT with a registered provider, then your CDL tests. Don't follow older advice that skips the training rule, because it doesn't apply to new drivers. And think hard about the lifestyle before you commit to long-haul, since time away from home is part of the job.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a truck driver?
Truck driving school or a community college program typically lasts 3 to 6 months, followed by CDL tests and several weeks of on-the-job training.
What is ELDT?
Entry-Level Driver Training is the federal baseline training FMCSA requires before a first Class A or Class B CDL, a Class B to A upgrade, or a first S, P or H endorsement.
Do I need ELDT if I already have a CDL?
Not for a CDL or endorsement issued before 7 February 2022. FMCSA says the rules aren't retroactive.
How much do truck drivers make?
BLS reports a median of $58,640 a year for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in May 2025, as of October 2026.
How are truck drivers paid?
Usually by the miles they drive, plus bonuses. Some long-distance drivers, especially owner-operators, are paid a share of the revenue from shipping.
How often do truck drivers need a physical?
BLS says federal regulations require CDL drivers to pass a physical exam every two years.
