Can I Get A Cdl Without Going To School

Can I Get a CDL Without Going to School?

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My friend Lisa is the person behind the wheel of every big rig you see on the highway. She steers those 18-wheelers loaded with your online purchases, furniture, and the produce in your fridge as if they were compact cars. Lisa never went to school for her CDL. She worked for a small trucking company straight out of high school, starting as a dispatcher and working her way up to driving doubles. You can skip formal CDL school, but you’ve got to work your way up the ranks and put in the hours.

There are two ways to get a CDL without going to school:

**Earn a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Permit.** You can study for the CDL permit test on your own and take it at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Once you have your permit, you can legally drive a commercial vehicle with a licensed CDL holder in the passenger seat.
**Get an apprenticeship with a trucking company.** Some trucking companies offer apprenticeship programs that allow you to earn your CDL while you work. These programs typically combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction.

Which Route is Right for Me?

If you are self-motivated and have the time to study on your own, then getting a CDL permit may be a good option for you. However, if you prefer more hands-on learning and want to start earning money right away, then an apprenticeship program may be a better choice.

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There are benefits to learning without a school environment:

**Save money.** CDL schools can cost thousands of dollars. If you can get your CDL without going to school, you can save a significant amount of money.
**Learn at your own pace.** When you study for your CDL permit or work with an apprenticeship, you can learn at your own pace. This is a great option if you have a busy schedule or you want a more flexible learning environment.
**Be a part of a team.** The apprenticeship program offers more teamwork and a community of support while going through the training process.

There are some downsides to learning without a school as well:

**It can be more difficult.** Learning the material for the CDL permit test can be challenging, and you may not have access to the same resources as you would in a CDL school.
**It can take longer.** It may take longer to get your CDL if you are not enrolled in a formal school program.
**You may not be able to get the same level of training.** Apprenticeship programs may not provide the same level of training as a CDL school.

Tips for Getting a CDL Without Going to School

If you are determined to get your CDL without going to school, here are a few tips:

**Study hard for the CDL permit test.** The CDL permit test is not easy, so make sure you study hard and understand the material.
**Find a good apprenticeship program.** If you decide to go the apprenticeship route, make sure you find a reputable program that will provide you with the training and support you need.
**Be patient.** It may take some time and effort to get your CDL without going to school, but it is possible.

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FAQs About Getting a CDL Without Going to School

Q: Can I get a CDL without a high school diploma?

A: Yes, you can get a CDL without a high school diploma. However, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license.

Q: How long does it take to get a CDL without going to school?

A: It can take anywhere from a few months to a year to get a CDL without going to school. The time frame will vary depending on how much time you have to study and how quickly you can find an apprenticeship program.

Q: How much does it cost to get a CDL without going to school?

A: The cost of getting a CDL without going to school will vary depending on the cost of the permit test, the cost of the apprenticeship program (if you choose to go that route), and the cost of the CDL license itself. However, it is generally much less expensive than going to a CDL school.

Conclusion

If you are interested in getting a CDL but do not want to go to school, there are two options available to you: getting a CDL permit or finding an apprenticeship program. While both options have their own advantages and disadvantages, they both provide a way to get your CDL without spending a lot of money.

Did you find this article helpful? Do you have any other questions about getting a CDL without going to school? Please feel free to leave a comment below.