A Complete Breakdown of the Process
Most students in Virginia can earn a Class A CDL in about 4 to 8 weeks through a full-time training program. The total time depends on the license class, the training schedule, and a few required steps that cannot be rushed, like the 14-day permit holding period. Students who plan for these steps early, such as scheduling the DOT physical before class starts, can avoid the most common delays.
Key Takeaways
- A Class A CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) takes about 4 to 8 weeks through a full-time training program in Virginia. A Class B CDL takes about 3 to 6 weeks.
- Students must hold a CLP (Commercial Learner’s Permit) for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
- Getting the DOT (Department of Transportation) physical done before training starts helps avoid delays.
- A Virginia CLP is valid for one year and cannot be renewed.
- Endorsements add time. The Passenger “P” Endorsement adds about one week to the CDS Class B program, and a Hazmat endorsement requires a background check that can take more than 45 days, so TSA recommends applying at least 60 days ahead.
How Long the Full Process Takes
In Virginia, full-time students usually earn a Class A CDL in about 4 to 8 weeks and a Class B CDL in about 3 to 6 weeks. Training makes up most of that time. At CDS, the Class A program is 20 days (160 hours), and the Class B program is 15 days (120 hours). Start dates also affect the timeline. New Class A and Class B classes at CDS start every two weeks, so students usually wait no more than two weeks to begin training.
The range exists because getting a CDL is a series of steps, not one block of training. Some steps take an afternoon. One is set by law and cannot be shortened. Law requires 160 hours of training; if the process seems too fast or too good to be true, you may be dealing with a CDL mill. Part-time and weekend schedules cover the same training hours but spread them over more weeks, which can double the total time.
The Steps Behind the Timeline
Getting a CDL in Virginia follows a set order: get a DOT physical, earn your CLP, complete entry-level driver training, hold the permit for at least 14 days, and pass the skills test. Each step depends on the one before it, so planning ahead has a big impact on how long the process takes. For details on what each step requires, see our guide on how to get a CDL in Virginia.
What Speeds Up or Slows Down the Timeline
A few choices can add or remove weeks from the process:
- Schedule: Training full-time is the quickest path. Part-time and weekend students complete the same hours, but over more weeks.
- Permit expiration: If the CLP expires before a student passes the skills test, the student must reapply and retake the knowledge tests. This matters most for part-time students and those who run into delays.
- Skills test retakes: Failing any part of the test adds time to schedule a new test date.
- Endorsements: The optional Passenger “P” Endorsement adds about one week to the CDS Class B program. A Hazmat endorsement requires a TSA (Transportation Security Administration) background check that can take more than 45 days, so students should start early.
After Graduation: From CDL to First Paycheck
Carriers often recruit straight from training programs, so many new CDL holders hear from employers before they finish training. After hiring, new drivers go through company orientation, which can last a few weeks and is often paid.
Carriers often recruit straight from training programs, so many new CDL holders hear from employers before they finish training. After hiring, new drivers go through company orientation, which can last a few weeks and is often paid. Starting pay depends on the type of driving, the carrier, and whether the job is local, regional, or over-the-road. For a closer look at first-year earnings, see our guide to how much entry-level truck drivers make.
Getting Started at CDS
Students still planning how to pay for training can review the tuition assistance options. Upcoming start dates are listed on the CDS Class Schedule page. Applying early gives students more time to schedule the DOT physical and get their CLP before class begins. Students can start an application on the Get Started page or call (844) 654-2235 to talk with an admissions advisor about which license class fits their goals.
FAQs
Does the 14-day CLP holding period include weekends?
Yes. The 14 days are counted as calendar days, not business days.
When does the 14-day CLP holding period start?
The 14-day period starts on the day the CLP is issued. Students who get their CLP before class starts can finish the waiting period during training.
Does a student need a CLP before starting CDL school?
Not for classroom training. A CLP is required before any behind-the-wheel training on public roads. Students at CDS earn their CLP during the program.
Can someone get a CDL in Virginia without going to CDL school?
No, not for a first-time Class A or Class B CDL. Applicants must finish ELDT with a registered training provider before they can take the skills test.
How long is a DOT medical card good for?
A DOT medical card is valid for up to 24 months. Drivers with certain health conditions may receive a card for a shorter period.