Careers You Can Pursue with a CDL
A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required to drive certain vehicles, such as trucks and buses, that are used for commercial purposes. It is highly sought after by employers who are in need of professional drivers as these licenses serve as a proof of knowledge and training fortified through the state.
Requirements
To qualify, you must:
- Be 18 years or older to drive intrastate, and 21 years or older to drive interstate
- Undergo a screening for drugs and alcohol
- Have a clean driving record and criminal background check
- Be medically cleared by a doctor
- Pass the knowledge test and appropriate skill tests required by your state or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
Careers
Once you obtain your CDL, you can pursue one of the following careers:
- Truck Driver – Truck drivers are responsible for transporting materials between locations. They may drive short or long distances and are often responsible for inspecting and maintaining the vehicles they operate.
- Bus Driver – Bus drivers transport passengers and cargo in buses, school buses, and shuttle buses. It is their responsibility to make sure that all passengers arrive to their destination on time and safely.
- Delivery Driver – Delivery drivers are responsible for the safe transportation of packages for commercial or residential customers.
- Heavy Equipment Operator – Heavy equipment operators use cranes and other heavy machinery to transport materials from one place to another.
- Emergency Vehicle Driver – Emergency vehicle drivers respond to emergency situations and transport patients, victims, and materials to the necessary locations.
A CDL is a great way to open up more career opportunities, and you can pursue these careers with the training and certification that you receive from earning your CDL.