CDL Pathway

CDL Requirements by State

Compare permit, training, medical, age, and road-test rules across the first 10 states we cover.

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Texas

You can get a CDL at 18 to drive in-state only. You need to be 21 to cross state lines and for most hazardous-materials work.

California

You can get a CDL at 18 to drive in-state only. You need to be 21 to cross state lines, haul hazardous materials, or run cross-border.

Florida

You must be at least 18. If you're under 21, you can only drive inside Florida.

North Carolina

You can get a CDL at 18 to drive in-state only. You need to be 21 to cross state lines or haul hazardous materials.

Georgia

You can apply at 18 with some limits. At 21 you can do more, including crossing state lines and hauling hazardous materials.

Ohio

You must be at least 18 for a CDL or learner's permit. Under-21 drivers are usually limited to driving inside Ohio.

Pennsylvania

You can get a CDL at 18 to drive in-state only. You need to be 21 to cross state lines, carry passengers, and for most hazardous-materials work.

Illinois

You can get a CDL at 18 to drive in-state only. You need to be 21 to cross state lines or carry passengers.

Arizona

You must be at least 18. Under-21 drivers can only drive inside Arizona.

Tennessee

You must be at least 18. Under-21 drivers can only drive inside Tennessee.

New York

You can get a CDL at 18 to drive in-state only (with a K restriction). You need to be 21 to cross state lines or haul hazardous materials.

Michigan

You can get a CDL at 18 to drive in-state only. You need to be 21 to cross state lines or haul hazardous materials.

Washington

You can get a CDL at 18 with a valid Washington license to drive in-state only. You need to be 21 to cross state lines.

Colorado

You can get a CDL at 18 to drive in-state only. You need to be 21 to cross state lines.

Virginia

You must be at least 18. You need to be 21 to cross state lines or haul hazardous materials.

New Jersey

You must be at least 18. Under-21 drivers can only drive in-state and can't get hazardous-materials or passenger endorsements. You need to be 21 to cross state lines.

Official sources and verification links

FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training
The federal trucking agency (FMCSA) explains the required entry-level training (ELDT) and the federal list of approved schools.
FMCSA Training Provider Registry
The official place to search approved training schools and file a complaint.
FMCSA selecting a training provider
A federal checklist for picking a training school.
FMCSA DOT medical exam and CMV certification
The federal agency explains the DOT physical, who can do it, and how long your medical card stays good.
FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
The official federal drug and alcohol record system. If you're flagged here, you can't drive commercially until you finish the return-to-duty steps, and it can block your CDL or learner's permit.
FMCSA non-domiciled CDL final rule
A federal rule issued February 13, 2026 and effective March 16, 2026 that changes who can get a CDL or learner's permit without being a U.S. resident.
FMCSA National Registry II medical certification guidance
Federal guidance on how your medical card gets sent to the state electronically, and what to do if your state is behind on the new system.