CDL Glossary
Plain-English definitions for CDL beginners researching training, school, endorsements, jobs, and pay.
ELDT
Entry-Level Driver Training: federal baseline training required for many first-time Class A/Class B CDL applicants, Class B-to-A upgrades, and first-time HazMat, passenger, or school bus endorsements.
TermCLP
Commercial Learner’s Permit: the permit that lets a CDL applicant practice in a commercial motor vehicle with a properly licensed CDL holder.
TermClass A CDL
A commercial license class generally used for combination vehicles such as tractor-trailers when weight thresholds are met.
TermClass B CDL
A commercial license class generally used for heavy straight trucks and some buses when weight or passenger thresholds are met.
TermCPM
Cents per mile: a common trucking pay model where gross pay is calculated from paid miles multiplied by the cents-per-mile rate.
TermOTR
Over-the-road trucking: longer-distance driving that often keeps drivers away from home for multiple days or weeks.
TermRegional Driving
A route pattern that usually keeps drivers within a multi-state region and may offer more predictable home time than national OTR.
TermHome Daily
Driving work designed for the driver to return home after each shift, often local delivery, shuttle, waste, bus, construction, or port work.
TermHazMat Endorsement
A CDL endorsement for transporting placarded hazardous materials. It can require a knowledge test, TSA security threat assessment, and ELDT theory for first-time applicants.
TermTanker Endorsement
A CDL endorsement for operating tank vehicles. Tanker work requires understanding surge, loading, unloading, and product-specific safety rules.
TermDoubles/Triples
A CDL endorsement for operating multiple trailers where allowed. Some states or routes restrict triple trailers.
TermDOT Medical Card
A medical examiner’s certificate documenting that a commercial driver meets applicable physical qualification standards for the selected driving category.
TermTraining Provider Registry
FMCSA’s official registry for ELDT providers and training-completion records. CDL applicants should verify providers before paying.
TermTuition Reimbursement
A carrier program that reimburses eligible CDL school costs over time, usually after the driver is hired and remains employed.
TermLease-Purchase
A trucking arrangement where a driver leases a truck with an option or promise to buy. The risk is that fixed weekly costs can overwhelm take-home pay.
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