How To Get a CDL in Louisiana
Getting a CDL in Louisiana requires you to meet the standards of both federal and state-specific rules. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets federal standards that all CDL holders must meet, and in Louisiana, drivers must also follow additional rules.
Steps to Getting Your CDL
Step 1 – Meet Requirements: 18 Years or Older , Valid Driver’s License, and Proof of Residency
Step 2 – Read and Speak English
Step 3 – Get a Commercial Learner’s Permit
Step 4 – Pass a DOT Physical and Drug Screen
Step 5 – Enroll in an ELDT-Compliant CDL Training Program
Step 6 – Pass the CDL Exam and Get Your License
Louisiana CDL Requirements
Age Requirements
You may pursue a CDL at age 18 in Louisiana. To be eligible for a CDL in Louisiana, you must be at least 18 years old. However, truck drivers may not drive a truck across state lines until they are 21 years old.
Valid Driver’s License
You must have a valid driver’s license (for non-commercial vehicles). Your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) must be from the same state where you got your driver’s license.
Proof of Residency
You must provide proof of Louisiana residency at the time you apply for your license. Acceptable documentation includes, but is not limited to the following:
- A Louisiana voter’s registration card
- A Louisiana property tax receipt from the tax assessor’s office, showing your name as the property owner.
- A copy of a lease or rental agreement on property within the State of Louisiana, showing your name as the renter.
- Utility statements (electric, gas, water, telephone, or Cablevision) showing your name and Louisiana address.
- A signed letter on official letterhead from your local postmaster confirming your name and mailing address.
- W-2 Forms showing your name and Louisiana address.
- Current health, home, or personal vehicle insurance policy showing your name and Louisiana address.
- A current phone bill showing your name and Louisiana address.
Language Requirements
The FMCSA requires truck drivers to read and speak the English language well enough to communicate with the general public.
Getting a Commercial Learner’s Permit
Getting a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) is the first step in obtaining a CDL. A CLP is like a normal learner’s permit: once you have one, you may practice driving big trucks under the supervision of a licensed CDL holder.
At Diesel Driving Academy, Students study and earn their CLP during the first week of classes, so you do not need a CLP before enrolling.
DOT Medical Certification and Drug Screen
A completed DOT Medical Certification is required to get a Commercial Learner’s Permit. The exam must be done by a medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. The DOT Medical Certification evaluates vision, hearing, heart health, and other areas. Applicants must also pass a drug screen.
Applicants must also submit a CDL Supplemental Form to confirm whether they will drive in-state or across state lines, and their medical status. This form is only one page and must be turned into the Office of Motor Vehicles with the DOT Medical Certification.
At Diesel Driving Academy, students get their DOT physical during training and it is included in the cost of CDL training.
Enroll in an ELDT-Compliant CDL Program
To become a licensed truck driver, FMCSA regulations require first-time CDL applicants to complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). Any truck driving school with ELDT-compliant programs meets this requirement.
The FMCSA made ELDT mandatory starting February 7, 2022, to ensure all new commercial drivers receive training of a consistent quality. This means that before getting a CDL, applicants must complete a CDL training course through an FMCSA-registered training provider for Class A or Class B CDLs.
Diesel Driving Academy’s Class A CDL programs are ELDT-compliant and FMCSA-registered.
Pass the CDL Exam and Get Your License
CDL applicants must pass knowledge tests. The written exam must be taken within 14 days of obtaining the CLP. The CDL exam includes:
- General Knowledge
- Combination Vehicles test (for Class A)
- Air Brakes test (if applicable)
If you want to add endorsements to your CDL, you will need to complete additional written exams for each endorsement.
After passing these, applicants must also complete a three-part driving skills test covering:
- Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection
- Basic Control Skills
- On-Road Driving
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need truck driving experience to start CDL training?
No prior truck driving experience is required. Our beginner-friendly courses take you step-by-step through CDL preparation.
Is it mandatory for truck drivers in Louisiana to attend CDL school?
Yes, federal law requires completion of an Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT)-compliant CDL training course through an FMCSA-certified provider.
I have a medical condition. Can I still get a CDL?
Some medical conditions do not disqualify you from getting a CDL, but others may. The FMCSA makes exceptions for some conditions that do not prevent you from operating a truck. Others create potentially dangerous conditions on the road. An admissions representative can provide more information.
What is a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)?
A Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) allows new drivers to practice operating a commercial vehicle under the supervision of a licensed CDL holder. Drivers must hold a CLP before taking the CDL skills test.
What tests do you have to pass to get a CDL?
To get a CDL, you must pass both written knowledge tests and a three-part skills test that includes: pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test.
What disqualifies you from getting a CDL?
Certain serious traffic or law violations, a suspended driver’s license, or specific medical conditions may prevent someone from obtaining a CDL.
How much does CDL training cost in Louisiana?
The cost of CDL training varies by school and program. Many programs cost several thousand dollars, though financial aid, workforce grants, and employer-sponsored training may be available for students who qualify.