How long does it take to get a CDL?

CDL training programs typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months. The exact duration depends on the type of CDL (Class A, B, or C) and the training school.

What is ELDT certification?

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a federal requirement since February 2022. All new CDL applicants must complete training from an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the CDL skills test.

How much does CDL school cost in 2026?

CDL training costs typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 for private schools in 2026. Company-sponsored programs may offer free training in exchange for a work commitment. Financial aid, WIOA grants, and VA benefits can help cover costs.

Can I get paid while training for my CDL?

Yes, many trucking companies offer paid CDL training programs where you earn a salary while learning. These programs typically require a 1-2 year employment commitment after graduation.

What is the difference between Class A and Class B CDL?

A Class A CDL allows you to drive combination vehicles (tractor-trailers) over 26,001 lbs with a towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs. A Class B CDL covers single vehicles over 26,001 lbs like buses, dump trucks, and delivery trucks. Class A offers more job opportunities and typically higher pay.

How do I verify if a CDL school is legitimate?

Verify the school is registered with the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). All legitimate ELDT providers must be listed. Use our Scam Checker tool to verify schools against the federal registry and check for complaints.

How long does it take to get a CDL?

CDL training programs typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months.

What is ELDT certification?

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a federal requirement since February 2022. All new CDL applicants must complete training from an FMCSA-registered provider.

How much does CDL school cost?

CDL training costs typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 for private schools. Company-sponsored programs may offer free training in exchange for a work commitment.

Class A vs Class B CDL: Which License Makes More Money in 2025?

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Semi truck on highway - Class A vs Class B CDL comparison

If you are standing at the crossroads of a trucking career, the first decision you have to make is the most important one: Class A or Class B?

It sounds like a simple choice between "Big Truck" and "Smaller Truck," but the reality is much more complex. Your choice of license dictates your entire career path—how often you sleep in your own bed, what kind of freight you touch, and most importantly, how big your paycheck will be.

In 2025, the gap between Class A and Class B salaries has widened due to the driver shortage in the long-haul sector. But is the extra money worth the lifestyle sacrifice?

In this guide, we break down the math, the machines, and the market realities to help you decide.

1Quick Comparison: Class A vs Class B

Before we dive deep, let's look at the high-level differences. Use this cheat sheet to see where you fit.

Feature	Class A CDL	Class B CDL
Primary Vehicle	Tractor-Trailers (18-wheelers), Tankers, Flatbeds	Dump Trucks, Box Trucks, Concrete Mixers, Buses
Towing Capacity	Can tow trailers over 10,000 lbs	Can tow trailers under 10,000 lbs
Average Salary (2025)	$68,000 - $95,000+	$48,000 - $62,000
Home Time	Often OTR (Weeks out) or Regional (Weekends)	Mostly Local (Home Daily)
Training Time	4 - 8 Weeks	3 - 5 Weeks
Age Requirement	21+ for Interstate	18+ (Intrastate only)
Job Outlook	Extreme Demand (Long Haul)	Steady Demand (Construction/Delivery)

2What is a Class A CDL?

A Class A Commercial Driver's License is the "Master Key" of the trucking world.

It authorizes you to operate a combination vehicle with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the vehicle being towed weighs more than 10,000 pounds.

In plain English? If it bends in the middle and pulls a heavy trailer, you need a Class A.

Common Class A Vehicles:

Tractor-Trailers: The standard 53-foot dry vans you see on the highway.
Flatbeds: Hauling construction materials, machinery, or lumber.
Tankers: Carrying liquids (gasoline, milk, chemicals). Requires 'N' endorsement.
Livestock Carriers: Hauling cattle or hogs.

The "Universal" License

The biggest advantage of a Class A CDL is that it generally allows you to drive Class B vehicles, too. If you have a Class A, you can legally hop into a dump truck or a box truck. The reverse is not true.

3What is a Class B CDL?

A Class B Commercial Driver's License allows you to operate a single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. You can tow a trailer, but it must not exceed 10,000 pounds.

Think of Class B as the "Straight Truck" license. The truck doesn't articulate (bend), and it stays relatively local.

Common Class B Vehicles:

Dump Trucks: The backbone of construction jobs.
Cement Mixers: Heavy, specialized work.
Garbage Trucks: Steady, unionized municipal jobs.
Delivery Box Trucks: Local food or furniture delivery.
Buses: City buses, school buses, and tour coaches. Requires 'P' and 'S' endorsements.

4Salary Comparison: Who Makes More?

Let's talk numbers. In 2025, Class A drivers consistently out-earn Class B drivers by 20% to 30%.

Class A Salary Breakdown

Entry-Level$55,000 - $65,000
Experienced (3+ Years)$75,000 - $90,000
Top Tier (Private Fleets)$110,000+

Why more? Class A drivers are paid a premium for sleeping in a sleeper berth and living on the road.

Class B Salary Breakdown

Entry-Level$42,000 - $50,000
Experienced (3+ Years)$55,000 - $65,000
Top Tier (Heavy Haul)$75,000+

Why less? Class B jobs are almost exclusively local. You sleep in your own bed every night.

💡 Reality Check: Many Class A jobs pay by the mile (CPM). If you are stuck at a dock, you aren't earning.

Calculate Your REAL Hourly Trucking Wage

5Job Opportunities by License Type

Class A Jobs: The "Open Road"

The demand for Class A drivers is limitless. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) estimates a shortage of over 80,000 drivers.

Massive signing bonuses

Ability to see the country

Independence

✕High burnout rate

✕Lonely lifestyle

✕Strict deadlines

Top Employers: Swift, Knight, Werner, Schneider, Walmart (Private Fleet)

Class B Jobs: The "Community Backbone"

Class B jobs are tied to the local economy—construction, waste management, and public transit.

Daily home time

Predictable schedules

Often paid hourly (with overtime)

✕Physically demanding

✕Lower income ceiling

Top Employers: Waste Management, Cemex, Sysco, Local Municipalities

6Training Time & Cost Differences

Getting your CDL is an investment. Here is what it costs to get started in 2025.

Class A Training

Duration: 160 hours (4-6 weeks full-time)
Cost: $4,000 - $7,000
Curriculum: Heavy emphasis on backing maneuvers and coupling/uncoupling trailers

Financial Aid: Many students use WIOA grants or "Paid Training" contracts.

Class B Training

Duration: 80 - 120 hours (3-4 weeks)
Cost: $2,500 - $4,500
Curriculum: Focuses on safety, pre-trip inspection, and city driving. Backing is simpler (straight-line).

7Which CDL Should You Get?

This isn't just a financial decision; it's a lifestyle decision.

Choose Class A If:

You want to maximize your earning potential ($80k+)
You don't have strong ties keeping you at home every night
You want the "Universal Key" that allows you to drive any commercial truck
You are interested in specialized hauling (Tanker, Hazmat)

Choose Class B If:

You have a family and must be home daily
You are under 21 (since you can't drive interstate Class A anyway)
You prefer physical work (like construction or beverage delivery)
You want lower stress (no backing a 53-foot trailer)

8Can You Upgrade from B to A?

Yes, but you essentially have to start over.

Under the new FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rules, upgrading from Class B to Class A is considered a "new" license class.

The Upgrade Process:

1
Theory Training: You must complete an ELDT-approved Class A theory course.
2
Behind-the-Wheel: You must log driving hours in a Class A vehicle with a registered trainer.
3
The Test: You must pass the entire Class A skills test (Pre-trip, Skills, Road).

The Verdict: If you think you might want a Class A someday, just get the Class A now. It costs slightly more upfront but saves you thousands of dollars and weeks of time later.

9Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the written test harder for Class A or Class B?

The "General Knowledge" test is the same for both. However, Class A requires an additional "Combination Vehicles" test, which covers coupling trailers and managing air brakes on tractor-trailers. This makes the Class A written exam slightly more difficult.

Can I drive a Class B truck with a Class A license?

Yes! A Class A CDL is a "universal" commercial license. It legally allows you to operate all Class B and Class C vehicles (assuming you have the correct endorsements, like Passenger or Hazmat, if required).

Which license is better for local driving?

Class B is naturally designed for local driving (dump trucks, delivery). However, Class A "Local" jobs exist (hauling food to grocery stores, fuel hauling). Class A local jobs usually pay more ($30/hr+) than Class B local jobs ($24/hr).