How Old Do You Have to Be To Get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)?

Becoming a commercial driver opens the door to an exciting career on the road, but the opportunity comes with specific rules and requirements. One of the most important factors is the minimum age threshold that drivers must meet to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). While you can apply for a CDL at 18, certain restrictions apply, especially for interstate driving. In this article, we’ll explore the age requirements for a CDL and explain the rules that shape this essential step in the trucking industry.

CDL age requirements and truck driver age limit

To obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in the United States, you must be at least 18. At this age, you are eligible for intrastate driving, which means you can operate commercial vehicles within your home state. You can obtain a CDL at 18 in most states for intrastate driving—meaning you’re only allowed to operate within your home state. However, you cannot drive in interstate commerce until you turn 21 under federal law, unless you’re approved under a specific pilot program such as the FMCSA’s Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot (SDAP).

Once you turn 21, you become eligible for interstate driving, enabling you to transport goods or passengers across state lines. These age requirements apply to all CDL classes, including Class A and Class B, and provide a uniform framework across every state. While the minimum age is standardized, the process of obtaining a CDL—including testing and licensing procedures can slightly vary depending on your state.

CDL age requirements by license class

While there is typically no upper age limit for obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), you must meet a minimum age to operate large commercial vehicles legally. CDLs are divided into three main types, each allowing drivers to operate specific types of vehicles:

• Class A CDL: Covers combination vehicles, such as tractor-trailers and trucks towing large trailers.
• Class B CDL: Applies to single vehicles weighing more than 26,001 pounds.
• Class C CDL: Designed for smaller vehicles, often used to transport hazardous materials or a certain number of passengers.

Let’s take a closer look at the age requirements for each CDL class.

How old do you have to be to get a Class A CDL license?

A Class A CDL allows drivers to operate the largest and heaviest commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailers and combination trucks. Generally, you must be at least 21 years old to obtain this license, as it requires advanced skills and responsibility to safely handle these heavy vehicles. However, some states offer exceptions, permitting drivers as young as 18 to hold a Class A CDL for intrastate driving within their home state.

How old do you have to be to get a Class B CDL license?

A Class B CDL allows drivers to operate single commercial vehicles weighing over 26,001 pounds. The standard minimum age to obtain this Class B license is 21. However, similar to Class A, some states allow drivers as young as 18 to hold a Class B CDL for intrastate driving within their home state.

How old do you have to be to get a Class C CDL license?

Class C CDLs cover a variety of smaller commercial vehicles, and the age requirements can vary based on the specific endorsements and type of vehicle you plan to drive. In general, the minimum age is either 18 or 21, depending on the state and whether you are driving within your state (intrastate) or across state lines (interstate).

CDL age requirements by state: Intrastate vs. Interstate rules

The minimum age to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is generally consistent across the United States, but some states have slight variations based on their specific regulations. A key factor influencing CDL age requirements is whether you plan to drive within a single state (intrastate) or across state lines (interstate).

In most states, you can get a CDL at 18 years old for intrastate driving, allowing you to operate commercial vehicles within your home state. However, interstate driving—which involves transporting goods or passengers between states—requires a minimum age of 21 under federal regulations.

This distinction exists because interstate drivers must meet higher safety and compliance standards, reflecting the increased responsibility, experience, and judgment required to operate across varying road conditions and regulatory environments.

Below is a breakdown of CDL age requirements by state across the U.S.:

Can you get a CDL at 18 years old?

For many young adults fresh out of high school, trucking is an appealing career option for its low barrier to entry and competitive pay. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, individuals who are 18 and older can apply for a CDL Class A or B. However, while 18-year-olds can legally drive commercially within their own state, they cannot operate across state lines or engage in interstate commerce until they turn 21.

Despite this restriction, there are plenty of opportunities for 18-year-olds to start a trucking career. Intrastate driving, which allows the transportation of goods within a single state, provides a practical way to gain experience and build a foundation in the industry.

Starting a career at 18 also gives a head start in establishing long-term trucking career stability. Truck driving offers steady earnings and numerous job opportunities without requiring a college degree, making it a strong option for those who prefer hands-on work and want to avoid student debt. Waiting until 21, however, can open doors to long-haul routes, higher pay, and advanced training opportunities..

Turning 21: Expanding CDL opportunities and lifting interstate restrictions

Turning 21 is a key milestone for aspiring truck drivers. At this age, they can remove the interstate driving restriction from their CDL and unlock a wide range of new job opportunities across state lines. The experience gained from intrastate driving provides a solid foundation for handling the demands of long-haul interstate routes.

Lifting the interstate restriction not only expands career options but also increases earning potential. Long-haul trucking, which involves transporting goods over extended distances, typically offers higher pay compared to local or regional routes.

Age limit to get a CDL: Supplemental endorsements and requirements

Certain CDL endorsements, which allow drivers to operate specialized vehicles or transport specific types of cargo, come with their own age restrictions. For instance, transporting hazardous materials requires drivers to be at least 21 years old. Similarly, carrying passengers generally mandates a minimum age of 21, reflecting the added responsibility of ensuring passenger safety.

Is there a maximum age limit for a CDL license?

There’s no upper age limit for obtaining a CDL. Many drivers in their seventies continue to operate large commercial vehicles safely. As long as you can handle a truck securely, pass DOT physical exams, and complete required drug and alcohol screenings, you can pursue a career in trucking at any age. 

In fact, older drivers often bring valuable advantages—they’re less likely to be pressured into risky assignments in adverse conditions and tend to make more measured decisions and operate vehicles more responsibly as compared with counterparts just getting started.

High demand for professional truck drivers

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the demand for heavy-duty and tractor-trailer drivers will grow by 4% in the coming years, with estimates suggesting that the U.S. needs at least 80,000 new CDL drivers to keep up with industry demand.

Across the country, companies are actively seeking qualified drivers to cover their routes. Due to the shortage of professional drivers, many trucking companies are offering retention bonuses of 20% or more to keep experienced drivers on the road.

To address this shortage, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) launched the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot (SDAP) Program. This is a limited federal pilot program and not a broad exemption that allows qualified 18- to 20-year-old CDL holders to operate interstate routes under the supervision of experienced mentors. Participation is restricted to approved motor carriers and drivers who meet strict safety and training criteria. Supervising drivers must meet these requirements:

• Be at least 26 years old
• Have a minimum of five years of CDL driving experience
• Maintain two years of incident-free driving, with no crashes or traffic violations

The program incorporates additional safety measures mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Apprentice drivers are restricted to hauling a single trailer and are not permitted to transport hazardous materials. This program provides younger drivers a safe pathway into interstate trucking while helping to meet the nation’s growing need for professional drivers.

Conclusion: Understanding CDL age limits and career opportunities

Navigating the roads as a commercial driver requires a clear understanding of CDL age requirements and restrictions. These age limits are in place to ensure that drivers have the necessary skills, experience, and maturity to safely operate large and potentially hazardous vehicles. While the minimum age to obtain a CDL generally ranges from 18 to 21—depending on the license class and type of driving—it’s essential to follow the specific regulations of the state where you plan to work. New drivers must also be aware of the differences between intrastate and interstate driving, along with the age requirements tied to various endorsements. Ultimately, these rules prioritize safety, ensuring that the transportation of goods and passengers remains secure and regulated for everyone on the road.

Frequently asked questions on CDL age requirements and restrictions

What is the minimum age to drive a semi truck?

The minimum age to drive a semi truck depends on whether you plan to drive within your state (intrastate) or across state lines (interstate). Drivers must be at least 21 years old to operate a semi truck on interstate routes. This federal requirement, set by the FMCSA, ensures drivers have the maturity and experience needed for long-haul trucking. For intrastate driving, individuals 18 years and older can obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and legally operate a semi truck within their home state.

Can a CDL driver under 21 drive out of state?

No, in most cases, CDL drivers under 21 are restricted to intrastate driving and cannot operate commercial vehicles across state lines. This federal regulation ensures that younger drivers gain enough experience and maturity before handling the additional responsibilities and challenges of interstate routes.

There are limited exceptions. For instance, drivers aged 18 to 20 who are hauling harvested goods may be allowed to cross state lines to transport equipment, machinery, or living quarters for harvesting crews. Outside of these specific exemptions, all other interstate commercial driving requires the driver to be 21 or older.

What is the average age of a truck driver to obtain a CDL?

Most truck drivers in the U.S. earn their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) between the ages of 21 and 35. While you can get a CDL as early as 18, federal law limits drivers under 21 to operating within their home state (intrastate). Because most trucking jobs involve crossing state lines, many drivers wait until they turn 21 to start their careers. As a result, the average age of a new CDL holder is around 28 to 30 years old, reflecting the time many spend gaining experience or switching careers before entering the trucking industry.

What is the minimum age for a CDL license?

The minimum age to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is 18 years old, but this only allows for intrastate driving – you can operate commercial vehicles within your home state. At this age, drivers can enroll in CDL training programs, gain hands-on experience, and start building a career in trucking.

To drive across state lines (interstate), the minimum age is 21. However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has introduced a Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program, which allows qualified 18- to 20-year-old CDL holders to participate in interstate driving under the supervision of an experienced mentor. 

What are under 21 CDL restrictions?

Commercial drivers under the age of 21 face several important restrictions that limit their driving scope and employment opportunities. One of the most significant limitations is that they are not permitted to operate commercial vehicles across state lines.

Key restrictions for CDL drivers under 21:

• Intrastate-only operation: Drivers can only operate commercial vehicles within their home state.
• No interstate driving: They cannot transport goods or passengers across state lines until they reach 21.
• Limited endorsements: Certain endorsements, such as transporting hazardous materials (HazMat), require the driver to be at least 21.
• Restricted employment options: Many trucking companies prefer or require interstate eligibility, reducing available opportunities for under-21 drivers.

To help address the growing demand for qualified drivers, FMCSA launched the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot (SDAP) Program. This initiative allows eligible 18- to 20-year-old CDL holders with clean records to participate in supervised interstate driving under the guidance of experienced mentors.

Why is there a truck driver’s age limit?

Truck driver age limits exist to ensure that drivers have the maturity, experience, and physical fitness necessary to safely operate large commercial vehicles. While there is no maximum age, the minimum age to obtain a CDL is generally 18. Drivers under 21 face restrictions, such as being unable to drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials, because these activities require additional responsibility and skill.

Age requirements also help ensure that drivers are physically capable of handling the demands of the job. All CDL applicants must pass a medical examination that evaluates vision, hearing, and overall health, confirming they can safely manage long hours on the road and operate heavy vehicles under varying conditions.