The commercial truck driving industry offers a career path for those interested in operating large vehicles used to transport goods. Beginning this profession requires obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a specialized credential. The age at which a person can secure this license depends almost entirely on the geographic scope of their intended driving route. This distinction between local and long-haul operations creates a dual system for entry into the field.
Understanding Intrastate vs. Interstate Driving Rules
Intrastate driving refers to the operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) entirely within the borders of a single state. The cargo must originate and end its journey within that state, without crossing a state line. This category is regulated by the individual state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.
Interstate commerce involves any driving that crosses a state line or transports goods that are part of a shipment moving between states or countries. This applies even if the driver’s route does not leave their home state, such as hauling cargo destined for another state. Interstate driving falls under the direct regulatory authority of the federal government through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Minimum Age for Driving Within a Single State (Intrastate)
Most states allow an individual to obtain a CDL for intrastate commerce at the age of 18. Drivers under 21 are typically prohibited from hauling hazardous materials that require placarding or transporting passengers. The state sets the minimum age because the driving remains solely within state lines, meaning the federal age requirement for interstate travel does not apply. This allows 18-year-olds to work in local or regional delivery, which can serve as a foundation for a long-haul career after they turn 21.
Minimum Age for Driving Across State Lines (Interstate)
The federal government establishes a minimum age requirement for any driver operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle in interstate commerce. A driver must be at least 21 years old to transport goods across state lines or engage in any federally regulated commercial activity. This rule is mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and applies uniformly across all 50 states. The age restriction ensures that drivers possess a certain level of maturity and driving experience before undertaking long-haul operations. Prior to this age, a driver with a CDL is restricted to operating only within the state that issued their license.
Apprenticeship Programs for Younger Drivers
A recent exception to the mandatory 21-year-old federal rule is the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program (SDAP). This program allows qualified drivers aged 18, 19, and 20 to participate in interstate commerce under rigorous training and supervision.
To participate, an apprentice must already hold an intrastate CDL and complete two probationary periods totaling 400 hours of on-duty time, with at least 280 hours of driving time. Throughout this training, the younger driver must be accompanied by an experienced driver who is at least 26 years old and has a minimum of five years of driving experience. Furthermore, the commercial vehicles used in the program are required to be equipped with specific safety technologies, such as active braking collision mitigation systems and a governed speed of 65 miles per hour.
Necessary Steps to Obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
The process of securing a CDL involves several mandatory steps beyond meeting the minimum age requirement.
- Applicants must first provide proof of residency and successfully pass a knowledge test, which is a written exam covering federal and state regulations.
- Passing this test allows the applicant to obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), which must be held for a minimum of 14 days before proceeding to the skills test.
- Before the skills test can be scheduled, drivers seeking a Class A or B CDL must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a provider listed on the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry.
- The skills test itself is a three-part examination that includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic vehicle control test, and a road test in the type of vehicle for which the applicant is seeking licensure.
- All commercial drivers must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination to receive physical certification.
- Drivers may choose to obtain specialized endorsements, such as for transporting tankers or multiple trailers, by passing additional written exams.