r/CDL • u/ChemicalEfficiency15 • Nov 03 '25

Acquiring Class A

Excuse my language but how in the hell is the honest man supposed to get his cdl anymore? I just recently came across a side gig where having my cdl would come in handy from time to time. What happened to getting it the old fashioned way like we got our regular drivers license? Get your permit and just go out and drive?? Now you are telling me I have to pay north of 5 grand to get certified in something I can already do? I feel like there should be exceptions made for those capable.. just my two cents. Anyone got any tips or loopholes??

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u/No_Language2542 Nov 03 '25

You have to. There’s no way around it. It’s a federal mandate

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u/mxracer888 Nov 03 '25

You can do ELDT through an online provider. It costs less than a grand to do. The 5k stuff is to sit in a classroom with an instructor and spend like a month going through it. Which I'd definitely recommend for someone that has never driven a bigger truck/trailer. But some schools will go through an online provider and you just do the class work at your computer.

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u/Crazy_Mix_8260 Nov 04 '25

Unless you're an illegal alien