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Earning Your CDL in PA

Trucking school yard in York, PA with trucks lined up in parking lot.
 

How to Get Your CDL in PA

If you’re searching for how to get your CDL in PA or are interested in starting a career in the commercial transportation industry, earning your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is the first step. Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time or making a career change, enrolling in a CDL training program like Shelly Truck Driving School provides the practical knowledge and valuable experience you need to pass your exams and begin your career as a professional truck driver.

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What Is a CDL?

A commercial driver’s license is a specialized driver’s license issued by the state that allows you (the holder) to operate commercial motor vehicles including:

  • Commercial trucks
  • Tanker trucks
  • Tractor trailers
  • Buses
  • Passenger vehicles

 

Why Get Your CDL?

Many students choose to enroll in the Shelly Truck Driving School CDL program as it provides a rewarding career in the transportation industry and often a stable income. Common benefits of earning your CDL include:

  • Access to a wide range of job opportunities
  • Strong earnings potential
  • Entering a high-demand job market
  • Ability to travel while working
  • Long-term career growth

Explore CDL License Benefits
 

Truck driving student learning on the truck driving simulator with instructor supervision.

CDL Training Classes Explained

In Pennsylvania, drivers can earn a Class A or Class B commercial driver’s license. A driver holding a Class A CDL can drive vehicles 26,001 lbs. or greater, while towing a trailer weighing more than 10,001 lbs. Class B & C commercial licenses allow drivers to operate lighter vehicles and transport passengers, including school buses and vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

Students who graduate from Shelly Truck Driving School earn a Class A CDL license.

CDL License Training

 

Truck cab dashboard and shifter.

Five Steps to Getting a CDL in Pennsylvania

There are 5 key steps you must take to get your CDL in PA. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, earning a CDL is similar to earning your regular driver’s license. There is a written test, permit, and skills/road test required to earn your commercial driver’s license.
 

Step 1: Meet Pennsylvania’s CDL Requirements

Before you can even sign up for a CDL course, you must meet PennDOT’s eligibility requirements. Such requirements include:

  • Be 18 years old
  • Currently hold a valid driver’s license
  • Meet all medical requirements
  • Pass a vision screening

Once you’ve met each requirement, you can sign up for a CDL course and start preparing for your CDL exam.

 

Step 2: Pass the Written Knowledge Test

The first official step towards earning a CDL is passing a written knowledge test.

Based on the PennDOT CDL driver’s manual, the Class A test includes 95 questions covering:

  • General knowledge
  • Air brakes
  • Combination vehicles

At Shelly Truck Driving School, our classroom instruction prepares students with all the knowledge needed to pass the written test.
 

Step 3: Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

Upon passing your written test, you will receive a commercial learner’s permit (CLP). Your permit allows you to legally practice your driving skills on public roads with a qualified CDL instructor. Your CDL permit is valid for up to 1 year, providing students time to complete a CDL training course.
 

Step 4: Complete CDL Training

A CDL training course is where you will gain the fundamental experience needed to pass the CDL skills test.

At Shelly Truck Driving School, our students will learn:

  • Backing maneuvers
  • Coupling and uncoupling
  • Vehicle inspections
  • Defensive driving
  • Shifting
  • Highway & city driving
  • Safety protocols & procedures
  • Real-world driving

In as little as 4 weeks, students of Shelly Truck Driving School will have both behind-the-desk and behind-the-wheel experience necessary to pass the final CDL Exam.
 

Step 5: Pass the CDL Skills Test

The final step in earning your CDL is passing the CDL skills test.

Each student is evaluated on his or her ability to handle a commercial truck in the following areas:

As a PennDOT-approved CDL testing site, students at Shelly Truck Driving School will take their CDL examination (including their CDL road test) on roadways they have practiced on. The cost of which is included in tuition.

 
 

Classes Are Enrolling Now!

Start your path toward a rewarding career in truck driving.
Take the first step and apply today!

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CDL Endorsements

After earning your CDL, you can expand the types of commercial vehicles you operate by adding CDL endorsements to your license. Each CDL endorsement specifies what types of commercial motor vehicles the license holder can operate. This includes the size of the vehicle and the type of material being transported.

At Shelly Truck Driving School, students can earn several endorsements to their CDL, including:

  • N – (tank vehicles)
  • T – (double/triple trailers)
  • H – (hazardous materials)

Each endorsement earned allows drivers to operate a wider range of vehicles, improving their eligibility for hire and widening future job prospects.
 

Currently, we do not offer classes for students looking for P or S endorsements to become a bus driver.

 

Practical road skills test.

Why Choose Shelly Truck Driving School?

Choosing the right CDL school is just as important as learning how to earn your CDL in PA.

When you choose Shelly Truck Driving School, you are gaining:

From your first day of training to the start of your trucking career, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve long-term success on the road.

 
 

Classes Are Enrolling Now!

Start your path toward a rewarding career in truck driving.
Take the first step and apply today!

Apply Today

 

FAQs

If you still have questions on how to get a CDL in PA, below are a few answers to our most commonly asked questions.

How long does it take to get a CDL in PA?
If you choose to train through the Shelly Truck Driving School program, you can earn your CDL in as little as 4 weeks. Check out our class schedules to learn more.

When do you need a CDL in PA?
You only need a CDL in PA if you operate commercial vehicles, including tractor-trailers, tankers, and select passenger vehicles.

What are the three types of CDL licenses?
The three types of CDL licenses are Class A, Class B, and Class C. Shelly Truck Driving School specializes in Class A CDL training.

How hard is it to get a CDL?
Earning your CDL will require practice, a proper training program, and passing the final CDL exam.

What is the fastest way to get a CDL?
The fastest way to get a CDL is to enroll in a full-time training program. You can earn your CDL as quickly as 4 weeks.

Testimonials

Chris Rolf (Google review)

Excellent instructors that take the time to work with each student where needed so they will excel. Great equipment to train with both in the classroom and on the road. Santos, Joe, Bob and all the other instructors will teach you the needed skills to obtain your CDL and what you need to be successful in the trucking industry. I am extremely happy that I chose this program and would suggest it to anyone that is looking to obtain a CDL license.

Nicholas Hart (Google review)

Glad I went with Shelly. The instructors were great. They had answers and insights to various aspects of the industry and took their job of teaching you seriously. Being a 3rd party tester, you test in the same trucks you’ve practiced in. Highly reccomend to anyone looking to get into the industry to go here.

Tyreek Foreman (Google review)

Would 100% recommend. Going into trucking from a career of accounting was not the easiest. All the concepts of trucking, engines, etc. were completely foreign to me. No matter how much of a hassle it was to teach me, or how slow of a learner I was, THEY MADE SURE I GOT IT AND UNDERSTOOD IT. The main thing for me was, they were patient with me. They will absolutely not give up on you. Joe, Geoff, Santos, Paul, Bob, Jermey, Dom, Kurt. I will never forget how great you guys were. Much appreciation

Emily Sensenich (Google Review)

I just passed my CDL road test last week and I couldn’t have done it without Shelley Truck Driving School. All the instructors are super informative and respectful. This school doesn’t even compare to any of the other truck driving school that I looked into. Awesome job guys!

Jim Rowe (Google Review)

Attending this school put me on a path to better my life and allows me to go anywhere and find employment. The instructors at this school are TOP notch and I learned valuable things from everyone of them! I highly recommend this school to anyone thinking of getting their CDL.

Amazing what they do in less than 30 days!

Shawn Burkey (Google Review)

I graduated today and this has been hands down the best experience I’ve had at a school. The instructor’s are top notch and will get you where you need to be! Thank you to everyone at the school for the knowledge and experience. You got the one snowman I’m eastbound and down!

Adam Dudas (Google Review)

The instructors really make this class and school. From the class room to driving to the skills, it has been a very fun learning environment for the past 4 weeks. I ALMOST FORGOT I WAS IN SCHOOL! In my opinion no other school should be considered.

Brian Eckert (Google Review)

This is an amazing school, with top notch instructors. During my time there, I learned from all of the instructors and they each had different things to teach and add to the training. This school not only gets you prepared for the CDL test, but also teaches skills that give you a head start once you are out and working. The patience of these instructors is top tier.

Shel Gray (Google Review)

Shelly was a Great experience for someone like me who was changing careers. They provide a relaxed but focused atmosphere where anyone can learn the necessary skills and knowledge to obtain a CDL. You really get the feel that the instructors care about your well-being and goal for getting a CDL. I would recommend this school to anyone looking into getting their CDL.