844-743-5591

How Long Does It Take To Get a CDL in PA?

For most students, it takes about 4 weeks to complete a full-time CDL training program, such as ours at Shelly Truck Driving School. However, every student’s timeline is different. Factors like your schedule, testing availability, and training progress can all affect how quickly you earn your CDL.

While every CDL school is different, Shelly Truck Driving School helps students earn their CDL as efficiently as possible through hands-on training and by serving as a certified CDL testing facility. Our goal is to not just prepare you for your CDL exam, but for a successful career on the road.

Start CDL Training

Factors Affecting How Long It Takes to Get a CDL

Each student’s timeline will look unique to his or her circumstances and availability. Understanding these factors ahead of time can help you set realistic expectations for how long it will take to earn your CDL. Here are a handful of factors to consider:

  • Your schedule
  • Testing Availability
  • How well you can maintain attendance
  • Your learning pace
  • The type of CDL you are pursuing (Class A vs Class B)
  • Endorsements you want to earn

 

What Can Slow Down the Process

There are several factors that can slow down or delay how long it takes you to get your CDL, including:

  • Delays in earning your CLP
  • Missing CDL training classes
  • Getting a CDL test appointment
  • Needing additional practice depending on your own learning curve
  • Balancing training and studying with existing work or family responsibilities
  • The more proactive and focused you can remain during your training course, the more quickly you can earn your CDL.

Start the Process

Truck cab dashboard and shifter.

How to Get Your CDL Fast

There’s no shortcut to earning your CDL, but students who prioritize a few key things can complete the process in just a matter of weeks:

  1. Start studying to earn your permit before training class begins. This will give you a high likelihood of passing on your first attempt.
  2. Schedule your Class Start Date as soon as possible.
  3. Don’t miss a single day of training.

CDL License Training

 

Shelly Truck Driving School building exterior.

CDL Training Timeline

From start to finish, here’s what a typical CDL training timeline looks like.

Step 1: Meet the Base CDL Requirements
Before you can sign up for a CDL course, you must meet a few basic eligibility requirements, including age, licensing, medical, and vision requirements.

Step 2: Pass the Written Knowledge Test
The first official step towards earning a CDL is passing a written knowledge test, which covers general knowledge such as your understanding of air brakes.

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

Step 4: Complete CDL Training
Attending a CDL training course is where you will gain the experience needed to pass the CDL skills test. Upon completing your training program, you will have all the necessary skills to pass your final CDL Exam.

Step 5: Pass the CDL Skills Test
The final step in earning your CDL is passing the CDL skills test at an approved CDL testing site like Shelly Truck Driving School.

Learn More About the CDL Process

 

Start Your Trucking Career

Once you earn your CDL, you can begin applying for driving positions.

At Shelly Truck Driving School, we help our students with job placement during training. However, not every CDL school offers this service. There are many trucking companies actively hiring new CDL drivers, so upon graduation and earning your license, you can also apply directly to employers.

Apply Here

Why Choose Shelly Truck Driving School?

Choosing the best CDL school for you isn’t just about how fast you can finish the program; you must ensure you choose a school that will fully prepare you for a successful career on the road.

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

  • Education from experienced instructors
  • Hands-on behind-the-wheel training
  • Included final skills testing
  • Low Student to Instructor Ratio
  • Career placement assistance
  • Modern equipment training (driving simulators)
  • 90% job placement success upon graduation

Not only will you efficiently move through your CDL training program at Shelly Truck Driving School, but you will also set yourself up for success long after graduation.

 

FAQs

What is the fastest you can get your CDL?
You can earn your CDL through Shelly Truck Driving School as quickly as 4 weeks.

Is CDL school hard to pass?
CDL school is not hard to pass if you are committed to your training and get great hands-on experience through a certified school such as Shelly Truck Driving School.

How fast can I get a CDL in Pennsylvania?
Students in Pennsylvania can earn their CDL in a matter of weeks.

How long are CDL classes each day?
Shelly Truck Driving School’s standard daytime program runs Monday through Friday over 4 weeks, Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. Night class field training runs 4:00–10:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, while weekend field training runs 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Can I earn my CDL while working full time?
Yes. Shelly Truck Driving School offers night and weekend CDL classes designed to make training more manageable for individuals with day jobs. Talk with a Shelly Truck Driving School advisor today to learn more.

 

Start Training Today

How long does it take to get a CDL? Ultimately, your timeline depends on you. If you’re ready to get started, choose Shelly Truck Driving School and take the first step toward a successful future career.

Apply Here

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.