How to get your CDL in Pennsylvania (2026)
Getting a CDL in Pennsylvania follows the federal steps every state uses: a DOT medical card, the knowledge tests for a learner permit, at least 14 days with the permit, entry-level driver training, and the three-part skills test. PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services runs the tests and publishes the manual they are written from.
- Skills test: Pennsylvania gives the modernized skills test.
- Pennsylvania’s manual adds rules of its own beyond the national model.
What the Pennsylvania manual says about the tests
- Pennsylvania gives the modernized skills test at every PennDOT test center and third-party tester since August 28, 2023.
- You may be asked to identify up to 90 components, down from more than 100 on the older test.
The steps in Pennsylvania
- Choose your class (most truck drivers get Class A) and any endorsements.
- Be 21 to drive across state lines. Whether 18 to 20 year olds can drive within Pennsylvania is in the state manual.
- Get a DOT medical card from an examiner on the FMCSA National Registry.
- Pass Pennsylvania’s knowledge tests and get your commercial learner’s permit.
- Hold the permit at least 14 days.
- Finish entry-level driver training with a registered provider.
- Pass the skills test: vehicle inspection, basic control skills, road test.
Each step in detail, with what to expect: how to get your CDL. Fees, forms and offices are in the Pennsylvania CDL manual published by PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services.
What Pennsylvania does its own way
- Skills test version: the modernized skills test.
- Checklist during the pre-trip: Not confirmed — check the Pennsylvania CDL manual.
- Low air warning in the pre-trip inspection (skills test): Usually before 55 psi (the AAMVA model). Confirm in the Pennsylvania manual.
- After receiving your learner's permit, Pennsylvania law requires you wait 15 days before you may take your Class A, B or C skills testing.
- Q requires the driver to wear corrective lenses while driving a commercial motor vehicle; Y requires the driver to wear a hearing aid(s).
The Pennsylvania manual has more rules of its own, with practice questions for each, in the app. Some national questions also have a different answer in this state.
Everything above, chapter by chapter: the Pennsylvania CDL manual guide. Practice for Pennsylvania’s tests: Pennsylvania CDL practice test.
Not in Pennsylvania? Pick your state.
Study for the Pennsylvania tests
Practice questions written from the Pennsylvania manual, an AI coach on every answer, and Mr. Egg's video lessons for the pre-trip.
Practise for Pennsylvania in the appRelated guides
Questions people ask
Get a DOT medical card, pass Pennsylvania's knowledge tests for a commercial learner's permit, hold it at least 14 days, complete entry-level driver training from a registered provider, then pass the vehicle inspection, basic control and road tests.
Pennsylvania gives the modernized skills test.
21 to drive across state lines under federal rules. Most states let drivers 18 to 20 hold a CDL for in-state driving only; the Pennsylvania manual says whether Pennsylvania does.