Can You Get a CDL at 18? What You Can Do, Who You Can Work For, and Whether It's a Good Idea

Thinking about getting your CDL at 18? You're not alone. Young adults are discovering that starting a career as a professional driver can be a smart, fast path to financial independence. In this article, we’ll break down what you can do with a CDL at 18, who will hire you, and whether this career move is a good idea right now.

What Can You Do with a CDL at 18?

At 18, you are eligible to earn a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), but there are some important limits to understand.

You can drive commercial vehicles inside your home state, known as intrastate driving. You cannot cross state lines or transport hazardous materials requiring special endorsements until you turn 21. Even with this restriction, there’s a wide variety of work available.

At 18, you can operate:

• Straight trucks used in construction or retail delivery

• Dump trucks moving gravel, sand, and debris for local companies

• City buses or shuttle buses with the right endorsements

• Utility and maintenance vehicles for city or county governments

Many drivers under 21 start by getting a Class B CDL. This allows you to drive larger vehicles like buses and heavy-duty trucks. Once you gain experience and reach 21, you can upgrade to a Class A CDL and expand into high-paying cross-country trucking.

Training at CDL eXpert covers all the federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements, setting you up for success from day one.

Who Will Hire 18-Year-Old CDL Drivers?

Even if you can’t drive across state lines yet, employers are eager to bring in responsible young drivers.

Companies you can work for include:

• Local trucking companies delivering products within the state

• Construction firms needing drivers for heavy equipment and materials

• Public transportation systems looking for bus drivers

• Retail and warehouse distribution centers needing local route drivers

Small and mid-sized businesses often seek dependable young drivers for local routes that don’t require interstate travel. Some larger companies have intrastate programs specially designed for younger CDL holders. CDL eXpert’s job placement resources include a downloadable list of top companies hiring CDL drivers right now​.

Starting local builds experience that makes you much more valuable when you become eligible for interstate jobs at 21.

Is It a Good Idea to Get Your CDL at 18?

Choosing to get your CDL at 18 can be a life-changing decision. It offers a direct path to a career that pays well, offers independence, and doesn't require a college degree.

Why it’s smart:

• Financial Independence: CDL jobs for new drivers often start at $40,000 to $55,000 per year, depending on the region and type of work.

• Career Growth: You can build skills now and be ready for long-haul, higher-paying positions when you turn 21.

• Constant Demand: America needs drivers. Trucking companies are offering signing bonuses, benefits, and even tuition reimbursement.

• Personal Development: Handling large vehicles teaches focus, safety, problem-solving, and responsibility, all skills that employers respect.

Challenges to keep in mind:

• You’re restricted to intrastate work until you are 21.

• Some employers prefer more driving experience, so finding your first job might require persistence.

• Success requires passing CDL knowledge and skills tests under the federal ELDT rules​.

By starting now, you will already have valuable experience by the time most of your peers are just entering the workforce.

How CDL eXpert Can Help You Start Strong

At CDL eXpert, we are committed to making the journey into trucking simple, affordable, and achievable.

Our online training platform offers:

• Complete ELDT Certification 100% online from your phone or computer

• Instant Certification once you pass the final exam

• Built-in CLP Practice Questions to help you pass DMV tests

• Career Support Resources to connect you with hiring companies

• Flexible Learning: Learn at your own pace, anytime, anywhere

We have trained over 100,000 successful CDL students, and 95% of them were offered jobs immediately after graduation​. Our experts are ready to guide you through every step.

Don’t wait. Sign up for our CDL training today and get on the road to a brighter, more independent future!