Louisiana CDL License Requirements & Training in Louisiana :: AllTruckJobs.com

CDL License Requirements in Louisiana

It’s time to embark on your new career journey. According to Louisiana CDL requirements, you must be at least 18 years old, pass a current physical examination, and have a valid driver’s license. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) regulates interstate transportation of cargo, so if you want to travel across state lines to deliver cargo, you must be at least 21 years old. They must also provide the following documents when applying as well:

  • Long form physical documentation (form DPSMV 2219) completed and signed by a state-approved medical examiner.
  • Current Class E driver's license
  • Original social security card or original documentation on letterhead from the SSA which states your SSN
  • Proof of insurance
  • $15 application fee (cash only)

All Louisiana CDL applicants then need to pass a general knowledge exam and a skills test, which includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic vehicle knowledge test, and a hands-on test in which you’ll drive on the road. The driving test also must be taken in a vehicle that matches the class of CDL license you are trying to obtain. Other endorsements may also be tested for including air brakes, school buses, and vehicles that carry hazardous material. 

Find CDL Schools in Louisiana

CDL training schools in Louisiana will provide the best possible training that will allow you to pass your CDL test with ease. Luckily, our site provides great resources that will help you find the perfect school to advance your future trucking career. These schools will ensure that you’re taught what you need to know inside and outside of the classroom. You’ll gain experience behind the wheel in a controlled setting as well as learn the best practices of driving a class A, B, or C vehicle. Select from one of those training schools to get the best CDL training in Louisiana.

CDL Training Costs in Louisiana

Currently, the average tuition cost of a Louisiana CDL training school is around $2,400. This includes all aspects of training including the classroom and hands-on portions on the curriculum. However, don’t let the cost scare you off. If you don’t have the money up front to pay, financial aid is a great way to ensure that your CDL education is financially feasible. Apply for financial aid through FAFSA so you can get a subsidy from the government that will allow you to pay most of the cost up front. If you qualify through FAFSA, a federal Pell Grant awarded through participating institutions is money that can be used for school and differs from a loan in that it doesn't need to be paid back. In many cases, a trucking company will pay for you to go to CDL trucking school in hopes that they’re rewarded with a competent driver that’s ready to join their team. Be sure to explore all possible options before you decide to embark on a trucking career. It’s time to begin a new journey, so hit the road!

CDL Prep in Louisiana

After you find the best CDL trucking school in Louisiana, it’s time to blow that test out of the water so that you can start traveling Louisiana and the rest of the south. Luckily, our practice test can give you an idea of what to expect when you take your actual exam. You’ll also want to make sure that you practice in the same vehicle as you take the CDL test in. Driving a vehicle you’re comfortable in will make you feel more at ease when taking the road portion of your test.

Louisiana CDL Endorsement & Waivers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the regulatory body that oversees CDL endorsements throughout the United States including Louisiana. The state's endorsements include:

  • Air Brakes
  • Combination Vehicles
  • Tankers
  • Doubles/Triples
  • Hazardous Materials
  • Passenger Transport

Other demographics of professional drivers (emergency services, military, agriculture, etc.) rely on professional training from industry-specific service providers and usually do not need a CDL license. However, there are many restrictions that should also be noted, so be sure that you’re not breaking any rules before getting your CDL.

CDL Tests in Louisiana

Now it’s the big day. After completing both portions of the test you’ll be heading down the road towards a new career. You’ve spent hours studying and even more time behind the wheel, and now it’s time to show off what you’ve learned. To schedule an appointment to take your Louisiana CDL exam, make sure to go online or call one of the DMV centers in your area. Below we’ve given you a provided an outline of what to expect when you take your exam.

CDL Knowledge Tests in Louisiana

Louisiana CDL applicants are required to pass a general knowledge test that covers everything from safety to road signs, to pre-inspection information. This test consists of 50 questions. Luckily, our online practice test will give you a good idea of what to expect when you take the actual test.

CDL Skills Test in Louisiana

The Louisiana CDL skills test is designed to ensure that you have the proper knowledge and ability to pass the Louisiana CDL exam. The test will be broken down into three portions. The pre-inspection portion will ensure that you’re able to properly assess your vehicle before taking it on the road. The next portion will cover the operating techniques and identification of all aspects of the vehicle. Finally, you will need to perform various maneuvers like turning, backing up, and merging lanes that will be a common occurrence on the road. Once you pass this portion you will receive your CDL license and be well on your way to a lucrative trucking career.

Job Outlook in Louisiana

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, truck driving jobs in the United States are predicted to rise 5% by 2024. This is right below the average of 7% for all occupations, it’s yet another sign that points towards an industry that’s trending upward. Louisiana is the perfect location for truckers so they can explore the South while enjoying a well-paying job. It’s time to get out from behind that desk and hit the open roads as a CDL truck driver in Louisiana.

Louisiana Truck Driver Salary

The average driver in Louisiana makes about $40,900 per year. This is just below the national average of $43,590. The investment you put into your Louisiana CDL license education will surely be worth it when you land a trucking job that offers a stellar wage.