If you have a Commercial Driver’s License, you may assume that having a valid CDL is enough to qualify for most driving jobs. In reality, employers often look at much more than how long you have held your license.
One of the most important factors is recent, relevant commercial driving experience.
A driver may have held a CDL for 10 years but only driven commercially for a portion of that time. Another driver may have two years of continuous experience operating the exact type of equipment an employer uses. Depending on the position, the second candidate could be the stronger match.
So, how much CDL experience do employers really look for? The answer depends on the job, equipment, insurance requirements, and type of driving involved.
Why Do Employers Require CDL Experience?
A CDL demonstrates that a driver has met the licensing requirements for a particular class of commercial vehicle. Experience demonstrates something different: that the driver has spent time actually operating commercial equipment in real-world conditions.
Employers may look for experience with:
- City and highway driving
- Backing and maneuvering
- Pre-trip and post-trip inspections
- Loading and unloading procedures
- Hours-of-service requirements
- Customer deliveries
- Specific types of trucks and trailers
- Freight securement
- DOT safety requirements
For employers, experience can help demonstrate that a driver is familiar with the day-to-day responsibilities that come with operating a commercial vehicle.
Is One Year of CDL Experience Enough?
For some positions, it can be.
Many employers establish minimum experience requirements based on the type of driving involved, company policies, insurance requirements, and the level of responsibility associated with the position.
Some opportunities may be available to drivers with less experience, while others may require one, two, or several years of commercial driving experience.
There is no single experience requirement that applies to every CDL job.
That is why drivers should carefully review each job posting rather than assuming that the requirements for one driving position will apply to another.
Why Does Recent CDL Experience Matter?
Employers may ask not only how many years you have driven commercially but also when you last drove.
For example, someone who drove tractor-trailers for five years but has not operated one in several years may be evaluated differently from someone with two years of continuous, recent tractor-trailer experience.
Recent experience can indicate that a driver is currently familiar with commercial equipment, road conditions, safety procedures, inspections, and the daily responsibilities of the job.
When speaking with a recruiter, be prepared to explain:
- How long you have been driving commercially
- When you last drove commercially
- What type of equipment you operated
- Whether your experience was local, regional, or over-the-road
- The type of freight you hauled
- Your typical routes and responsibilities
Providing specific information can help a recruiter determine which positions best match your background.
Equipment Experience Can Be Just as Important
Not all CDL experience is interchangeable.
An employer hiring a flatbed driver, for example, may want someone who already understands load securement, straps, chains, tarping, and other responsibilities associated with flatbed work.
A tanker position may have different requirements. The same applies to dry van, refrigerated freight, straight trucks, manual transmissions, liftgates, and other specialized equipment.
Employers may look for experience such as:
Flatbed: Load securement, straps, chains, tarping, and handling different types of freight.
Dry Van: Dock procedures, backing, delivery schedules, drop-and-hook, or live loading and unloading.
LTL: Multiple stops, customer interaction, pallet jack use, and navigating local delivery areas.
Tanker: Proper endorsements, tanker experience, and familiarity with the handling characteristics of liquid loads.
Having commercial driving experience is important, but having experience that closely matches the actual position can make a significant difference.
Class A and Class B Experience Are Different
The class of CDL you hold also matters.
A Class A CDL generally allows a driver to operate combinations of vehicles meeting applicable weight requirements, including many tractor-trailer configurations.
A Class B CDL generally applies to certain heavy single vehicles and may cover equipment such as straight trucks, dump trucks, and other commercial vehicles, depending on the position.
A driver with Class B experience should not automatically assume that experience will satisfy an employer looking for recent tractor-trailer experience for a Class A position.
The job requirements ultimately depend on the vehicle being operated and the employer’s qualification standards.
What If You Have a Gap in Your Driving Experience?
A gap does not necessarily mean you cannot find another CDL position, but it can affect which opportunities are available to you.
If you have been away from commercial driving, be upfront about it.
Tell your recruiter:
- When you last drove commercially
- Why you stepped away
- What equipment you previously operated
- How many total years of experience you have
- Whether you have maintained your CDL and required credentials
Different employers have different requirements, so a recruiter can help determine whether your previous experience fits a current opening.
Employers Look at More Than Years Behind the Wheel
Experience is only one part of determining whether someone meets the requirements for a CDL position.
Depending on the job, employers may also consider:
- CDL class
- Required endorsements
- DOT medical certification
- Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
- Employment history
- Drug and alcohol testing requirements
- Safety history
- Equipment experience
- Route experience
- Physical requirements of the position
For some jobs, additional screening or documentation may also be required before a driver can begin working.
Be Specific About Your Experience
When applying for CDL jobs, simply writing “5 years of driving experience” does not give a recruiter the full picture.
Instead, provide details.
For example:
“Five years of Class A tractor-trailer experience, including three years of local dry van delivery and two years of regional driving.”
That immediately gives the recruiter a better understanding of your background.
Drivers should also include relevant endorsements, equipment experience, freight types, and other qualifications when completing an application or resume.
Finding the CDL Job That Matches Your Experience
The amount of experience employers require varies from one position to another. Some employers may be willing to consider drivers earlier in their careers, while other positions require several years of recent and highly specific experience.
The important thing is finding an opportunity that matches the experience you actually have.
Driver Source works with employers across Oklahoma and Texas to connect qualified CDL and Non-CDL drivers with local and regional opportunities.
With offices in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and DFW, our recruiters can discuss your experience, equipment background, and the types of driving opportunities that may be a good fit.
Looking for your next driving opportunity?
Search current Driver Source openings online or contact one of our offices:
Tulsa: 918-973-7483
Oklahoma City: 405-407-7587
DFW: 469-628-4555
