Whether you’re just starting to explore your career options or you already hold a CDL and want to advance in the trucking industry, understanding how to get CDL endorsements is essential for your success! Even if you think you might never need certain endorsements, having them on your license can open doors to better-paying jobs and more opportunities. Think of endorsements as tools in your professional toolbox—the more you have, the more valuable you become to employers!
The Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) mandate has significantly changed how to obtain your CDL endorsements. This important regulation means that any driver who wants to earn their endorsements must now complete entry-level driver training before they can take the tests for the passenger and hazardous materials endorsements. This requirement ensures that all drivers receive proper, standardized training before operating specialized vehicles or transporting sensitive cargo.
Let’s explore the most common endorsements for CDL holders and walk through exactly how to get endorsements on your CDL so you can make informed decisions about your career!
Common Trucking Endorsements:
- (T) Double & Triple Trailer – This endorsement allows you to pull multiple trailers at once, which is common in long-haul trucking operations.
- (P) Passenger – This endorsement permits you to transport 15 or more passengers (the specific number varies by state regulations).
- (N) Tanker Vehicle – This endorsement qualifies you to transport liquids in tank vehicles.
- (H) Hazardous Materials – This endorsement allows you to transport hazardous materials, which requires the most thorough vetting process.
- (S) School Bus – This endorsement, much like the passenger endorsement allows a driver to transport multiple passengers, but it’s specifically for school bus driving.
Why CDL Endorsements Matter for Your Career
Professional drivers with the right skills and endorsements are always in high demand across the country! Industry projections show an impressive 6% increase in the number of trucking jobs by 2030, with a mean average compensation of $77,000 per year for basic drivers. When you add extra CDL endorsements to your credentials, you make yourself significantly more valuable in the job marketplace. Here’s the truth: when you’re seeking employment, you’re in marketing mode, and your job is to effectively sell your skills and qualifications to potential employers!
Your future ability to increase your pay and qualify for better positions depends entirely on the training and endorsements you pursue today. Educational investments in your CDL endorsements are among the greatest investments you can make in yourself, with most drivers seeing their return on investment within just 2-6 months of obtaining new endorsements.
How to Get Endorsements on CDL: The Process
The process of how to obtain your CDL endorsements starts with identifying which endorsements you need for your desired career path. Once you’ve made that decision, you’ll need to complete any required training programs, especially for endorsements covered under the ELDT mandate. After completing your training, you’ll schedule and pass the appropriate written knowledge tests and, when required, road skills tests.
For endorsements requiring background checks, like Hazmat, you’ll need to submit your fingerprints and complete the TSA security threat assessment. This process typically takes several weeks, so plan ahead! The investment of time and effort is absolutely worth it when you consider the expanded job opportunities and higher pay that come with additional endorsements.
Get Started with Your CDL Endorsements Today!
At United, we offer comprehensive Class A + Passenger CDL Training that prepares you for success in the trucking industry! This thorough course will prepare students to earn the following endorsements: Airbrakes, Doubles, Triples, Tanker, Hazmat, and Passenger. After graduation, our students can operate any legal combination of vehicles or buses, including Class B and Class C vehicles. This versatility gives you maximum flexibility in choosing your career path!
We understand that learning how to get CDL endorsements can seem overwhelming at first, but we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. Our experienced instructors have years of combined truck driving experience and know exactly what it takes to help you succeed. If you’re interested in obtaining CDL endorsements and advancing your career in the transportation industry, contact us today! There has never been a better time to invest in your future as a professional driver!
