Do You Need a GED to Get a CDL?

If you’re considering a trucking career, you may be wondering: Do you need a GED to get a CDL? Many people are attracted to trucking because it offers a relatively fast path to a stable career without requiring a college degree. However, questions about education requirements are common among new drivers.

The good news is that in most cases, you do not need a GED (General Educational Development) or high school diploma to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Do You Need a GED to Get a CDL?

The short answer is:

No, federal CDL regulations do not require applicants to have a GED or high school diploma.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes minimum requirements for obtaining a CDL, and educational credentials are not part of the federal licensing requirements.

To qualify for a CDL, applicants generally must:

• Meet age requirements
• Hold a valid driver’s license
• Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
• Complete required training
• Pass CDL knowledge and skills tests
• Meet applicable medical requirements

You can review the official FMCSA CDL requirements here:

• FMCSA Commercial Driver’s License Program
• How to Get a Commercial Driver’s License

Notably, neither a GED nor a high school diploma is listed as a federal requirement for obtaining a CDL.

Do I Need a GED to Get a CDL?

Many prospective drivers specifically ask, “Do I need a GED to get a CDL?”

For licensing purposes, the answer remains no.

State licensing agencies focus on whether applicants can:

• Meet legal age requirements
• Demonstrate driving knowledge
• Safely operate a commercial vehicle
• Pass required examinations

Your ability to earn a CDL is generally not tied to whether you completed high school or earned a GED.

Do You Need a High School Diploma to Get a CDL?

Another common question is: Do you need a high school diploma to get a CDL?

Again, the answer is generally no.

Most states do not require applicants to present a high school diploma when applying for a CDL. The CDL process is based on driving qualifications rather than educational credentials.

This is one reason trucking remains an attractive career option for people from a wide variety of educational backgrounds.

Can You Get a CDL Without a High School Diploma?

Yes, you can get a CDL without a high school diploma.

Thousands of professional truck drivers across the United States have built successful careers without traditional educational credentials.

As long as you satisfy your state’s CDL requirements and pass the necessary testing, a lack of a high school diploma typically will not prevent you from obtaining a CDL.

Do You Need GED for CDL School?

While government agencies generally do not require a GED for CDL licensing, individual truck driving schools may have their own admission policies.

Some CDL schools require:

• High school diploma
• GED
• Proof of equivalent education

Others accept students without either credential.

Before enrolling, it’s a good idea to ask the school directly about its admission requirements.

Do Trucking Companies Require a GED or Diploma?

This is where things become more nuanced.

Although a CDL can often be obtained without a GED or diploma, some employers may have additional hiring requirements.

Certain trucking companies prefer applicants who have:

• A high school diploma
• A GED
• Previous work experience
• Military service experience

However, many carriers focus primarily on:

• Driving record
• CDL status
• Safety history
• Work ethic
• Ability to pass drug and background screenings

In today’s driver market, many trucking companies hire qualified drivers regardless of educational background.

Why Education Still Matters in Trucking

Even though a GED is usually not required for a CDL, education can still provide advantages.

Better Job Opportunities

Some employers may favor applicants with additional education.

Career Advancement

Education can help drivers move into roles such as:

• Fleet management
• Dispatching
• Safety management
• Operations leadership

Business Ownership

Many owner-operators benefit from financial, business, and communication skills gained through education.

Other CDL Requirements You Should Know About

If you’re planning to get a CDL, these requirements are usually more important than having a GED.

Age Requirements

Most states require drivers to be:

• At least 18 years old for intrastate driving
• At least 21 years old for interstate driving

Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

Before obtaining a CDL, applicants generally must earn a CLP and hold it for the required period.

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Drivers seeking certain CDL classifications or endorsements must complete Entry-Level Driver Training through an FMCSA-approved provider.

Official FMCSA ELDT resources:

• FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
• Training Provider Registry (TPR)

CDL Skills Test

Applicants must pass:

• Vehicle inspection test
• Basic vehicle control test
• Road test

These assessments determine whether a driver can safely operate a commercial vehicle.

Can You Be Successful in Trucking Without a GED?

Absolutely.

Many successful truck drivers have entered the industry without a high school diploma or GED.

Success in trucking is often determined by:

• Safety performance
• Reliability
• Professionalism
• Communication skills
• Time management
• Customer service

These qualities often matter more to employers than formal educational credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a GED to get a CDL?

No. Federal CDL regulations do not require applicants to have a GED.

Do I need a GED to get a CDL license?

In most states, no. You can generally obtain a CDL without a GED if you meet all licensing requirements.

Do you need a high school diploma to get a CDL?

No. Most states do not require a high school diploma for CDL licensing.

Can you get a CDL without a high school diploma?

Yes. Many drivers successfully earn a CDL and work in the trucking industry without a high school diploma.

Do trucking companies require a GED?

Some employers may prefer a GED or diploma, but many trucking companies hire qualified CDL drivers regardless of educational background.

Start Your CDL Journey With StartCDL

At StartCDL, we help students navigate every step of the CDL process—from obtaining a Commercial Learner’s Permit to preparing for CDL knowledge and skills tests.

Whether you have a high school diploma, a GED, or neither, understanding the licensing requirements is the first step toward a rewarding trucking career.

If English is not your first language, you can also improve your communication skills with the StartCDL English Course for Truck Drivers:

English Course for Truck Drivers