How long does someone has to have their regular drivers license before upgrade to cdl

Last night I was having dinner with my wife and she asked me this question. since her sisters husband just got his regular drivers license permit and after 10 years of construction work his body is feeling it and he is thinking of getting his CDL after that but he wants to know how long does he has to wait to get it

Honestly I know alot about trucking but this is one of those questions I have no answer for it.

 

don't have to wait just pass the test, security clearances can take some months but not necessary for everything

 

Just has to pass the written tests (usually General Knowledge along with the Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicle endorsements) and pass the road test. Other optional endorsements are for Hazmat, Doubles and Triples, Tanker, Passenger, and School Bus. Your CDL is valid as soon as you pass the road test, no wait time.

Security clearance is only needed if you are getting the Hazmat endorsement (or a TWIC card) and that can take some time but the rest of your endorsements are vaild right away.

 

Many companies require a person have a regular car license for 12 months, but a few don't care.
I think Carolina Logistics cuts slack on that and they have their own cdl school.

 

I don't normally agree with @Chinatown because he's always wrong but in this case I do agree with him.Also have him call the local DMV and see what they say.

 

don't work for a company who says this; you must have air brake endorsement not to mention combination; without it you are removed from cab by law enforcement. could be different if you are always with a 'trainer', but i wouldn't know about that. 12 months seems like an awful long time to be without certification.

 

I know Prime and Wil Trans/ Jim Palmer it was like 2-3 years for their insurance company to accept it. Swift I was in training with people who weren't yet citizens and had only been here maybe a year. Depends on the company and insurance. Most of them won't even ask I am sure.