How to Get a CDL
Obtaining a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Nebraska involves several steps to ensure you meet both federal and state requirements. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you through the process:
Confirm Eligitility
Age:
You must be at least 18 years old to drive commercially within Nebraska (intrastate) and 21 years old to drive commercially across state lines (interstate).
Driver's License:
Hold a valid driver's license.
Driving Record:
Ensure your driving record meets state standards, with no major violations.
Select What Type of CDL Endorsement you want
Do you want Automatic or Manual?
If you train/test out in an automatic you will have a Manual Restriction on your license. This means that you will not be able to drive any Commercial Vehicle that requires a clutch/shifter.
Air Brakes or Hydraulic?
Most Commercial Vehicles do have Air Brakes. If you do not take the General Knowledge Air Brake Written Test for your Commercial Learner Permit you will have an Air Brake Restriction on your CLP and License. If you train/test out in a hydraulic brake commercial vehicle you will have an Air Brake Restriction on your license. Some Class B/C buses are hydraulic vs. airbrake. Midwest CDL Training highly recommends studying and taking this test so you are not restricted as the vast majority of all commercial vehicles have Air Brakes.
Class B: Straight Truck/Single Unit Truck - Examples: Concrete Mixer, Dump Truck, Tanker, Flatbed, Delivery
Class B: BUS & Passenger Endorsement - Party Bus, Coach Bus, Detasseling Bus, etc..
Class B: BUS, School Bus Endorsement & Passenger Endorsement - School Bus
Class A - Tractor-Trailer Units: Has a 5th Wheel - Semi, Pepsi Truck, Sysco, Crete Carrier, etc..
Obtain a Department of Transportation (DOT) Medical Card:
If you wish to drive out of the state. Schedule a physical examination with a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Upon passing, you'll receive a Medical Examiner's Certificate, which you must provide to the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
If you choose not to do this, your CDL will have a restriction stating you can only drive a Commercial Vehicle within the current state you are residing. (For Nebraska, this will be a K-Restriction) Once a DOT Physical is obtained and paperwork - long form and card are copied by the DMV, this restriction may be removed.
Understanding Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
​As of February 7, 2022, all new CDL applicants are required to complete ELDT from a training provider registered with the FMCSA's Training Provider Registry. - MIDWEST CDL TRAINING
ELDT consists of two Federal mandated trainings:
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Theory (classroom/online)
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Road/Range (behind-the-wheel instruction).
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The Entry Level Driver Training Theory portion may be completed with a Regular Valid Driver's License OR with or a Commercial Learners Permit.
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Both ELDT requirements must be met in order to complete your final skills test.
FIRST STEP: Obtaining a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP):
Go to your State DMV website and download the Commercial Drivers License Manual.
Study the Manual:
Prepare for the written knowledge tests by studying the Nebraska CDL Manual.
You will only study the specific chapters that pertain to the CDL & Endorsements you want to obtain.
Refer to the table that is located in the introduction of the Commercial Driver Manual; it will tell you which chapters to read and study.
SECOND STEP: Complete ELDT Theory while Studying for your Commercial Learner Permit:
Midwest CDL Training offers the ELDT Theory courses online or in person for your convenience.
Midwest CDL Training recommends taking these classes as you study for your permit to assist you with visual instruction as well as the written information in the manual to assist you.
Once ELDT classes are completed, Midwest CDL Training will sign you off in the Federal Training Registry for you to continue in the process.
THIRD STEP: Obtain your Commercial Learner Permit - Written Knowledge Testing at the DMV:
Documentation: Gather necessary documents, including proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful status, such as birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
Schedule an appointment and visit a DMV office to take the required written knowledge tests for the CLP and/or Endorsements
Obtain your Commercial Learner Permit and contact Midwest CDL Training to begin your behind-the-wheel training.
FOURTH STEP: Complete ELDT Road/Range (Behind-the-Wheel) Training:
Enroll in MIdwest CDL Training Program for your Behind-the-Wheel Instruction
Midwest CDL is adaptable to your current level of training - Beginner, Intermediate, Avanced - all of our packages are accommodatable to the student.
Training must be completed in a commercial vehicle/combination that is representative of the Class and/or Endorsements the student will obtain
Several Cost-Effective Training Packages are available based on your training needs.
All training is 1:1 and you only pay for the training hours you need!
We will train with our equipment or yours.
All training includes test prep, study guides, training videos, and ALL hands-on training 1:1.
Once training is successfully completed Midwest CDL Training will sign you off on the Federal Training Registry in order for you to test.
FIFTH STEP: Pass the CDL Skills Test:
Schedule the Test - with Midwest CDL Training
After holding your CLP for at least 14 days and completing your training, Midwest CDL Training will conduct your Skills Testing for your license.
Midwest CDL Training is able to provide testing to out-of-state licenses as well.
Testing must be completed in a commercial vehicle/combination that is representative of the Class and/or Endorsements the student will obtain on their CDL.
Test Components: The skills test includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test.
LAST STEP: Obtain Your CDL:
Upon passing the skills test, you'll be issued a CDL appropriate for the class of vehicle you're authorized to operate by the DMV.
For detailed information and resources, contact us!
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to obtaining your CDL!​
Extra Information:
To Remove a Manual Restriction with the current Class of CDL you currently hold:
You will need to go to the DMV and ask them for a permit of the current class of CDL you hold
Once you have the permit you may begin training with a manual vehicle. ELDT is not required since you currently hold this class of CDL.
You will be required to Test - Full Vehicle Inspection/Airbrake tests & a Road Test in the Manual Vehicle/Combination.
Example: If you hold a Class A with a Manual Restriction, you will need to test out in a Class A Manual vehicle and pass in order to remove the restriction.
Once passed you will go the DMV and collect your new license without the restriction.
Upgrading from a Class B to a Class A & adding Endorsements:
Go to the DMV website and download the Commercial Driver Manual.
Locate the Table in the Introduction and study the chapters that required for a Class A and/or Endorsements
Complete the ELDT - Theory for a Class A and/or endorsements - Midwest CDL Training will sign you off on the Federal Registry after successful completion so you are ready for your next steps.
Go to the DMV take the written knowledge tests for the Class A and/or Endorsements to obtain the CLP with Class A and/or Endorsements
Enroll in the Second part of ELDT with Midwest CDL Training - Select a Package
Complete ELDT - Road/Range (Behind-the-Wheel) Training - Midwest CDL Training will sign you off on the Federal Registry after successful completion so you are ready to Test.
Schedule your Skills Test with Midwest CDL Training
Complete your Vehicle Inspection, Basic Control Skills Test and Skills Test in a vehicle/combination that is representative of the Class of CDL and/or endorsements you wish to obtain.
Go to the DMV and pick up your new CDL.
Testing should be state - Written Tests at DMV to Obtain Commercial Learners Permit.