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All truck drivers in Connecticut have a CDL, so if you also want to drive a truck, you need to learn more about getting this license.
Article Table of Contents
Are you Qualified?
Before jumping into training, you should make sure you meet the requirements and see if you need the license.
In Connecticut, you need to first apply for the commercial driver’s instruction permit (CDIP) and then for a CDL.
To do this, first make sure you’re at least 18 years old, though it would be better to be 21 years old.
Being under the age of 21, you’ll be restricted from driving interstate routes or from transporting hazardous materials.
You’ll also have to prove your legal status in the USA if you’re not a citizen, and have a driving license that is valid in this state.
Documents
If you meet all the above criteria, you must collect a series of documents.
Some of the documents include:
- Your Social Security Card, not metal nor laminated or a very recent W-2 form
- Self-certification with DMV in printed form, from the DMV website
- Application for Commercial Driver’s License (DMV Form R-229a) – it has to be mailed to you
- DMV form R-323 meeting the U.S. DOT requirements in 49 CFR 391.41-391.49 – this is a medical examination that you must pass
The medical examination can’t be older than 2 years when you apply.
Getting Your License
To get your CDL you need to attend a training school.
In fact, there are several diplomas you can get besides the commercial driver one.
One popular option is a diesel mechanic, for instance.
Depending on the certification you seek and on the school, the programs will have a different length and classroom size.
It is possible for some of the schools to offer scholarships and even help you find employment, so ask about these possibilities before you enroll.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| A.B. Training Center | 35 Great Neck Road, Waterford, CT 06385 |
| Affordable CDL Training School | 532A New London Rd. Colchester, CT 06415 |
| Allstate Commercial Driver Training School | 249 Pearl St, Seymour, CT 06483 |
| East Coast Tractor Trailer School | 1370 Pembroke St, Bridgeport, CT 06608 |
| East Coast Tractor Trailer School | 1791 Stratford Ave, Stratford, CT 06809 |
| Entech Advanced Energy Training | 10 Alcap Rdg, Cromwell, CT 06416 |
| Lincoln Technical Institute | 97 Newberry Rd, East Windsor, CT 06088 |
| Lincoln Technical Institute | 200 John Downey Dr, New Britain, CT 06051, |
| New England Tractor Trailer Training School (NETTTS) | 510 Barnum Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06608 |
| New England Tractor Trailer Training School (NETTTS) | 32 Field Road, Somers, CT 06071 |
| Porter and Chester Institute | 1245 Dixwell Avenue Hamden, CT 06514 |
| Porter and Chester Institute | 30 Waterchase Dr. Rocky Hill, CT 06067 |
| Porter and Chester Institute | 670 Lordship Blvd Stratford, CT 06615 |
| Porter and Chester Institute | 881 Wolcott Street Waterbury, CT 06705 |
| Quinnipiac University | 275 Mount Carmel Avenue Hamden, CT 06518 |
When the training ends, you have to pass an exam, but you have to pay for the exam in advance.
You’ll have to pass a knowledge exam and a skills exam, and the former costs $16 and the later $30, both paid at the same time.
Which License?
There a few licenses you can get if you want to drive a truck.
They depend on the type of truck or vehicle you’ll be driving, and they’re split into classes:
Class A:
- For a combination of vehicles that weigh 26,001 pounds or more
- Can tow vehicles that weight 10,000 pounds or more
- Covers vehicles from Class B, C, and D
Class B:
- Covers single or combination vehicles
- The single-vehicle is over 26,001 pounds
- The towed vehicle must weigh under 10,000 pounds
- Covers vehicles from Class C and D
Class C:
- For buses for at least 16 passengers (including the driver) OR
- Vehicles designed to transport hazardous materials
- These vehicles don’t meet the Class A or B criteria
- Covers vehicles from Class D too.
Class D is only for driving your own vehicle.
Remember that you’ll need an endorsement in order to drive a school bus and another one to transport hazardous materials.
Each of the endorsement costs $5.
Your license must be renewed regularly.
Income
Commercial drivers in Connecticut earn on average about $47,852 per year, while those in the top 10% earn about $55,456 per year.
They earn more per year compared to salaries at a national level which are $44,225 per year for the median one and $51,254 per year for the top 10%.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Bridgeport | $49,917 |
| New Haven | $48,528 |
| Stamford | $50,981 |
| Hartford | $47,787 |
| Waterbury | $47,675 |
| Norwalk | $50,981 |
| Danbury | $49,097 |
| New Britain | $47,764 |
| Bristol | $47,764 |
| Meriden | $47,764 |
Regional Salary in Connecticut
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT | 3,380 | $58,590 | $28.17 | $76,540 | $43,010 |
| Danbury, CT | 870 | $54,680 | $26.29 | $73,720 | $39,380 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | 5,220 | $55,140 | $26.51 | $72,290 | $39,770 |
| New Haven, CT | 3,530 | $57,950 | $27.86 | $72,550 | $42,040 |
| Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI | 1,080 | $56,750 | $27.28 | $72,570 | $40,000 |
| Waterbury, CT | 630 | $55,710 | $26.79 | $71,410 | $40,240 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Considerations
Finding a job as a commercial driver in Connecticut is relatively easy especially if you’re over the age of 21 and have a few endorsements added to your license.
There are trucking companies operating inter and intrastate, schools, and other businesses that seek drivers with a Class A, B or C license.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Truck Driver
CDL Schools by State