Getting a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Nebraska comes down to seven steps. None of them are complicated on their own - the part most people get stuck on is not knowing what order they happen in, or how long each one actually takes. Here's the whole path, laid out plainly.
You'll need to be at least 18 years old to drive intrastate (within Nebraska only) or 21 years old to drive interstate (across state lines) - which is what most trucking jobs require. You'll also need a valid Nebraska driver's license and a clean enough driving record to pass a background check.
Before you can drive commercially, a certified medical examiner has to sign off that you're physically fit for the job. This is the "DOT physical" - a standard exam covering vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general health. Most people pass without any issue.
Next you'll study the Nebraska CDL manual and pass the written knowledge test for the class of license (A, B, or C) and any endorsements you're after. Passing this test is what gets you your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) - the permit that lets you legally practice driving with a qualified supervisor before you're licensed.
Nebraska requires every new CLP holder to hold the permit for a minimum of 14 days before they're eligible to take the CDL skills test. This is exactly the window most training programs use for behind-the-wheel practice.
Since February 2022, federal law requires anyone getting a new CDL or upgrading their class to complete formal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) - both the theory (classroom/online) portion and the behind-the-wheel portion - through a provider registered with the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Your training has to be reported to the registry before you're allowed to sit for the skills test. This is the step where a real training program (rather than studying alone) becomes necessary.
The skills test has three parts: a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control maneuvers, and an on-road driving test. You can test through the Nebraska DMV directly or through a Nebraska-certified third-party examiner - third-party testing is usually faster to schedule.
Pass the skills test, and the DMV issues your Commercial Driver's License. From there you're eligible to start driving professionally and applying to carriers.
Studying alone, this process can stretch out for months depending on how fast you can get test appointments and behind-the-wheel time. At IWS Trucking, we run the entire path - ELDT theory, CLP prep, and behind-the-wheel training - as one program, so most students go from zero experience to a licensed CDL in 2 to 5 weeks, with housing available if you're relocating for training.
Costs vary by program and school. At IWS Trucking, you can reserve your seat for as little as $500 down - see our pricing page for how that works, or go straight to program details for Class A CDL training or Class B CDL training. Request the free info pack from either page and we'll send you the full cost breakdown, financing options, and start dates.
Nebraska CDL | IWS Trucking is committed to ethical recruitment and advertising practices. We provide detailed information about accommodation, housing options, policies, and associated costs in our school catalog or a separate student handbook, which is also included in the student enrollment agreement. In compliance with 92NAC42, all promotional materials used within this state will be truthful and free from misleading or exaggerated impressions regarding the school, its personnel, services, or the occupational opportunities for graduates. We adhere strictly to ethical advertising by using appropriate categories such as "Education" and "Instruction" when recruiting through classifieds, and we never falsely guarantee employment or income. Our recruitment agents, under direct control of IWS, are thoroughly trained and supervised, ensuring adherence to all state laws and regulations. They are prohibited from using titles like "counselor" or "advisor" and must avoid discrediting other schools or engaging in any discriminatory practices. All advertising and promotional materials are pre-approved by IWS to ensure responsibility and accuracy. Furthermore, our refund policy is clearly outlined: full refunds are provided if cancellation occurs within seventy-two hours of enrollment, with subsequent conditions detailed for varying circumstances of cancellation and withdrawal, ensuring all refunds are processed within sixty days as stipulated. Enrollment agreements, along with receipts for any payments, are provided to all students, ensuring transparency and the opportunity to withdraw without penalty under specified conditions. IWS is duly authorized to operate and recruit, maintaining full compliance with the legal requirements for student recruitment and advertising in Nebraska.
If cancellation occurs within seventy-two (72) hours of enrollment, all monies paid shall be refunded. If cancellation occurs after seventy-two (72) hours of enrollment, but before orientation or training material is provided, a refund shall be made of all tuition paid, except for a non-refundable registration fee not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00). Once a student has completed either orientation or the enrollment agreement and 10 calendar days have passed, no refund will be issued, regardless of whether the student begins or completes the course. This policy applies equally to all payment types, including third-party payers.
