Becoming a truck driver in the U.S. isn’t just a steady job — for many immigrants, it’s the first step toward a better life. With high pay, no strict age or education requirements, and the freedom to travel across the country, trucking is one of the most accessible and rewarding careers for newcomers. New Jersey is a top choice for starting a trucking career. Thanks to its strategic location near major East Coast ports and its proximity to New York City, the state serves as a major freight and logistics hub. From local deliveries to long-haul routes, commercial drivers here are part of a vital network that keeps both the national and global economy moving.
So, where do you begin? The first thing to understand is that you can’t legally drive a commercial truck in the U.S. without a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). That’s your goal. At first, the process might feel overwhelming — but once you understand the steps, it becomes much more manageable.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting your CDL in New Jersey: what documents are required, how to prepare for your tests, and how to go through each stage with confidence. We’ll also show you how to renew or replace your CDL when the time comes — and as a bonus, you’ll get access to a free step-by-step PDF checklist to help you stay on track.
What to do before you start preparing for the CDL tests?
Before you can start preparing for your CDL exams in New Jersey, you must have one of the following: a valid New Jersey driver’s license (Class D, E, or Non-CDL Class C), or a valid CDL from another U.S. state.
One of the best resources to help you get started is the official New Jersey Commercial Driver License Manual (CDL-10). You can download it online here. This guide contains all the key information you need to understand the process and requirements, including:
- When and how you can take the written and road skills tests?
- Whether you’re required to complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)?
Wait — what is ELDT? In the past, getting your CDL was simpler — you could study on your own and take the test at the DMV. But starting February 7, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) made ELDT mandatory for most new commercial drivers. This training includes classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel driving, and skills practice such as parking and turning.
Do you need ELDT? You are required to complete ELDT if:
- You are applying for a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time
- You are upgrading an existing Class B CDL to a Class A
- You are applying for the first time for a school bus, passenger transport, or hazardous materials (hazmat) endorsement
More details are available in the CDL-10 manual linked above.
One thing to keep in mind: the New Jersey CDL Handbook is only available in English and a few other languages.
What’s next?
So, you’ve read the handbook and you’re familiar with the basic requirements. Now it’s time to start preparing for the exams. But how can you study in the most effective way?
One of the best tools out there is the CDL Help app. It lets you practice real CDL test questions in Chinese, Arabic, Turkish, and several other languages — a perfect option if you’re still building confidence in English. The app closely follows the official New Jersey CDL exam format, with questions, answers, and explanations that reflect what you’ll actually see on test day.
If your English isn’t perfect yet, but you want to prepare thoroughly and pass the CDL exams on your first try — CDL Help is a must-have**.** It offers high-quality human translations, a user-friendly design, and different study modes to make your preparation faster and easier.
Your next step: Visit the DMV
You’ve studied, practiced, and now you’re ready to take the next step — it’s time to visit your local DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) and apply for your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). The DMV is the official government agency that handles driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations in the U.S.
At the DMV, you’ll need to take a written knowledge test (usually on a computer). The test is divided into three sections:
- General Knowledge (50 questions)
- Combination Vehicle (25 questions)
- Air Brake (25 questions)
You can take each section separately — no need to do all of them in one day. There’s no time limit either, so you can move at your own pace. To pass, you’ll need to answer at least 80% correctly on each part. After completing the tests, you’ll pay an application fee (around $50).
Once you pass the written exam, you’ll receive your CLP, which is valid for 1 year. The CLP allows you to start behind-the-wheel training and practice with a licensed instructor or through a truck driving school.
Important: If you don’t pass the driving (skills) test within 1 year, your CLP will expire. You’ll need to apply for a new one, pay the fee again, and retake all the written tests.
What documents do you need?
When applying for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in New Jersey (Class A, B, or C), you’ll need to provide documentation that confirms the following:
- Your driving history: You must certify that you have not held a driver’s license in any other U.S. state or in Washington, D.C. within the past 10 years — or, if you have, you must list each state where you were previously licensed during that period.
- Your medical eligibility: You must meet federal medical requirements for commercial drivers. This typically means providing a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT physical).
- Your legal presence in the United States: You must provide acceptable documents to prove that you are lawfully present in the U.S.
What to bring to the DMV
When you go to the DMV to apply for your CDL, you’ll need to bring proof of your identity. You only need one valid document from the list below:
- Valid U.S. passport or U.S. passport card
- U.S. birth certificate (original or certified copy)
- Valid foreign passport
- Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship (Forms N-550, N-560, N-561, or N-570)
- Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) + a foreign passport with a U.S. visa, Form I-94, or I-551 stamp (Note: the visa, I-94, or stamp may be expired)
- EAD with a Notice of Action (Form I-797) + a foreign passport with DHS certification
- Valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card, Form I-551)
- Valid U.S. Military ID
- REAL ID, Enhanced ID, or a valid student ID (in some cases)
- Original or certified copy of a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Forms FS-240, DS-1350, or F-545)
To apply for a CDL in New Jersey, you must present two documents showing your name and current residential address in New Jersey. These must be originals or certified copies — no photocopies or online screenshots. Below is a verified and adapted list of accepted documents:
- If you're under 18, a parent/guardian must sign the driver license application
- New Jersey driver license or state-issued ID with current address
- Bank statement (dated within the last 60 days)
- Utility bill (electric, water, gas, internet, etc., dated within 60 days)
- U.S. high school or college student ID with enrollment verification
- Pay stub (dated within the last 60 days)
- Municipal ID card – Only accepted if issued by a recognized government agency (rare in New Jersey)
- Official mail (postmarked within 12 months, such as from a government agency)
- W-2 tax form (current or previous year)
- Property deed or mortgage statement for New Jersey residence
- Professional license issued in New Jersey
- Insurance policy (auto, home, renter’s, or health)
- DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate – Accepted only if it lists your New Jersey address
- Credit card statement (dated within the last 60 days)
- Residential lease or rental agreement (6 months or longer)
- Mortgage statement or closing documents
- Property tax bill or tuition bill (for current year)
- New Jersey voter registration card
- Active military orders
- Social Security benefits statement
- Pension or retirement letter
- Selective Service registration card
- Unemployment benefits statement
- Jury duty summons
- Letter from a nursing home or long-term care facility – May be accepted if issued by a licensed New Jersey facility
- Parent’s or spouse’s ID with same last name + proof of relationship (can be used as supporting documentation, not primary)
Essential documents for the DMV
To apply for a CDL in New Jersey, you’ll typically need the following documents:
- Proof of identity – see the full list of accepted documents above
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Medical Examiner’s Certificate – proof that you meet the federal medical requirements
- Proof of New Jersey residency – you must bring 2 documents showing your current address (see list above)
- A valid U.S. Driver’s License (DL)
- A Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) – this is your temporary training permit for the CDL
Important: You must bring original documents — photocopies are not accepted. Your proof of residency must clearly show your current New Jersey address.
If you’re not a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (for example, if you don’t have a Green Card), your CLP and CDL will be marked as “NON-DOMICILED”.
Once you’ve passed your written tests at the DMV, you can begin your behind-the-wheel training with a truck driving school. Find out about CDL schools here: [link]
Want to learn more about how to start your truck driving career in the USA? Check out our full guides and articles on the website!
