Can an 18-year-old get a CDL?

Yes. Every state allows 18-year-olds to obtain a CDL for intrastate driving (within state borders). For interstate driving (crossing state lines), the FMCSA Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program now allows qualified 18-20 year olds to drive commercially across state lines under specific conditions including a 120-hour training period with an experienced mentor.

What is the FMCSA Under-21 Apprenticeship Program?

The FMCSA Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program allows CDL holders aged 18-20 to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. Apprentices must complete 120 hours of on-duty time with an experienced driver (50 hours in the first phase, 70 in the second), use a truck equipped with an active braking collision mitigation system, video event recording, and a governed speed limiter of 65 mph.

What is the difference between intrastate and interstate CDL?

Intrastate CDL allows you to drive commercially only within your home state. Interstate CDL allows you to cross state lines. Without the apprenticeship program, under-21 CDL holders are restricted to intrastate driving only. This is a federal FMCSA rule, not a state rule. The apprenticeship program creates a path for under-21 drivers to get interstate authorization.

Which companies participate in the Under-21 program?

Several major carriers participate including Werner Enterprises, Schneider National, KLLM Transport, Wilson Logistics, and a growing list of carriers. Most participating companies offer paid training and pair apprentices with experienced mentors. The number of participating companies continues to grow as the program matures.

What vehicles can Under-21 CDL holders drive?

Under the apprenticeship program, 18-20 year olds can drive Class 8 trucks (tractor-trailers) in interstate commerce provided the vehicle has required safety equipment: active braking collision mitigation system, forward-facing event recording camera, and a speed governor set at 65 mph. Without the program, under-21 drivers can operate any CMV for intrastate driving.

CDL at 18: New Rules for Young Drivers

The FMCSA apprenticeship program is changing the game for 18-20 year olds who want to start trucking careers. Here is everything you need to know for 2026.

The Old Rules vs. New Rules

For decades, federal law has required commercial truck drivers to be at least 21 years old to drive interstate (across state lines). This meant that even if an 18-year-old had a CDL, they could only drive within their home state. That created a gap: young people interested in trucking had to wait three years, during which many pursued other careers and never came back.

The DRIVE-Safe Act and the subsequent FMCSA Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program changed this. Now, qualified 18-20 year olds can drive interstate commercial vehicles under a structured apprenticeship program.

Before (Old Rules)

CDL at 18 = intrastate only
Must be 21 for interstate
3-year waiting gap
No federal apprenticeship path

Now (2026 Rules)

CDL at 18 = intrastate
Apprenticeship = interstate at 18
120-hour mentored training
Safety equipment required

How the Apprenticeship Program Works

The program has two phases, totaling 120 hours of on-duty time with an experienced mentor:

Phase 1: 50 Hours

The apprentice drives with an experienced driver (5+ years, clean record) in the passenger seat at all times. At least 10 of these hours must be in various conditions (night, rain, traffic). The mentor provides real-time coaching and can take control if needed.

Phase 2: 70 Hours

The apprentice continues driving with the experienced driver present but with increasing independence. The mentor is still in the cab and available to assist. By the end of Phase 2, the apprentice has demonstrated competency in a wide range of driving conditions.

Vehicle Safety Requirements

Under the program, the truck must be equipped with:

Active braking collision mitigation system (ABCMS): Automatic emergency braking that can detect and react to forward obstacles.
Forward-facing video event recording camera: Records continuously and saves footage of any safety event or hard braking incident.
Speed governor limited to 65 mph: The vehicle cannot exceed 65 mph, which is below the highway speed limits in many states.

Participating Companies

Werner Enterprises

Large OTR carrier, paid apprenticeship, nationwide routes

Schneider National

Major carrier with structured mentoring, excellent training program

KLLM Transport

Reefer carrier, CDL training + apprenticeship combined program

Wilson Logistics

Flatbed and specialized carrier, apprenticeship positions available

Maverick Transportation

Flatbed/reefer, strong safety culture, mentorship focus

Intrastate vs. Interstate: What You Can Do Now

Even without the apprenticeship program, 18-year-olds with a CDL can do a lot of driving. Intrastate trucking includes:

Local delivery routes within your state (home daily jobs)
Regional hauling within state borders (e.g., Texas intrastate covers thousands of miles)
Dump truck / construction hauling within the state
Agricultural hauling (farm vehicles have additional exemptions for under-21 drivers)

Large states like Texas, California, and Florida have thriving intrastate trucking markets that can keep you busy and earning while you wait for an apprenticeship slot or until you turn 21.

How to Get Started at 18

Get your CDL permit at 18. Study for and pass the CDL knowledge test at your state DMV. You can get your permit as soon as you turn 18.
Complete ELDT training. Since 2022, all new CDL applicants must complete Entry-Level Driver Training at a registered training provider. See our CDL training guide.
Pass the CDL skills test. Schedule and pass the three-part skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic controls, road test).
Apply to apprenticeship carriers. Contact carriers participating in the FMCSA program. Be prepared for a clean MVR (motor vehicle record) requirement.
Complete the 120-hour apprenticeship. Once hired, work through both phases with your mentor to earn interstate driving authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an 18-year-old get a CDL?: Yes. Every state allows 18-year-olds to obtain a CDL for intrastate driving (within state borders). For interstate driving (crossing state lines), the FMCSA Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program now allows qualified 18-20 year olds to drive commercially across state lines under specific conditions including a 120-hour training period with an experienced mentor.
What is the FMCSA Under-21 Apprenticeship Program?: The FMCSA Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program allows CDL holders aged 18-20 to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. Apprentices must complete 120 hours of on-duty time with an experienced driver (50 hours in the first phase, 70 in the second), use a truck equipped with an active braking collision mitigation system, video event recording, and a governed speed limiter of 65 mph.
What is the difference between intrastate and interstate CDL?: Intrastate CDL allows you to drive commercially only within your home state. Interstate CDL allows you to cross state lines. Without the apprenticeship program, under-21 CDL holders are restricted to intrastate driving only. This is a federal FMCSA rule, not a state rule. The apprenticeship program creates a path for under-21 drivers to get interstate authorization.
Which companies participate in the Under-21 program?: Several major carriers participate including Werner Enterprises, Schneider National, KLLM Transport, Wilson Logistics, and a growing list of carriers. Most participating companies offer paid training and pair apprentices with experienced mentors. The number of participating companies continues to grow as the program matures.
What vehicles can Under-21 CDL holders drive?: Under the apprenticeship program, 18-20 year olds can drive Class 8 trucks (tractor-trailers) in interstate commerce provided the vehicle has required safety equipment: active braking collision mitigation system, forward-facing event recording camera, and a speed governor set at 65 mph. Without the program, under-21 drivers can operate any CMV for intrastate driving.

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