Do You Need a High School Diploma for a CDL? - License Requirements

Short answer: No. A high school diploma or GED is not a federal requirement to earn a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). What matters at the federal level are age, a valid driver’s license, medical fitness, knowledge/skills exams, and ELDT completion. However, some schools and employers set their own education preferences, and financial-aid eligibility often requires a diploma or GED.

Let's explain in detail

The trucking industry remains one of the most accessible paths to a stable, well-paid career. If you’re wondering whether a high school diploma is required to get a CDL in 2025, the federal rulebook says no—but the full picture includes state processes, training-school admissions, and employer preferences. This guide explains exactly what you need (and don’t need), how ELDT fits in, and the smartest path forward if you don’t have a diploma or GED.

Federal CDL requirements (what the law actually asks for)

At the federal level, aspiring commercial drivers must:

• Age: 18+ for intrastate driving; 21+ for interstate.
• Driver’s license: A valid non-commercial license in good standing.
• Medical: Pass a DOT physical and remain medically qualified.
• Knowledge & skills: Pass written exams and the CDL skills/road test.
• Training: Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) before the skills test (in effect since Feb 7, 2022).

Notice what’s missing: there’s no federal requirement for a high school diploma or GED.

Is a high school diploma required anywhere?

• Federal level: No diploma/GED required.
• State level: States administer testing, but generally do not add a diploma requirement for licensing.
• Schools: Some training programs enroll students without a diploma, sometimes using a basic skills/placement test (reading/math) to confirm readiness.
• Employers: Some carriers prefer or require a diploma/GED, especially for specialized roles or advancement tracks.

Takeaway: You can earn a CDL without a diploma, but a diploma/GED can widen employment options and aid eligibility.

CDL schools and admissions (with or without a diploma)

Training providers fall into a few buckets:

• Open-admission schools: Accept students without a diploma/GED; may require a short entrance assessment to gauge reading/math needed for safety materials and manuals.
• Assessment-first programs: If you lack a diploma, you’ll complete a basic skills test before enrollment.
• Community colleges: Often part of workforce programs and more likely to require a diploma/GED—or a testing pathway—to align with institutional policy.

Financial-aid note

Federal student aid (e.g., Pell Grants/loans) typically requires a high school diploma or GED. If you plan to use federal aid, earning a GED can unlock funding. If not, look into employer-sponsored programs, tuition reimbursement, or state workforce grants.

Employer expectations and career growth

Even though a diploma isn’t required to get licensed, some employers use it as a proxy for communication and documentation skills. It can influence:

• Hiring and pay bands at larger carriers with many applicants
• Eligibility for promotions (e.g., trainer, dispatcher, safety, or operations roles)
• Access to certain specialized freight (hazmat/tanker) where communication and compliance are critical

Practical tip: If you don’t have a diploma, showcase strengths that matter to fleets: clean MVR, safety mindset, on-time performance, and strong ELDT/road-test results.

GED vs. no GED: which path is right for you?

A GED can:

• Expand the number of schools and employers that will consider you
• Unlock financial aid for eligible programs
• Signal persistence and readiness for advancement

You can still become a driver without a GED by passing a school’s entrance assessment and meeting all licensing requirements. If long-term career mobility and aid eligibility matter to you, consider getting the GED; if your priority is to start earning quickly, you can train and test first, then circle back to a GED later.

Other non-negotiables you must meet

• Age & identity: 18+ (in-state) or 21+ (interstate) with proof of legal presence.
• Driving record: Serious violations, DUIs, or recent suspensions can delay or disqualify you.
• Medical certification: Maintain a valid DOT medical card; lapses can suspend your CDL.
• ELDT: Complete ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel training before your skills test.

Earnings and outlook (even without a diploma)

Commercial driving offers a strong earnings pathway with consistent demand nationwide. Pay varies by freight type and region, and often rises with safe miles, endorsements (e.g., HazMat, Tanker), and tenure. Many drivers use company experience to progress into specialized hauling, trainer/safety roles, or owner-operator status.

Action plan if you don’t have a diploma

1. Shortlist schools that accept non-diploma applicants and confirm their entrance assessment process.
2. Brush up on reading/math basics (free practice materials are widely available) to ace the placement test.
3. Protect your MVR: Drive clean; violations are more damaging than the absence of a diploma.
4. Explore funding: Workforce grants, employer sponsorships, or reimbursement programs.
5. Consider the GED: If you want maximum employer choice and aid options, plan to earn it—before or after you start driving.

You do not need a high school diploma to obtain a CDL. Focus on meeting federal and state licensing steps, completing ELDT, keeping your medical card current, and maintaining a clean driving record. A diploma or GED isn’t mandatory, but it can improve school options, aid eligibility, and long-term career growth. Choose the path that fits your goals—and commit to continued learning and safe driving.

Best way to start is with ELDT Nation

Ready to start? Whether you have a diploma, a GED, or neither, ELDT Nation delivers FMCSA-approved online ELDT theory training that’s clear, mobile-friendly, and built to help you pass your knowledge test. Enroll today and take your first step toward a high-paying CDL career.

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