Getting a CDL-A is more straightforward than most people think — and the career rewards are immediate. Here's exactly what you need before you apply, what carriers are actually looking at, and how Hylas Companion's trainee program works for new drivers.
Age Requirement
To drive commercial vehicles interstate (crossing state lines), the federal minimum is 21 years old. For intrastate driving (within one state), some states allow drivers as young as 18 with a CDL-A. At Hylas Companion, we hire OTR drivers 21+. Our trainee program is open to drivers who meet this threshold.
The DOT Medical Card
Before you can drive commercially, you need a valid DOT medical certificate from a certified Medical Examiner (listed in the FMCSA National Registry). The physical covers vision (at least 20/40 in each eye, corrected), blood pressure, hearing, and general health. Most drivers with no major conditions clear this in 20 minutes. The card is valid for up to 24 months and must be kept current.
Common Medical Disqualifiers
Vision below 20/40 uncorrected (corrective lenses allowed), uncontrolled high blood pressure (stage 2+), insulin-dependent diabetes (requires exemption process), hearing aid requirements in both ears simultaneously, certain heart conditions, and seizure disorders within the last 10 years.
Driving Record Requirements
Carriers run your MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) as part of every application. What they're looking for varies by company, but here are common disqualifiers for most fleets:
- DUI/DWI conviction in the last 7–10 years (most carriers: 10 years)
- More than 2 moving violations in the last 3 years
- Reckless driving conviction in the last 3 years
- Suspended or revoked license within 3 years
- At-fault accidents with fatalities or serious injuries
- Excessive speeding (15+ mph over) in a commercial vehicle
The Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP)
Carriers also pull your PSP report — a federal database of your last 5 years of safety inspections and 3 years of crash history as recorded by FMCSA. Clean pre-trip inspection records, no out-of-service violations, and no at-fault crashes in your PSP are the goal.
Endorsements That Help (But Aren't Always Required)
- HazMat (H) — opens up chemical and regulated materials loads
- Tanker (N) — required for liquid bulk freight
- Doubles/Triples (T) — useful for certain LTL carriers
- TWIC card — required for port access work
No Experience? Hylas Companion's Trainee Path
No experience required for our trainee program. We match new CDL-A holders with an experienced trainer for paid on-the-road training. After completing the training period, you move into a solo seat. Many drivers earn while they train — it's one of the fastest paths from CDL school to full income.