Anyone who wishes to drive a truck must obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which requires: Undergoing a medical examination to show you are fit to drive Proving you are a legal resident of the state where you will obtain the license Obtaining a learner’s permit so you can practice on the road Completing all training and passing all tests required by your state Truck driver regulations differ slightly depending on what type of cargo they carry. FMCSA states that drivers who intend to carry passengers must: Have a satisfactory driving record for at least the past three years Undergo annual reviews and recertification Get a “clean bill of health” from a qualified medical examiner (in other words, the driver does not have a condition that could impair their ability to drive safely for long periods) Have a satisfactory grade on a road test In addition to these federal rules, each state has its own set of regulations about how much a truck can carry, what types of trucks can transport cargo across state lines, and how trucking companies must treat their drivers. Ignoring these laws could result in a truck accident that robs survivors of their good health, their vehicle, and/or their ability to support their families.