What age must a driver be to obtain a CDL for interstate driving?

To obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for interstate driving, a driver must be at least 21 years old. This age requirement is set by federal regulations, specifically by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The rationale for this restriction is to ensure that drivers who operate commercial vehicles across state lines possess the maturity, experience, and judgment necessary to handle the responsibilities associated with such driving, which often involves larger vehicles and more complex regulations.

Additionally, while drivers can obtain a CDL at 18 years old to operate vehicles intrastate (within the same state), they are not permitted to drive commercially between states until they reach the age of 21. This distinction is important because interstate driving typically entails more rigorous demands regarding safety, knowledge of federal transportation laws, and the ability to make quick, informed decisions in a variety of driving situations.