Easiest CDL to Get in 2025 (And Why Class A May Be the Smarter Choice)

Did you know that water and electricity will always follow the path of least resistance? It’s simple physics. That being said, it’s no surprise to us when someone asks for the ‘path of least resistance’ to getting their CDL. To be clear, choosing that path isn’t always the best choice. The best path for you depends on your goals, time, and money.

At New Sound CDL School, our students come from all sorts of backgrounds and situations. They show up with their own personal goals, and our job is to help them achieve those. You may be trying to get a CDL as fast as possible to start earning a livable wage. Or maybe your goal is to make as much money as possible as an owner-operator doing long-haul trucking. Either way, you can reach your goals with the help of New Sound.

So let’s go over the different CDL classes to determine which one is the easiest to get, which is the fastest, and which one provides the most bang for your buck. We’ll break down your options, compare the costs, and help you decide which path is right for you.

CDL Classes: A Quick Overview

Class A CDL 

A Class A CDL will let you drive combination vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more, where the vehicle being towed is over 10,000 pounds. That probably sounds confusing, but just think about large trucks hauling heavy loads on attached trailers.

• Semi-trucks / Tractor-trailers
  
  
• Flatbeds
  
  
• Tankers
  
  
• Livestock carriers
  
  
• Double or triple trailers

Getting a Class A CDL permits you to also drive the vehicles unlocked by a Class B, so it’s the most comprehensive and in-demand CDL. Class A CDL drivers are the top dogs.

Class B CDL

A Class B CDL will permit you to drive single vehicles over 26,001 pounds, towing no more than 10,000 pounds. Simply put, you’ll be able to drive large commercial vehicles that don’t have detachable trailers.

• Dump trucks
  
  
• Box trucks (like delivery trucks)
  
  
• Straight trucks
  
  
• Buses (school buses, city transit, tour buses)

Remember, you won’t be able to drive semi-trucks with a Class B, but it’s a great option for drivers looking for local or regional work with more regular scheduling.

What’s the Easiest CDL to Get?

Answer: Class B.

Here’s why:

• Class B vehicles are smaller and easier to handle.
  
  
• The road test is simpler than the Class A.
  
  
• Training takes less time—just 2 weeks full-time at New Sound CDL School.
  
  
• It’s a great option for those who want to start working quickly without feeling overwhelmed.

Why Class B Might Be for You

If your goal is to get started fast, earn money quickly, and stay local, Class B is a great first step.

Here’s why:

1. Shorter Training Time

• Class B: 2 weeks full-time
  
  
• Class A: 4 weeks full-time

You could already be working within a month of starting!

2. Easier to Drive

• Smaller vehicles
  
  
• Easier turns and parking
  
  
• Simpler to learn

3. Local Job Opportunities

• Delivery services (Amazon, FedEx, UPS)
  
  
• Construction (dump trucks, cement trucks)
  
  
• Public transit or school bus driving
  
  
• Most Class B jobs have you home every night with steady hours

4. Upgrade to Class A Later

Many drivers start with a Class B, gain experience, and then upgrade to Class A later through New Sound’s 2-week upgrade program.

What If You’re Ready to Go Big from the Start?

If you’re ready to drive the biggest trucks and earn top pay from the beginning, Class A is the best fit for you. It qualifies you for:

• Long-haul trucking across states
  
  
• Tankers, flatbeds, and other specialized freight
  
  
• Higher-income jobs from day one

Class A CDL: Manual vs. Automatic

At New Sound CDL School, we offer both training options. From difficulty to cost—and ultimately job placement and earning potential—there are differences between the two of them:

Automatic Class A CDL

• Easier to learn
  
  
• Less stress during testing
  
  
• More affordable than the Manual Class A training
  
  
• Restricted to only automatic trucks and jobs

Manual Class A CDL

• Not restricted to automatic opportunities
  
  
• Costs a bit more than Automatic Class A training
• Gives you access to more jobs
  
  
• Slightly more difficult to learn, but more flexible long-term

If you’re still unsure which direction to take, we’ll help you choose the right one based on your goals!

Why Class A Is the Better Investment

Option 1: Immediately Get Class A

New Sound CDL Class A Program (4 Weeks)

• Automatic Class A: $4,175
  
  
• Manual Class A: $4,675

Includes:

• 160 training hours
  
  
• Pre-trip inspection & road training
  
  
• Exam prep
  
  
• Job placement assistance

In less than a month, you’re fully certified and ready to drive almost any commercial vehicle. This opens up your opportunities to countless jobs and careers within the transportation industry, meaning you’ll never have to come back and upgrade in the future.

Option 2: Start With Class B, Then Upgrade to A

New Sound CDL Class B Program (2 Weeks): $3,175
CDL Upgrade to Class A (2 Weeks): $3,175

Total Cost for a Class A CDL: $6,350

That’s between $1,675 to $2,175 more than going for your Class A immediately—and takes longer overall.

Bottom Line:

If your goal is to eventually get a Class A CDL, it’s smarter and cheaper to do it from the start.

• Spend less
  
  
• Avoid two test days
  
  
• Start earning more money sooner

Still unsure? Class B will always be a great doorway into a high-paying career. But if you’re motivated and ready to reach higher, Class A is the faster, better-value choice.

Common Questions

Is Class A harder than Class B?
Yes. It requires longer training and a more difficult road test (especially the manual Class A).

Can I go straight to Class A without Class B?
Yes. It’s not required to get Class B first. Getting your Class A immediately will qualify you to drive Class A and Class B vehicles.

Can I get my CDL without going to school?
No. Washington state law requires ELDT-approved school training, which is what New Sound CDL School provides.

What if I don’t speak much English?
No problem. Our school offers the top training in Washington with multilingual support in Spanish, Russian, and Ukrainian. Every month, we have countless students passing the CDL exam with limited English skills.

How New Sound CDL School Helps You Succeed

No matter your path, we’re committed to helping you succeed. At New Sound, you’ll get:

• Fast, focused programs (2–4 weeks)
  
  
• The best training in Washington, with an 80% first-time CDL pass rate
  
  
• Experienced instructors who speak Spanish, Russian, and Ukrainian
  
  
• Clean, modern trucks and a secure, paved training yard
  
  
• Flexible schedules (including evening classes)
  
  
• Job placement help with trusted partners like Swift, Sysco, and McLane
  
  
• Support from our experienced team every step of the way

If you’re not sure if you’re a right fit for New Sound, we promise you are! Our students are diverse, from young high school graduates to adults with families and full-time jobs, and even those who only speak English as a second language. We’ve helped hundreds of students start new careers—and we’re ready to help you too.

Ready to Apply to New Sound CDL School?

Whether you want to start with Class B or go all in with Class A, you can train with confidence at New Sound CDL School.

If you’re still wondering which CDL is right for you, reach out to us! We’ll walk you through your options and help you find the best starting point.

Your new career starts here. Don’t wait—apply online today!