I suggest everyone gets their cdl right away. The DMV is changing the road test which I heard will be implemented by this fall. The new road test is going to be much harder, with engine parts needing to be called out as part of the pre trip, an obstacle course you will have to navigate, as well as longer times on the regular driving part of the road test. Fail any of the 3 stages and it's a fail. They estimate a very low passing rate, especially for people taking it the first time.