cdl license requirements

• Possess a valid non-commercial driver’s license.
• Have one or two years of driving experience (depends on the state).
• If you wish to obtain a Class A or Class B CDL, you must successfully complete driver training from FMCSA-approved training providers.
• Be at least 18 years old to drive intrastate (within the state).
• Be at least 21 years old to drive interstate (out-of-state) or to transport hazardous materials.
• Provide proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency (Section 383.71). Social security card, or proof of the number. Birth certificate. Valid passport. Green card.
Must be able to speak and read English at a sufficient level (Section 391.11).
Provide a DOT medical card, which requires a DOT physical.
Must not be a disqualified driver (Section 383.51)
Some states may require the completion of a CDL training course.
Pass all required background checks.

Full Answer

What are the requirements for obtaining a CDL?

CDL Requirements in Your State; Minimum Requirements to Apply for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) or Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Have a valid regular (non-commercial) driver’s license and be at least 18 years old (in most states). Be at least 21 years old: To drive a commercial motor vehicle across state lines (interstate).

What jobs require a CDL license?

are being given the opportunity to earn their CDL (commercial drivers license) and to hopefully land a job. It's a partnership with the Arizona Department of Transportation, which said that the program would help ease the shortage of truck drivers ...

What vehicles need a CDL license?

• Class A: Any combination of vehicles with a GVWR or gross combination weight of 26,001 lbs. ...
• Class B: Any single vehicle that has a GVWR or gross vehicle rate of 26,001 lbs. ...
• Class C: Any single vehicle (or combination of vehicles) that doesn’t meet the definition of Class A or Class B but is designed to transported 16 or more passengers (driver ...

What do you need to get a CDL license?

How To Get Cdl License For Free

• Get Your Wa Identification Card; Have 20/40 vision in each eye with or without glasses. ...
• Pass Your Cdl Skills Test. ...
• Getting On The Road Is More Than Just Earning A Commercial Drivers License (Cdl). ...

More items...

How much does a CDL cost in NY?

$164.50Fees For Getting Your CDL In New York: CDL Fee - $164.50 ($180.50 for Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District applicants) add an additional $5 for each CDL endorsement you obtain.

How long does it take to get a CDL in NY?

When will I get my CDL? The local DMV office will issue a temporary CDL that is valid for 60 days. Your photo CDL will arrive by mail in 3 to 4 weeks.

What are the 3 tests for CDL permit in California?

Bring the type of vehicle(s) for the class you want to drive. Pass the skills test, which includes a vehicle inspection, basic control skills test, and road test. If you fail any part of the skills test, all other testing will be postponed. You have three tries to pass the skills test.

What do I need to get my CDL permit in California?

How to Obtain a CDL License in CaliforniaSubmit a 10 Year History Record Check.Submit a completed Medical Examination Report Form and Medical Examiner's Certificate.Provide proof of your social security number (SSN)Verify your identity with an acceptable identity document.Present acceptable residency documents.More items...

How much do CDL drivers make in NY?

How much does a CDL Class A Truck Driver make in New York, NY? The average CDL Class A Truck Driver salary in New York, NY is $67,759 as of , but the salary range typically falls between $59,890 and $77,739.

Can I get my CDL permit online?

Can you take a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Test online? The short answer is no.

How hard is the CDL test?

How Hard is the CDL Driving Test You Ask? Well,It's Up to You. Passing your CDL driving test may seem difficult at first, but know that it doesn't have to be. Like any exam, it can be passed with hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn.

How much is a CDL license?

As we discussed in our previous article, CDL tuition can range from $1,500 to $8,000. Combined with the other costs described above, obtaining your CDL can cost up to $9,000. These costs all depend on the location of your licensing and your training.

How long does it take to get a CDL?

Obtaining a CDL can take as little as three weeks or as long as six months. But, on average, it takes about seven weeks to get a CDL when attending a full-time driver training program.

How much do truckers make in California?

The average salary for a local truck driver in California is $51,000 per year. Local truck driver salaries in California can vary between $20,500 to $94,500 and depend on various factors, including skills, experience, employer, bonuses, tips, and more.

How many questions are on the CDL test in California?

50The California CDL test consists of 50 questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 40 questions (80%)....CA CDL Practice Test.Number of questions:50Passing score:80%1 more row

What disqualifies you from getting a Class A license in California?

Negligent driving resulting in fatality includes negligent homicide, homicide by motor vehicle, and motor vehicle manslaughter. These are felonies that disqualify you from getting a CDL. According to All Trucking, not all felonies are grounds to disqualify a driver from getting a CDL.

Getting A CDL License Overview

All license classes (A, B, and C) have the same basic requirements. However, there are additional items for each license class - those requirements...

Steps Required to Get A CDL License in 2018

1. Be at least 21 years of age (18 to 0 years of age to drive intrastate) 2. Submit your state’s CDL Application and pay the appropriate fee 3. Pro...

Forms You'll Need: Medical Examination Report and Medical Examiner’S Certificate

Medical Examination Report (MER) Form, MCSA-5875 The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires that all interstate commercial motor vehi...

How to Get A Class A License

1. everything to get a normal CDL 2. pass general CDL knowledge test 3. bring a class A vehicle to your road skills test 4. apply for recommended c...

How to Get A Class B License

1. everything to get a normal CDL 2. pass general CDL knowledge test 3. bring a class B vehicle to your road skills test 4. apply for any necessary...

How to Get A Class C License

1. follow the steps to get a CDL 2. pass general CDL knowledge test 3. bring a class C vehicle to your road skills test 4. apply for the necessary...

How to get a CDL?

follow the steps to get a CDL. pass general CDL knowledge test. bring a class C vehicle to your road skills test. apply for the necessary endorsement (passenger, school bus, Hazmat, etc.) If you’re going to drive a vehicle for transporting more than 16 passengers or hazardous materials, then you need a class C license.

What are the requirements for a CDL endorsement?

Each type of CDL and endorsement requires that you pass a written test; some also require a skills test. Some types of endorsements have additional requirements. For Hazmat, the driver must also be fingerprinted and undergo a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security threat assessment.

How long is a CDL valid?

States are allowed to make CLPs valid for longer than one year. The holder of a CLP is not required to wait at least 14 days before taking the CDL road skills test. A CLP or CDL will remain valid even after the holder’s medical certificate or medical variance has expired.

What is a commercial driving school?

A commercial driving school will provide both classroom and behind-the-wheel training. But what if you feel you need more written instruction than the school’s basic course provides? Before spending more of your money on additional classroom instruction, consider whether you could learn more from some online instruction websites. For example, there are plenty of free high-quality CDL practice tests available online here on driving-tests, without requiring you to sign in, or provide personal information or commitment of any kind. Note: you do not need to pay for your state’s CDL manual. Some websites offer to sell it to you, which is very unethical when it is free on your state’s CDL licensing website and free right here, either to read or to download and print. If you check your state’s DMV page, they may also list locations where you can get it in print for free.

What is a CDL driver?

A commercial driver's license (CDL) is a driver's license required to operate large, heavy, or placarded hazardous material vehicles for commercial purposes in the United States. Several types of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) require a driver to hold a valid CDL. The driver may also be required to obtain one or more special endorsements, ...

What endorsements are required for a truck driver?

The driver may also be required to obtain one or more special en dorsements, such as Air Brakes, Hazardous Materials (Hazmat), Tankers, or Passenger Vehicles, to drive a vehicle equipped with air brakes, a truck with a tank, a truck carrying hazardous materials, or a passenger vehicle respectively.

What is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration?

For national commerce to cope more effectively with the emergency caused by the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a series of Emergency Declarations. These declarations have granted relief from some of the usual requirements for commercial driving, such as the following:

What is a commercial driver's license?

Driving a commercial motor vehicle is a big responsibility. It requires special skills and knowledge. Most drivers must obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) through their home State (it is illegal to have a license from more than one State). In addition, special endorsements may be required if you or your company drivers will be driving any of the following vehicles:

What is a CDL holder?

Additionally CDL holders are held to a higher standard when operating any type of motor vehicle on public roads. Serious traffic violations committed by a CDL holder can affect their ability to maintain their CDL certification.

What is a Class C CDL?

Class C. Each CDL classification is distinguished by the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) among other items. Keep in mind that the CDL classification you apply for will determine not only the type of vehicle you are allowed to drive, but also which endorsements you may be required to obtain.

What vehicles can you drive with a Class A CDL?

While your towing allowances will depend on which endorsements you obtain, a few of the vehicles you MAY be able to drive with a Class A CDL (with proper endorsements) include: Tractor-trailers. Truck and trailer combinations . Double and triple trailers. Tractor-trailer buses.

How many passengers are allowed on a Class C CDL?

At least 16 passengers (to include you, the driver). Hazardous material (HAZMAT) as laid out by federal guidelines. Examples of vehicles you might be able to operate with a Class C CDL (with proper endorsement) include: Small HAZMAT vehicles.

What is the weight rating for a Class A commercial driver's license?

A Class A commercial driver's license is required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more , to include a towed vehicle that is HEAVIER than 10,000 lbs.

Do you need endorsements for a Class A license?

As with Class A licenses, you may be required to possess specific endorsements to operate some vehicles with a Class B license. Some of the vehicles you may be allowed to operate (with the right endorsement) include: Straight trucks.

Can you drive a flatbed with a Class A license?

Flatbeds. In addition, a Class A license may allow you to drive some Class B and Class C vehicles as long as you possess the correct endorsements.

Do you need a CDL to drive a car?

To drive certain types of commercial motor vehicles in the United States, the federal government requires drivers to possess a commercial driver's license (CDL). These licenses, however, are not all created equal. The type of vehicle you intend to operate dictates your CDL classification, and vice versa. Classes for commercial driver licenses are:

What is a CDL license?

A commercial driver's license (CDL) is a driver's license required to operate large, heavy, or placarded hazardous material vehicles in the United States in commerce. There are several different types of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) that require a driver to hold a valid commercial driver's license. To drive certain specialized types of vehicles ...

How old do you have to be to get a CDL?

The minimum age to apply for a CDL is typically 21. However, some states allow drivers between the ages of 18 and 20 to apply for a single-state CDL. A single-state CDL allows the driver to only operate a commercial vehicle within the driver’s state of residence ( intrastate driving). When the driver turns 21, that restriction is automatically ...

What is a CDL?

What is a Commercial Driver's License (CDL)? A commercial driver's license (CDL) is a driver's license required to operate large, heavy, or placarded hazardous material vehicles in the United States in commerce. There are several different types of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) that require a driver to hold a valid commercial driver's license.

What are the different classes of CDL?

There are three classes of CDLs that determine the kinds of vehicles you’re permitted to drive: Class A , Class B , and Class C. CDL classification is also determined by the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and other specific requirements.

What is the weight rating for a Class A CDL?

A Class A commercial driver's license is required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the towed vehicle is heavier than 10,000 pounds. With a Class A CDL and the proper endorsements, you may drive the following types of vehicles: ...

How to get a school bus endorsement?

To obtain an endorsement, you will need to pass a specialized knowledge exam and possibly a specialized driving skills test. To obtain a School Bus (S) endorsement, you must also undergo a thorough background check. Get professional CDL training from the comfort of your home. Pass Guarantee.

When did CDL become mandatory?

On October 27, 1986 , the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act was signed into law. This law made it mandatory for all drivers of commercial vehicles to have a CDL. By ensuring that bus drivers and operators of large trucks are highly trained and qualified, this law has improved highway safety significantly.

What is the minimum age to get a CDL in Arizona?

The minimum age for a CDL is 21. If you are at least 18, you may apply for an intrastate CDL that is valid only in Arizona. Drivers under the age of 21 are prohibited from transporting hazardous materials. Commercial Driver License Information.

How long is a CDL permit valid?

If you are a first-time Commercial Driver License (CDL) applicant, you must obtain a CDL instruction permit to operate a vehicle requiring a CDL on the highway. The CDL instruction permit is valid for six months. The minimum age for a CDL is 21.

What background check is required for a HME license?

Drivers with the HME (H or X) must have a current and approved Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background record check (BRC) at the time of the application.

How to get a CDL in New York?

To get a New York State CDL, you must apply for your CDL at a DMV office and surrender your out-of-state CDL. If your out-of-state CDL has a hazardous materials endorsement, you must pass the hazardous materials knowledge test when you apply for your New York State CDL. You must also provide fingerprints for federal and New York State background ...

How much does it cost to take the CDL test?

There will be an additional $5 fee for any other required tests not taken and passed at the time of initial application. There is a fee of $40.00 to take the CDL road test (skills test). You can pay the road test fee when the DMV office issues your commercial learner permit, or you can pay the fee online. You must pay the fee before you can ...

Where can I pay CDL test fee?

You can pay the fee online with your credit card, or pay the fee at a DMV office. New CDL restrictions defined below by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) may affect CLP holders when taking a Skills Test in a vehicle without full airbrakes and/or a manual transmission.

Do you have to certify a CDL in New York?

You did not hold a driver license in any state or in the District of Columbia except New York in the last 10 years or you must report every US state (or the District of Columbia) where you held a driver license in the last 10 years.

What is the class A requirement for CDL?

Click here to review the CDL Handbook. Class A Requirements – To operate trucks or truck combinations weighing 26,001 lbs or more, and towing a vehicle/unit over 10,000 lbs, a Class A license is required.

How old do you have to be to get a CDL?

Do I need a CDL? All applicants for a Commercial Driver License are required to have an Operator’s License, pass the vision requirements, and pass knowledge and skills tests. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. If they are under 21, they will be restricted to intrastate operation only.

What is Class C license?

Class C Requirements – To operate vehicles transporting placarded amounts of hazardous materials, or vehicles designed to transport 16 or more people including the driver, with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of less than 26,001 lbs, a Class C license is required. The following tests are required:

What is a school bus?

School Bus (S) – Issued to those who have passed the required written and skills test and who will transport pre-primary, primary or secondary school students from home to school, from school to home, or to and from school-sponsored events (does not include a bus used as a common carrier).

What is endorsement in driving?

An “Endorsement” is a special authorization, which permits a driver to drive certain types of vehicles, to transport certain types of property, or a certain number of passengers. The following endorsements can be placed on Class A, B, or C commercial driver licenses.