A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is the specialized credential required for operating large, heavy, or placarded hazardous materials vehicles in commerce. This license verifies that a driver has demonstrated the necessary knowledge and skill to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) on public roadways. Obtaining a CDL is a multi-step process that demands applicants satisfy strict federal and state eligibility criteria, including age minimums, medical qualifications, and standardized training requirements. The process is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Meeting the Minimum Age Requirements
The age of an applicant determines the type of commerce they are permitted to engage in. The federal minimum age to obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and a CDL is 18 years old. An 18-year-old CDL holder is restricted to operating a CMV in intrastate commerce, meaning they can only drive within the borders of their home state.
To operate a CMV in interstate commerce, which involves crossing state lines, a driver must be a minimum of 21 years old. Drivers must also be 21 to obtain endorsements for transporting hazardous materials (Hazmat) or passengers. State residency requirements apply, necessitating that the applicant be domiciled in the state from which they are applying for a minimum period. Meeting the 21-year-old threshold removes the “intrastate only” limitation and expands a driver’s career opportunities.
Essential Prerequisites and Documentation
Before beginning the testing process, applicants must hold a valid, non-commercial driver’s license, typically required to have been held for at least one year. A mandatory Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination is also a prerequisite for all CDL applicants. This examination must be conducted by a certified Medical Examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
If the medical examiner determines the driver is physically qualified, the applicant receives a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, often called a medical card. This certificate is generally valid for up to two years and must be submitted to the state licensing agency. Applicants must also provide documentation to verify their U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency.
Required Training and Education
The federal government established the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations, effective in February 2022, mandating minimum training standards for new drivers. Applicants seeking a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time, or those upgrading a Class B to a Class A, must complete this training. The ELDT requirement also applies to drivers seeking a first-time Passenger (P), School Bus (S), or Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement.
This mandatory training must be delivered by a provider listed on the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR). The instruction is divided into two parts: theory and behind-the-wheel (BTW) instruction. The theory portion, delivered via classroom or online instruction, requires the driver to score a minimum of 80 percent on the assessment. The BTW instruction involves both range and public road driving, where the instructor must certify the trainee’s proficiency.
The CDL Testing and Licensing Process
The first step in licensing is obtaining a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), which requires passing the General Knowledge Test. The CLP allows the applicant to practice driving a CMV on public roads under the supervision of a CDL holder. Federal rules impose a mandatory waiting period of at least 14 calendar days after the CLP is issued before the applicant is eligible to take the final skills test.
The comprehensive Skills Test is the final hurdle and consists of three distinct parts that must be passed in order.
Vehicle Inspection Test
This requires the applicant to demonstrate knowledge of the vehicle’s components and prove it is safe to operate.
Basic Controls Test
This evaluates the driver’s ability to maneuver the vehicle in a controlled setting, often involving backing exercises.
Road Test
The applicant demonstrates safe driving skills on public roads in various traffic situations.
Understanding CDL Classes and Endorsements
The class of CDL an applicant obtains depends on the size and type of vehicle they intend to operate.
Class A CDL
Required for any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the towed unit is heavier than 10,000 pounds.
Class B CDL
For a single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or such a vehicle towing another that does not exceed 10,000 pounds.
Class C CDL
For vehicles not meeting A or B requirements but designed to carry 16 or more passengers or transport placarded hazardous materials.
Endorsements are specialized authorizations added to a CDL that expand a driver’s operating privileges. Common endorsements include H for Hazardous Materials, P for Passenger, T for Double/Triple trailers, and N for Tanker vehicles. Obtaining an endorsement often requires passing additional knowledge and skills tests, along with mandatory background checks for certain endorsements like Hazmat.
Potential Disqualifications
Even after meeting the preliminary requirements, an applicant can be denied a CDL or have an existing one revoked due to specific offenses. Federal guidelines detail a range of serious traffic violations that can lead to temporary or lifetime disqualification. Major offenses resulting in a minimum one-year disqualification include driving under the influence (DUI), refusing a sobriety test, or using a CMV to commit a felony.
Serious traffic violations, such as excessive speeding or reckless driving, can lead to a minimum 60-day disqualification upon a second conviction within a three-year period. Driving without a proper CDL or without the correct endorsements can also lead to disqualification. For those seeking a Hazmat endorsement, a mandatory background check is conducted, and certain criminal convictions can permanently bar an applicant from transporting hazardous materials.