The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the rules and requirements for commercial drivers across the country. Though each state has its own application process, all states must adhere to federal requirements set forth by the FMCSA.
Below you'll find the basic federal requirements needed to obtain a CDL license. If you're looking for state-specific information, find your state's commercial driver license guide.
CDL Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to apply for a commercial driver license, federal rules state that you must:
- Commercial driver's license (CDL) is a driver's license required in the United States to operate any type of vehicle weighing more than 10,001 lb (4536 kg) for commercial use, or transports quantities of hazardous materials that require warning placards under Department of Transportation regulations, or that is designed to transport 9 or more.
- Driver License Information for Persons Over 18. How to apply for a driver license if you are over 18; How to apply for a commercial driver license (CDL).
- Must be 21 years old to:
- Drive across state lines.
OR - Operate a vehicle containing hazardous materials.
- Drive across state lines.
- Have no prior disqualifying criminal offenses.
- Certain criminal felonies may disqualify you from CDL eligibility.
Federal CDL Application Requirements
The basic steps required by every state in accordance with FMCSA regulations to receive a commercial learner's permit and a commercial driver's license are as follows:
Residents of New Hampshire are required to have a valid New Hampshire driver license to legally operate a vehicle in the state. Drivers moving to New Hampshire from another state must obtain a New Hampshire driver license within 60 days of establishing residency in New Hampshire. What New Truck Drivers Need To Know About Qualifications For Getting A CDL: Driving interstate commercial motor vehicles will require meeting certain minimum standards. The FMCSA sets federal guidelines for CDL drivers age and physical requirements. Cdl class b truck driver EOE Statement Mac Papers, Inc. Is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, gender, disability or protected veteran status.
- Test for and obtain a commercial learner's permit (CLP).
- Hold your CLP for a minimum of 14 days.
- Take the road skills test for your commercial driver's license (CDL).
If you are applying for any endorsements on your CDL, you may have additional knowledge and road skills exams.
Commercial Learner's Permit
In addition to any state-specific forms, tests, and identity/citizenship documents, the FMCSA requires all CLP applicants to provide:
- Your current driver's license.
- A 10 Year Driver History.
- Your state may check this electronically in their system, or require you to bring in a copy of your driving record. Contact your licensing office for details.
- A Medical Examination self-certification form.
- This documentation is needed to certify from a qualifying medical examiner that you will be physically able to operate a commercial vehicle.
- For details on how to self-certify, visit the FMCSA's Self-Certification FAQs.
In addition, you will need to:
- Pass a knowledge and skills test.
- Tests may vary slightly according to state. However, minimum federal requirements require:
- A minimum of 30 questions.
- A passing score of at least 80%.
- Tests may vary slightly according to state. However, minimum federal requirements require:
- Pay the associated fees.
- These will vary according to your state.
New Cdl Driver Training Requirements
Again, the application process, additional forms, fees, identity documents, and other requirements are at the discretion of your state. Please contact your local commercial driver licensing office for specifics on what your state requires, or visit our state-specific CDL guides.
You're required to hold your CLP for at least 14 days before applying for your full commercial driver's license, as per federal guidelines. Your state may require you to hold it for longer.
Commercial Driver's License
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Once you've satisfied the requirements above and practiced on the road with a driver possessing a CDL license, you may then apply for a CDL.
Federal regulations states that you must:
New Rules For Cdl Drivers
- Hold your commercial learner's permit for at least 14 days.
- Provide a vehicle for your skills test of the same type that you plan to test for and drive once licensed.
- Pass the CDL skills test, which consists of 3 parts:
- Vehicle inspection.
- Basic controls exam.
- Road test.
Some states may require additional steps, such as the completion of a CDL training course.
CDL Endorsements & Waivers
If you plan to add an endorsement to your CDL, additional testing, applications, and security checks may be needed. Examples of endorsements include:
Dot Non Cdl Driver Regulations
- Tank vehicles.
- Passenger vehicles or school buses.
- Carrying hazardous materials.
If you are a military veteran with experience driving military vehicles, you may be eligible to have your CDL skills test waived. For more information, visit our Veterans CDL Skills Test Waiver page.
Other industries that states have the right to waive some of the CDL requirements for include:
- Farming.
- Emergency medical.
- Firefighters.
- Workers removing snow and ice.
Contact your local commercial driver licensing office for details if you work in any of these industries.