In 49 states and the District of Columbia, you must be 18 years old or older to obtain a CDL. Younger drivers will only be allowed to drive a CMV in the state they live in until they turn 21. In Hawaii, you must be 21 years old or older to obtain a CDL regardless if you will only drive in Hawaii. The Skills Test must be taken in English. This is because you must be able to read the signs directed at commercial vehicles. You cannot have any criminal convictions involving the use of a motor vehicle, for example, human trafficking or you will be ineligible for a CDL. You must be legally present in the United States for a CDL. Federal law does not allow states to issue a CDL to those who cannot prove lawful status.

Class A: This license authorizes you to operate a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more providing the GVWR of the towed vehicle is more than 10,000 pounds. Class B: This license authorizes you to operate a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more providing the GVWR of the towed vehicle is not more than 10,000 pounds. Class C: This license authorizes you to operate a vehicle that is not heavy enough to require a Class A or Class B license, but is used for transporting at least 16 passengers (including the driver) or hazardous materials requiring placards.

You may have to bring documentation to prove parts of the application. Read the instructions carefully and look through the entire document once before you start filling it out. Part of your CDL application will be a 10-year history record check. You must provide information regarding all other states in which you were licensed to drive, including the dates you lived there and your legal address. [5] X Research source

Check with the local DMV or visit your state DMV’s website to find out exactly what documents you need to bring with you. If you have any questions about whether a particular document will work, call the DMV and ask. Having all the right documents will save you a lot of time. All states charge fees for issuing a CDL. You may be required to pay all fees at once, or you may have to pay individual fees at separate times. For example, you may pay the application, written test, and permit fee all at once, then pay the skills test and license fee later.

You must bring documents that prove your identity and your residency. Different states may accept different types of documentation to prove residency. Check with your local DMV. There typically will be a list of accepted documents on their website. Some states, such as California, require you to schedule an appointment if you’re applying for a new CDL.

Some endorsements, such as those for driving a school bus or transporting hazardous materials, may require you to take an additional written test. Once you’ve completed your test it will be scored immediately. If you earn a passing score, you’ll be issued your permit. If you don’t pass, find out what you can do to retake the test. Keep in mind you may have to pay an additional fee to retake the test.

You can schedule an appointment with a TSA agent online at https://universalenroll. dhs. gov/, or you can call 1-855-347-8371. There is a fee for the TSA background check. You also will have to be fingerprinted.

The certificate does not expire, so you do not need to complete ELDT again even if your commercial learner permit expires and you renew unless you upgrade to Class A or obtain a Passenger, School Bus, and/or Hazardous Materials endorsement.

To pass your Skills Test, you must be able to inspect your truck or bus for potential defects and the engine compartment, including an Air Brake check. You must also demonstrate you can reverse and drive the truck or bus. The information is available in your CDL handbook (Sections 11 to 13). Many states require you to drive on your permit for a certain period of time, typically at least two weeks. Some states also may require you to log a certain number of hours driving on your permit before you can schedule your skills test. In some states, you may be able to use a third-party examiner service. Staff at the DMV will tell you if this option is available, or you can check the state DMV’s website. [11] X Research source

You must take the CDL skills test in the exact vehicle that you will be driving. This includes transmission and air brakes. For example, if you’re going to be driving a vehicle with a manual transmission, you must take your skills test in a vehicle with a manual transmission. If you don’t get a passing score on your skills test the first time around, you may be able to retake it. For example, in California you can take the CDL skills test up to three times. Ask your examiner about your options. [13] X Research source

When you get your CDL, check over it carefully to make sure all the information on it is correct and your name is spelled correctly. Get any errors changed immediately or they could cause you problems later on. Keep in mind that federal regulations no longer permit states to issue temporary CDLs, so you may have to wait a day or two before you can begin work. [15] X Research source