Plan on 1.5 - 2 hours for the knowledge test and 2 hours for the skills test. You can take the knowledge test at most driver license office locations and typically need to schedule a skills test in advance. To obtain your CDL, you need to pass the knowledge tests with a score of 80% or better, followed by a skills test.

S - School Bus (Knowledge and Skills Tests).

X - Combination of tank vehicle and hazardous materials endorsements.

H - Hazardous materials (Knowledge test only).

P - Passenger (Knowledge and Skills Tests).

T - Double/Triple Trailers (Knowledge test only).

Some endorsements require passing only a knowledge test, while If you plan on operating a special type of commercial vehicle, you must pass additional tests to obtain an endorsement that is placed on your CDL.

Trucks towing vehicles with GVWR of 10,000 pounds or lessĪny vehicle not described in Class A or B above but is: Designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver Īny vehicle not described in Class A or B above but is: used in the transportation of hazardous materials that require the vehicle to be placarded under C.F.R., Part 172, Subpart F.

The following should help you better understand which license you need and the appropriate study material based on the license:Īny combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating, GVWR, of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GVWR of the vehicle or vehicles being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.Īny single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, and any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not in excess of 10,000 pounds. Understanding CDL Class Licensesĭepending on the vehicle you are looking to operate, you will need one of three different CDL class licenses - A, B or C. Physical Exam: Some drivers will require a medical card depending on their state to operate a commercial vehicle. Residence: You must be a resident of the state you are applying for a CDL in. Requirements For Obtaining a CDL LicenseĪge: You must be 21 years old to obtain a commercial drivers license, however, in most states you can obtain a CDL at 18 with the exclusion of the Hazardous Materials Endorsement (Endorsement H) and you would be restricted to driving in that state only.

The benefit of this act for potential CDL drivers is a common set of laws and requirements that must be understood by all drivers regardless the state issuing your commercial license.

Disqualify or suspend the commercial licensing privileges of drivers who are convicted of certain offenses under new national guidelines.

Share licensing information and convictions with other states.Issue a special “commercial driver's license”.Test driver's knowledge and ability to safely operate commercial motor vehicles.In 1986 the US Government passed the Federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act, which set minimum standards that anyone applying for a commercial driver's license must meet.

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