Commercial Driver's License

Exam

State exam

Education

None

Experience

None

Background check

None

Different classes of commercial drivers' licenses are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) depending on the number of people being transported and/or the size of the vehicle being driven. People who drive commercial vehicles weighing 26,001 or more pounds must have a Class A or Class B commercial driver's license. The type of license depends on whether the vehicle is a combination type such as a tractor-trailer (Class A) or a single type such as a dump truck or a bus (Class B). People who drive vehicles to transport hazardous materials or drive vehicles weighing 26,000 pounds or less designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, must have a Class C commercial driver's license. Types of endorsements that may be added to the commercial driver's license include the following: double/triple trailers (T); passenger transport (P); school bus driver (S) (also requires a (P) endorsement); tank vehicle (N); hazardous materials (H); and hazardous materials and tank vehicle (X). Applicants must pass a different knowledge test for each endorsement. A skills test is also required to add a passenger transport (P) endorsement or a school bus driver (S) endorsement. To obtain a CDL, applicants must be at least 21 years old for interstate transport or for a passenger (P) or hazardous materials (H) endorsement. Applicants who are 18-20 years old may be issued a restricted license (no H or P transport) that is valid for in-state transport only. All applicants must pass written, vision, and driving skills examinations. Additional knowledge and skills tests must be passed for each endorsement to be added to the commercial driver's license. If qualified, members of the Armed Forces may submit a form to have the skills test waived (if federal guidelines are met). A medical examination is may be required based on the drivers self-certification at the time of licensing. Fees may be subject to change. Fees are: initial or transfer CDL (including all tests) - $142.25; with knowledge test only or no test - $112.25; learners permit - $58.25; additional endorsement - $14; driving skills test - $30.