Overview

Driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) requires a higher level of knowledge, experience, skills, and physical abilities than that required to drive a non-commercial vehicle. In order to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), an applicant must pass both skills and knowledge testing geared to these higher standards. Additionally CDL holders are held to a higher standard when operating any type of motor vehicle on public roads. Serious traffic violations committed by a CDL holder can affect their ability to maintain their CDL certification.

Licensing

Driving a commercial motor vehicle is a big responsibility. It requires special skills and knowledge. Most drivers must obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) through their home State (it is illegal to have a license from more than one State). In addition, special endorsements may be required if you or your company drivers will be driving any of the following vehicles:

• a truck with double or triple trailers
• a truck with a tank
• a truck carrying hazardous materials
• a passenger vehicle

Contact your State licensing bureau (e.g., Department of Motor Vehicles) for details.

Highlights

• How Do I Get a Commercial Driver's License?
• Driver Resources
• State and Local Government Resources

What's New?

• FMCSA Permanently Bans Commercial Drivers Convicted of Human Trafficking
  • Federal Register Notice 
• Reciprocity and Recognition of United States and Canadian Commercial Drivers Licenses
  • Frequently Asked Questions