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. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Military Skills Test Waiver and Even Exchange programs make it easier for service members and veterans, who meet certain requirements, to transition into the transportation industry. 

Licensing

Driving a commercial motor vehicle is a big responsibility. Most drivers must obtain a 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. Click here to navigate to each State Driver License Agency website. 

Getting Started

Getting a CDL involves several steps. There are medical requirements and residency requirements besides knowledge and skills requirements.

• The first step is to get a copy of your state's Commercial Driver’s Licensing (CDL) Manual. The manual is available in their field locations, downloaded from their website and printed. Each state has its own processes to getting the CDL.
• The second step is to decide which type of vehicle and what kind of driving you want to get the license for.
• There are 3 classes of CDLs with endorsements for specialized qualifications for vehicles like school buses, tank trucks, tractor trailers, etc. Each types of CDL and endorsement requires you pass a skills test and in some cases a written test. It is important to make sure you pass all the required tests or risk having restrictions on your license.

Once you've finished getting informed and making decisions, there are two basic steps to getting a CDL:

Step 1: First Get a Commercial Learner’s Permit 

A Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) is a permit that only authorizes you to practice on public roads with a qualified CDL holder sitting next to you. Getting the permit involves more than just passing all the knowledge tests for the type of driving you want to do. To make sure that you are eligible your driving record is checked for the last 10 years in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

• Get a Commercial Driver’s License Manual from your state’s driver license agency. The manual may be available online. Reading and following the instructions in your states CDL Manual streamlines the process.
• Study commercial driving requirements and laws. There is a 50-question knowledge test, and you must answer 80% correctly to get a CLP. 
• Complete a medical examination to get a Medical Exam Report Form & Medical Examiner’s Certification Form, which you must submit to apply for a CLP. You need to bring in the proof that your state accepts to show that you are medically qualified. Most types of commercial driving require a DOT medical card, requiring a Department of Transportation physical. Your state may require specific documents it wants to see to prove your name and proof of residency. To find a certified medical examiner, search by city and state or zip code here. Costs vary by provider.
• Submit the state CLP application, fee, and required documents at the driver’s license agency. There are fees for getting the CLP. The fee for a CLP varies widely, from no cost to $78.
• Complete and pass the vision test and CDL knowledge exam. 

Step 2: Get Your Commercial Driver’s License 

You must wait at least 14 days (longer in some states) after receiving your CLP before taking the skills testing for a CDL. This period is designed to let CLP holders practice their skills. 

• Schedule the driving skills testing (road exam) with your driver’s license agency. Skills testing may cost anywhere from $25.00 to $275.00. If you have at least two years military driving experience, you may qualify to use the Military Skills Test Waiver and Even Exchange programs in place of the skills testing. 
• Borrow or rent the appropriate truck (same type that you will drive on the job). You must be accompanied to the testing site by a CDL holder. Your hiring company may be able to assist you with this. Costs vary by area.
• Complete and pass all skills testing, which includes:
  • A pre-trip inspection
  • Basic vehicle controls
  • Driving exam (on-road driving)
• Pay CDL license fee (costs vary from $15.50 to $133.50). Once you have passed the Skills Test you need to take the documentation to the counter for processing. Some states will give you the CDL that same day, while others send it to you in the mail. Regardless make sure that everything is correct before you leave the counter. It can be costly and embarrassing if you find a mistake later.

Optional Step: Seek Reimbursement for CDL Fees and Related Costs

• Check participating motor carriers who are hiring in your area. Some may provide CDL training or financial assistance, use of a truck for skills testing, and/or a hiring bonus that may help cover CDL costs.
• Apply for service reimbursement of expenses for a professional credential (i.e., CDL). Each service has a COOL program (Credentialing Opportunities OnLine):
  • Army
  • Air Force (you must use an Air Force computer to access the site)
  • Navy 
  • Marine Corps

Additional Driver Requirements

• Have certification from a military service of relevant training and experience driving heavy vehicles to qualify for a FMCSA Military Driver Program.
• Meet all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation requirements (except age for the Under 21 Military Driver Program) for a CDL and operating a CMV in interstate commerce. 

Get Started!

Reminder: FMCSA does not issue Commercial Driver's Licenses. State governments are responsible for issuing CDLs.