CDL License
How do I get a Commercial Driver's License?
Getting Started
Getting a CDL involves several steps. There are medical requirements and residency requirements besides knowledge and skills requirements.
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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.
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The second step is to decide which type of vehicle and what kind of driving you want to get the license for.
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There are 3 classes of CDLs with endorsements for specialized qualifications for vehicles like school buses, tank trucks, tractor trailers, etc. Each type 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.
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Applicants for certain CDLs and CDL endorsements are required to complete entry-level driver training before taking the CDL skills test or hazardous materials endorsement written test--see Entry-Level Driver Training for more details.
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Once you've finished getting informed and making decisions, there are three basic steps to getting a CDL:
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Step 1: Get the Commercial Learners Permit (CLP)
A commercial learner's 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. 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 DOT physical. Your state may require specific documents it wants to see to prove your name and proof of residency. There are fees for getting the CLP. Reading and following the instructions in your states CDL Manual streamlines the process.
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Step 2: Complete Entry-Level Driver Training
Drivers applying for a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time who are issued a CLP on or after February 7, 2022 must complete entry-level driver training with a registered training provider prior to testing. Some States may have additional requirements above and beyond the Federal training requirements.
Note: There is no Federal requirement for drivers to complete their entry-level driver theory training before applying for a CLP.
Visit the Training Provider Registry (https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/) to search for a training provider. Once you have completed training, the provider will electronically submit certification of your training completion to the Training Provider Registry. Drivers may look up their training certification information using the "Check My Record" tool.
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Step 3: Get the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
You are required to possess the CLP for 14 days and complete applicable entry-level driver training to be eligible to take the CDL skills test.
You must pass all 3 parts of the Skills Test: the Vehicle Inspection Test, the Basic Controls Test, and the Road Test. Your state may even allow you to use their “training aid” to help you remember items on the vehicle inspection checklist. Taking the skills test is no guarantee that you will pass.
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.
Note: FMCSA issued a waiver for certain CDL requirements, effective December 1, 2020 through February 28, 2022. Learn more
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Any summary, description, or paraphrase of a regulatory requirement on this site is intended to provide general guidance only. Please consult the text of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for a full account of the applicable requirements.
Reminder
FMCSA does not issue Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs).
State governments are responsible for issuing CDLs.
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CDL Acquisition Process
About
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established federal regulations requiring drivers to complete entry-level driver training (ELDT) when they are seeking a Class A or B CDL for the first time, upgrading to a Class A or B CDL, or obtaining a passenger (P), school bus (S) or a hazardous material (H) endorsement for the first time. Entry-level driver applicants must obtain training from a training provider listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR). The requirements do not apply to individuals holding a valid CDL or an H, P, or S endorsement issued prior to February 7th, 2022.
Information for Entry Level Drivers
Entry-level drivers attempting to take a CDL skills test to receive a Class A CDL, Class B CDL, passenger (P) endorsement, or school bus (S) endorsement must successfully complete a mandatory theory (knowledge) and a behind-the-wheel (BTW) training provided by a training provider listed on the TPR. To obtain a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement, the entry-level driver must complete mandatory theory (knowledge) training provided by a training provider listed on the TPR prior to taking the knowledge test for the Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement. For more information regarding required training, visit the FMCSA’s ELDT Curriculum Summary.
New York State accepts ELDT completion if the training provider is on the TPR. To confirm that a training provider is part of TPR visit the FMCSA’s ELDT main page. Before DMV allows drivers to move forward with testing DMV will verify that the required training has been completed.
For questions or concerns please contact dmv.sm.ELDTSupport.dmv.ny.gov
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About CDLs
A commercial driver license (CDL) is required to operate large or heavy vehicles. This includes, but is not limited to, dump trucks, tractor-trailers, buses, and stretch limos. To take the CDL permit test and apply for a CDL license you must already have a New York State driver license (Class D, Class E, or Non-CDL C). CDL classes are A (tractor-trailer), B (bus or single-unit truck), and C (truck, bus, or stretch limo). For more detailed information see New York State permit and license classes.
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Step 1: Prepare for the Commercial Permit Test
If you have a non-New York State CDL you must apply for your CDL at a DMV office and surrender your out-of-state CDL. If your out-of-state CDL has a hazardous materials endorsement, you must pass the hazardous materials knowledge test when applying for your New York State CDL. You must also provide fingerprints for federal and New York State background checks for criminal violations.
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Get the New York State Commercial Driver's Manual (CDL-10) online or from a DMV call center. Study the sections of the manual that apply to the type of CDL you need. The sections of the manual that you need to study are explained in the manual. The manual describes the classes, the restrictions, and the endorsements of a CDL.
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Step 2: Find What You Need to Apply
See What Documents You Need
Complete one of these guides to make sure you have the documents and proofs of identification you need BEFORE you apply.
Guide for Enhanced or Real ID Permit
If you are not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (i.e., temporary visitors) your Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) or CDL document will have the legend “NON-DOMICILED” printed on the documents issued on it. The “TEMPORARY VISITOR” and the expiration date of your legal status documentation will continue to be displayed on the CLP and/or CDL document.
Per federal regulations, the DMV will check for any open suspensions or revocations you may have in any state. If you have an open suspension or revocation, we will reject your application.
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Step 3: Take the Test and Get a CDL Permit
CDL permit tests are only offered at DMV offices. You must pass the written test for the type of CDL that you need. There is an application fee of $10.00. This fee allows you to take all written tests (knowledge and endorsement) taken at the same time. There is an additional $5 fee for any other required test not taken and passed at the time of initial application. You can also pay the road test fee ($40.00) when the DMV office issues your commercial learner permit, or you can pay the fee online. You must pay the fee before you can schedule your road test.
When you apply for an original New York State CDL permit (Class A or B), you must certify that
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You did not hold a driver license in any state or in the District of Columbia except New York in the last 10 years or you must report to every US state (or the District of Columbia) where you held a driver license in the last 10 years.
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You meet the Federal medical examination requirements (see Medical Certification Requirements for more information).
You must also prove your legal presence in the United States.
Language Access
The written tests for commercial driver licenses (CDL Class A, Class B, and Class C) and endorsements are available in English or Spanish only. The test for the CDL endorsement for Hazardous Materials (HazMat) is available in English only.
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Step 4: Prepare for Your Road Test
You must practice driving with a supervising driver who has a driver license that is valid to drive the commercial motor vehicle that you use for practice.
Based on feedback we have received from the motor carrier industry regarding the new federal CDL test model, we have learned that drivers are facing difficulties with certain sections of the test. In an effort to address some of the common difficulties encountered during the skills test, we are providing information that may be useful for drivers and instructors.
Sections 11-13 of the CDL Manual (PDF) (CDL-10) cover the skills test. Pay special attention to the Air Brake Check information on page 11-4. We strongly recommend that drivers and instructors focus on the steps outlined for the air brake check, and follow the steps as written. More information is provided in the full Commercial Driver's Manual (CDL-10).
In addition, federal regulations allow the pre-trip inspection section to be randomized each time a new test is initiated for an applicant. As a result, the pre-trip portion of the test could start at the front of the vehicle, in the middle, or if the test is for a Class A vehicle, with a trailer. On page 11-12 of the manual, you will find the CDL Vehicle Inspection Memory Aid, which drivers are permitted to bring to the test as long as there are no notes or marked items on the document. Motor Vehicle License Examiners will also have a copy to provide to the applicant at the test site, if necessary.
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Step 5: Schedule and Take Your Road Test
Use the Road Test Scheduling System to schedule your driving test. Please note that you cannot schedule an appointment for a date that is within 14 days of when you were issued your learner permit.
CDL restrictions defined below by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) may affect CLP holders when taking a Skills Test in a vehicle without full air brakes and/or manual transmission.
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E - No Manual Transmission Equipped Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV)
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L - No air brake-equipped CMV
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Z - No Full Air brake Equipped CMV restrictions
If the vehicle used for your skills test has:
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automatic transmission and this is your first road test in a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), you will be given an E restriction.
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no form of air brakes and this is your first road test in a CMV, you will be given an L restriction.
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air over hydraulic brakes and this is your first road test in a CMV, you will be given a Z.
If you have a CDL with an L restriction and you test in a vehicle with air over hydraulic brakes, you will be upgraded from an L to a Z restriction.
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Step 6: Get Your Road Test Results
After you take your road test, you will be given a card with a website address. Your results will be posted to the website after 6 p.m. that night. If you passed the road test, you can go into a DMV office (a reservation may be required) in order to amend your license. The license fee depends on the expiration date and the class of your current driver license, and the date that you receive your CDL. The local DMV office will issue a temporary CDL that is valid for 60 days. Your photo CDL will arrive by mail in 3 to 4 weeks.
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The above information about obtaining a commercial driver's license was harvested from the FMCSA and NY State DMV websites. Safety Through Training takes no responsibility for accuracy, errors, or omissions in the information. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us or the agencies involved in the licensing process.