Getting a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), in the United States follows a process with criteria set at both the federal and state levels. These licenses are divided into three categories; Class A, Class B and Class C each having its rules and vehicle restrictions. This piece will delve into the age-related and state-specific prerequisites for obtaining a CDL in all categories.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under the U.S. Department of Transportation has established criteria that are applicable nationwide:
Age: A person must be at least 21 years old to secure a CDL for interstate travel or handling hazardous materials in commercial vehicles. However, the minimum age can be 18 if driving solely within state boundaries (intrastate). These rules hold for all CDL classes.
Residence: The individual must be a resident of the state where they are seeking the license.
Valid Driver’s License: It is necessary to possess a non-commercial driver’s license, with a clean driving history.
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To drive a vehicle drivers need to undergo a Department of Transportation (DOT) exam and hold a valid medical examiner’s certificate to confirm they are physically fit, for the job.
Testing: Applicants have to pass tests that evaluate their knowledge and skills. These assessments consist of written knowledge exams and practical skills tests such as trip vehicle inspections, vehicle control evaluations and on-road driving assessments.
Training: Starting in 2022 new entry-level drivers must complete training from an approved provider listed on FMCSAs Training Provider Registry.
Background Checks: Applicants seeking endorsements for transporting materials must undergo a background check.
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CDL classes are categorized based on the vehicle weight and type of goods transported. Lets delve into the requirements for each class.
Class A CDL: This classification is designated for “combination” vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) exceeding 26,001 lbs. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the towed vehicle(s) should be over 10,000 lbs. Vehicles that fall under Class A CDL include tractor trailers, truck and trailer combinations, and flatbeds.
This license is intended for vehicles categorized as “or “combination ” with a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs. Moreover, The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the towed vehicle(s) is less, than 10,000 lbs. Examples of vehicles that fall under a Class B CDL include trucks, large buses and segmented buses.
Class C CDL: Drivers holding Class C licenses operate vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or transport materials (HazMat) that do not meet the requirements for Class A or B. Examples of vehicles operated with a Class C CDL include HazMat vehicles and passenger vans.
To obtain either of these classes drivers must successfully pass both knowledge and class-specific written tests as well as practical skills assessments related to the type of vehicle they plan to drive.
While there are regulations governing the process of acquiring a CDL in the United States individual states have unique considerations that need to be taken into account. Familiarizing oneself with guidelines and specific class requirements is an initial step. It is equally important to research and understand the regulations, in one state. By combining all this information navigating through the steps to secure a CDL becomes much clearer.
Here’s a basic guide, on how to discover CDL requirements for each state;
State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Websites: The DMV websites in each state are the place to find out about the requirements for a CDL.
State CDL Manuals: You can usually find State CDL manuals on DMV websites, which offer information on the process, criteria and other details needed to get a CDL.
CDL Training Schools: Accredited State CDL training schools are also a resource for learning about state CDL requirements.
Below is a list of states with examples of how CDL requirements vary by license type and age restrictions:
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Age Requirement for CDL: 18 years or older for driving within the state and 21 years or older for driving across state lines.
Additional Requirements: examples not provided.
Age Requirement for CDL: 19 years or older for driving within the state 21 years or older for driving.
Additional Requirements: examples not provided.
Age Requirement for CDL: 18 years or older for driving 21 years or older, for driving.
Additional Requirements: No specific examples were mentioned. In California, you need to be 18 years old, for driving within the state and 21 years old for driving across state lines. To get a driver’s license (CDL) you must first obtain a learner’s permit (CLP) and have it for a minimum of 14 days before taking the skills test. There are regulations for transporting materials.
For Colorado, the age requirement is the same as in California. 18 years for driving and 21 years old, for interstate driving. However specific additional requirements are not provided.
Similarly in Connecticut, Delaware, Florida and Georgia, the CDL age requirements mirror those of California. Additional requirements are not specified for these states.
Louisiana requires individuals to be 18 years old, for driving within the state and 21 years old for driving across state lines. There are no examples provided for requirements. Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota and Mississippi have age requirements, for interstate driving without any specific additional requirements outlined. In Missouri you need to be 18 years old, for driving within the state and 21 years or older for driving across state lines. There are no examples of requirements provided. The same age requirements apply in Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey and New Mexico for interstate driving without any specified requirements.
In New York, you need to be 18 years old, for driving within the state and 21 or older for driving across states. Military veterans can skip the skills test under certain conditions.
For North Carolina, the age requirement is the same as in New York. There are no additional requirements mentioned.
Similar age requirements apply in North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma and Oregon for interstate driving. However, no further details on requirements are provided in these states.
In Pennsylvania like in the states mentioned you must be 18 or older for driving and 21 or older, for interstate driving. No specific additional requirements are listed here either. Rhode Island:
To get a driver’s license (CDL) you must be 18 or older, for driving within the state and 21 or older for driving across state lines. No specific examples of requirements were given.
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You need to be 18 years old to drive intrastate and 21 years old for interstate driving with a CDL. No specific additional requirements were mentioned.
For driving you must be 18 or older and for driving you need to be 21 or above to obtain a CDL. No specific examples of requirements were provided.
If you plan to drive within the state you must be 18 years old; for interstate driving the minimum age is 21 to apply for a CDL. No detailed information on requirements was included.
Individuals aged 18 and above can get a CDL for travel while those aged 21 and above are eligible for transport. In Texas, applicants must show proof of residency. Additional requirements apply if seeking endorsements like school buses, transit buses, or ambulance operations.
To qualify for a CDL in Utah individuals should be 18 years old for intrastate trips and at least 21 years old if traveling across state lines. No specific examples of requirements were outlined.
For both interstate driving with a CDL, in Vermont applicants should be at least 18 years old.
In Virginia you need to be 18 or older, for driving within the state and 21 or older for driving across state lines. The same age requirements apply in Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Remember that these are standards and specific CDL rules may differ based on endorsements, vehicle types and regulations. For details, on CDL requirements it’s best to check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or similar authority. For the most precise details make sure to check out the DMV websites, for each state.
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