Requirements for a CDL License in the United States:
A Comprehensive Overview

Getting a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in the United States involves 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 article will delve into the age-related and state-specific prerequisites for obtaining a CDL in all categories.

Federal Requirements for a CDL

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under the U.S. Department of Transportation has established criteria that are applicable nationwide:

Age Requirements:

• A person must be at least 21 years old to secure a CDL for interstate travel or handling hazardous materials in commercial vehicles.
• 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.

Health Standards

To drive a commercial 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 must pass tests that evaluate their knowledge and skills. These assessments include written knowledge exams and practical skills tests, such as trip vehicle inspections, vehicle control evaluations, and on-road driving assessments.

Training:

• New entry-level drivers must complete training from an approved provider listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry.

Background Checks:

• Applicants seeking endorsements for transporting hazardous materials must undergo a background check.

Class-Specific Requirements for a CDL

CDL classes are categorized based on the vehicle weight and type of goods transported. Here are 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.

Class B CDL:

• This license is intended for vehicles categorized as “single” or “combination” with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs. or more, and the GVWR of the towed vehicle(s) is less than 10,000 lbs.
• Examples of vehicles that fall under a Class B CDL include straight 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 hazardous materials 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 any 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.

State-Specific Requirements for a CDL

While there are federal 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 state-specific guidelines and class requirements is crucial.

Discovering State CDL Requirements:

1. State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Websites:

   • The DMV websites in each state provide detailed information on the requirements for a CDL.

2. State CDL Manuals:

   • These manuals, available on DMV websites, offer comprehensive information on the process, criteria, and other details needed to get a CDL.

3. CDL Training Schools:

   • Accredited state CDL training schools are also valuable resources for learning about state-specific CDL requirements.

Examples of State-Specific Requirements for a CDL:

Below is a list of states with examples of how CDL requirements vary by license type and age restrictions:

Alabama:

• Age Requirement for CDL: 18 years or older for driving within the state and 21 years or older for driving across state lines.

Alaska:

• Age Requirement for CDL: 19 years or older for driving within the state and 21 years or older for interstate driving.

Arizona:

• Age Requirement for CDL: 18 years or older for intrastate driving and 21 years or older for interstate driving.

California:

• Age Requirement for CDL: 18 years old for intrastate driving and 21 years old for interstate driving.
• Additional Requirement: Must first obtain a learner’s permit (CLP) and have it for a minimum of 14 days before taking the skills test.

Colorado:

• Similar to California, with no specific additional requirements.

Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia:

• Similar to California with no additional requirements specified.

Louisiana:

• 18 years old for intrastate and 21 years old for interstate driving, no additional requirements provided.

Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi:

• Same age requirements with no additional specifics.

Missouri:

• 18 years old for intrastate and 21 years or older for interstate driving, no specific additional requirements.

Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico:

• Same age requirements with no specified additional requirements.

New York:

• 18 years old for intrastate driving and 21 or older for interstate driving.
• Military veterans can skip the skills test under certain conditions.

North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon:

• Same age requirements as New York with no further details.

Pennsylvania:

• Same age requirements with no additional specifics.

Rhode Island:

• 18 years or older for intrastate and 21 or older for interstate driving, no specific additional requirements.

South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee:

• Similar age requirements with no detailed additional information.

Texas:

• 18 years old for intrastate and 21 years old for interstate driving.
• Additional requirements apply for endorsements like school buses, transit buses, or ambulance operations.

Utah:

• 18 years old for intrastate and at least 21 years old for interstate travel, no specific additional requirements.

Vermont:

• 18 years old for intrastate and 21 years old for interstate driving.

Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming:

• Same age requirements with no additional details specified.

Looking Ahead

These are general standards, and specific CDL rules may differ based on endorsements, vehicle types, and state regulations. For the most precise details, it is best to check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or similar authority. Checking the DMV websites for each state will provide the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on CDL requirements.