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General Commercial Driver's License Qualifications

Must be at least 21 years old;
Can read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records;
Can, by reason of experience, training, or both, safely operate the type of commercial motor vehicle he/she drives;
Must be physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle in accordance with CFR 391.41

How Do I Get a Commercial Driver's License?

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.
Applicants for certain CDLs and CDL endorsements are required to complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) before taking the CDL skills test or hazardous materials endorsement written test.

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

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. 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.

Pass General Knowledge Test
Pass Air Brakes Test (if required for your vehicle)
Pass Combination Vehicle Test (Cass A)

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.

ELDT Class A or B Theory
ELDT Class A or B Behind-the-Wheel (BTW)

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.

Pre-trip/Vehicle Inspection Test
Skills (Maneuvers) Test
On-Road (Driving) Test

Commercial Classes

Class A - Truck trailer or tractor-semi trailer combination in which the combination weight exceeds 26,001 pounds and the unit being towed exceeds 10,000 pounds. Class A driver may operate vehicles in Class B and C with required endorsements. Applicants must possess a Class C driver’s license before obtaining a Class A and be at least 18 years of age.

Class AP - Class A Commercial Learner’s Permit

Class B - Single vehicles weighing 26,001 or more pounds and the unit being towed is less than 10,000 pounds. A class B driver may operate motor vehicles included within Class C.

Applicants must possess a Class C driver’s license prior to obtaining a Class B driver’s license and be at least 18 years of age.

Class BP - Class B Commercial Learner’s Permit

Class C - Class ‘C’ Commercial Driver’s Licenses are issued only if the vehicle is designed to transport sixteen or more passengers (including the driver), or utilized to transport hazardous materials in quantities that require placarding.

Commercial Class Endorsements

C - For-Hire
P - Passenger Vehicles (sixteen or more, including driver)
T - Double/Triple-Trailers
X - Tanker and Hazardous (not qualified for Permits)
H - Hazardous Materials Haulers (not qualified for Permits)
S - School Bus
N - Tank Vehicles

Restriction Codes – Commercial Classifications

E - No Manual Transmission Equipped CMV
K - Intrastate Commerce Only
L - Without Air-Brakes
M - No Class A Passenger Buses
N - No Class A or B Passenger Buses
O - No Tractor Trailer CMV
P - No Passengers in CMV bus
V - Medical Variance
X - No Cargo in CMV Tank Vehicle
Y - Hearing Aid Required
Z - No Full Air Brake

Medical Documentation Requirements

Any person applying for a CDL permit or the initial issuance of a CDL will be required to self-certify to a single type of commercial operation and provide a copy of their Medical Certificate and any applicable variance documents (i.e. Vision waivers, Skills Performance waivers, Diabetic waivers). These documents must be presented at the time of application at a Department of Driver Services Customer Service Center.

CDL Disqualifications

Alcohol, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and Commission of a Felony
Serious Traffic Violations
Violation of Out-of-Service Orders
Railroad-highway Grade Crossing Violations
Hazardous Materials Endorsement Background Check and Disqualifications
Traffic Violations in Your Personal Vehicle
Major Traffic Violations

Mobile Phones

The use of hand-held mobile telephones means, “using at least one hand to hold a mobile telephone to conduct a voice communication; ”dialing a mobile telephone by pressing more than a single button”; or “moving from a seated driving position while restrained by a seat belt to reach for a mobile telephone.” If you choose to use a mobile phone while operating a CMV, you may only use a hands free mobile phone that is located close to you and that can be operated in compliance with the rule to conduct a voice communication.

Your CDL will be disqualified after two or more convictions of any state law on hand-held mobile telephone use while operating a CMV. Disqualification is 60 days for the second offense within 3 years and 120 days for three or more offenses within 3 years. In addition, the first and each subsequent violation of such a prohibition are subject to civil penalties imposed on such drivers, in an amount up to $2,750. Motor carriers must not allow nor require drivers to use a hand-held mobile telephone while driving. Employers may also be subject to civil penalties in an amount up to $11,000. There is an emergency exception that allows you to use your hand-held mobile telephones if necessary to communicate with law enforcement officials or other emergency services.