• Drivers who must obtain a CDL
• Driver's license classifications
• CDL endorsement types and requirements
• The skills and driving tests required for your CDL
• Documentation required for obtaining your CDL
• DOT medical requirements
• Commercial motor vehicle driving disqualifications
• Regulations regarding electronic devices like GPS and radar detectors
• Vehicle size limitations
• Vehicle registration requirements

Any driver of the following vehicles must possess a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL):

• Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR)** of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)* of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
• Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds
• Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
• Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

Under state and federal law, certain drivers are not subject to the requirements of the CDL program. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has determined that these exemptions will not diminish the safe operation of commercial vehicles on the highways. However, these drivers are still required to possess the proper class license for the vehicle they are operating.

The following vehicle operators are not required to obtain a CDL:

• Farm Vehicle/Equipment Operators - This exemption covers farming operations (as noted below) and does not apply to commercial grain haulers or other types of non-farm use. This exemption only applies when farm vehicles are:
  • Controlled and operated by a farmer, the farmer’s family or an employee
  • Used to transport farm products, equipment or supplies to or from a farm (including nurseries and aquacultures)
  • Used within 150 air miles of the farm
  • Not used in the operations of a common or contract carrier or for other commercial purposes
• Emergency Equipment/Vehicle Operators - Because most emergency organizations have extensive initial training and retraining requirements for their equipment operators, states waives CDL requirements for operators of emergency equipment when responding to or returning from an emergency necessary to preserve life and property.
• Military Vehicle Operators - Active duty military personnel operating military vehicles for military purposes.
• Recreational Vehicle Operators - Recreational vehicle operators, when using the vehicle primarily for personal use.

• Class A - Combination vehicles - GCWR of 26,001 or more pounds providing the GVWR of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
• Class B - Single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
• Class C - Single vehicle with a GVWR of at least 16,001 pounds but less than 26,001 pounds.
• Class D - Single vehicle with a GVWR of less than 16,001 pounds.

Yes, if you will:

• Operate a commercial vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 10,001 pounds or more in the furtherance of a commercial enterprise (private or for hire).
• Operate a passenger carrying vehicle designed to transport eight or more passengers, including the driver.
• Operate any vehicle transporting hazardous materials of a quantity that would require placarding.

In addition, commercial vehicle drivers must:

• Maintain and have in their possession a file that contains their written exam verification, driving exam verification and other records.
• Be at least age 21 to drive a commercial motor vehicle involved in interstate commerce or transport passengers.
• Be at least age 18 to obtain a CLP/CDL and/or to transport hazardous materials intrastate (within the state).
• Certify that they do not have more than one driver’s license and that their driving privileges are not suspended, revoked, canceled or disqualified.
• Certify that they meet the medical requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations or that they are not subject to the regulations.

There is a long list of offenses which can lead to the suspension or permanent revocation of your CDL. We won't list all of the specifics but we'll give you a rundown:

• Alcohol And Drug Related Offenses Including
  • DUI/DWI
  • Failing a drug test
  • Refusal to take an alcohol or drug test
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• The use of a CMV or non-CMV in the commission of any felony involving manufacturing, distributing or dispensing a controlled substance
• Any driver providing fraudulent documentation for the issuance of a CDL
• Operating a commercial motor vehicle in violation of regulations pertaining to railroad-highway grade crossings
• Serious Traffic Violations Including:
  • Excessive speeding
  • Reckless driving
  • Invalid CDL
  • Following too closely
  • Improper lane usage
• Conviction involving a fatal accident
• Violation of out-of-service orders

Drivers who are in a crash resulting from distracted driving may face criminal penalties and jail time.

The law prohibits the use of hand-held cellphones, texting or using other communication devices while operating a motor vehicle. Hands-free devices or Bluetooth technology is allowed for persons over age 18. Even using hands-free technology is considered a distraction while driving and can be dangerous. If you must make a phone call, even with hands-free technology, it is recommended that you pull off to the side of the road before making the call.

Drivers are exempt from using a cellphone or text messaging while driving only when:

• Reporting an emergency situation.
• Using the device hands-free or in voice-activated mode.
• Parked on the shoulder of a highway.
• Stopped due to normal traffic being obstructed and the vehicle is in neutral or park.