CDL - Where Do You Get The Actual License?

I have a Nevada driver's license. I was thinking it would be a good idea to get the CDL permit before entering a school. If the school is in another state, does that mean the license (assuming a passing grade on the tests) will be issued by the state where the school is located? How does that work? Do I end up surrendering my current license to that state? Thanks,

Stephen E. Birch

Stephen,

It is a little different for each state. Call your DMV and ask questions and then call again and ask again because sometimes you will get different answers. This is how the process worked for me in NC:

1. Start doing the High Road CDL training program on here! This is the way to learn the material that you will need to pass your DMV test.

2. Get your DOT physical. Mine was paid for by the company I am going too. If not it can cost $100 to $200 to get it. You will get a DOT physical card. Do not lose it.

3. Keep studying the High Road training program.

4. When you know the material, go to DMV and test for your CDL - A. It is three test at a minimum. You have to test general knowledge, air brakes, and combination. If you pass these, you get a CDL - A learners permit.

5. If you want endorsements, again study the High Road CDL training.

6. Either go back later and test for the endorsements you want or test them same day in step 4 if you are ready.

7. If you want a hazmat endorsement, now is the time to submit your application to the TSA for your HME background check. You fill the application out online and pay $86 and some change.

8. Go to a TSA processing center to get your fingerprints done.

9. A week later, call the TSA and see if your check has been completed.

10. Once the TSA states the background check is completed, go back to DMV and test for the hazmat endorsement. Just remember to use the High Road CDL training program to study for your hazmat test.

11. Complete school and have your CDL - A learners permit turned in to a bona fide CDL - A with endorsements.

12. Hit the road trucking! (with a trainer of course)

Hope this helps! Good luck!

Some companies, like Prime and Swift, prefer you to have a permit before you attend their orientation. I think Prime required you to then transfer your permit to that state. Not sure about Swift. It's a simple matter of filing a transfer request, paying a fee and then getting a permit issued in that state..just like when you get your CDL.. you will get your CDL in whatever state you test for it, then transfer it to your home state. So, you live in Nevada, you take your permit test IN Nevada, then hypothetically, you go to school in Missouri, then you simply transfer your permit to Missouri. You will go to school/training in Missouri and probably test there for your CDL. Once you pass your CDL, you will get issued a state license, in this case Missouri, since that is where you trained. You would then take THAT license back to Nevada and pay a transfer fee and get it issued to you by Nevada.

Ol two things I did not explain well. The DOT physical / card is not required to test but it does make your life easier when you walk in the door.

The second thing.... You have to have a CDL - A permit number to start the process at TSA to get your hazmat. A learner's permit is acceptable. So pass your CDL - A learner's and then get to a computer and get the application in. It gives you a registration number. Write it down and then get to the location to get your fingerprints done. It takes a couple of weeks.

My goal was to get everything done before leaving for school. I did nto think I was going to be able to get the hazmat done before going. I had been told by a few different people that I need the CDL - A license and could not use a learner's. I asked today at DMV and they said I only needed to get the background check done and then I could test. If all goes quickly and I can test in a week or so, I will have hazmat before heading to school.

If you need any help in the process, feel free to drop me a private message. I'll give ya my phone number and answer or help where I can. I know when I started, it was all very confusing. I think I got most of it figured out. Now the hard part starts. Time to learn to drive these big freaking things.

Thanks, all three of you guys, for such timely and informed responses to my question. It makes perfect sense that I would be able to transfer the license (once obtained) back to Nevada. I had the Nevada license (although I live just 12 miles inside California from Nevada) due to an employment requirement. Also, I have already made it through the first three "chapters" of the CDL Training Materials here on the website - what a great resource. Actually, I am finding this website to be one of the most informative I have ever come across in my many years of using the web. My background is (was - I'm an old fart) in Information & Computer Science and I was around when the internet was still called the "Arpanet" and was strictly for academic and defense department users. This is - without a doubt - a website that lives up to its billing. Such a wealth of information and such a varied bunch of people, all contributing in a (really surprisingly) short period of time. Thanks to you all for your efforts and thank you especially to the people who created and maintain this site. I know a bit about it, and this is no easy task, not nearly as easy as you make it look. Congratulations on doing such a wonderful job.

Stephen E. Birch

My understanding of the HAZMAT endorsement is it has to be done in the state where you will eventually get your license in. For example, if you do your training say at a community college in Iowa, but you are from Nevada (Nevada being your home state), you have to take the HAZMAT endorsement in Nevada. I might be wrong on this.

Dave