CDL, State Residency And Training Schools
Topic 30797 | Page 1
Hello Bill, and welcome to our forum!
It seems I would apply/take the exam at their school, but that would be in NY, of course. As I understand it, then my regular license (MA Class D) would be forfeited. Then would I have to go to MA RMV to get my NY CDL converted to a MA. Seems way over-complicated haha 😩. And then how does it work if you then start driving for a company out of WI say?
You must have your CDL issued in the state of your residence. You are correct about how this works. If you go to a private school or a Paid CDL Training Program in another state you will be issued a license in that state. Then you return to your state of residency and get it transferred to your home state. It really isn't all that complicated unless you are in Illinois. They are a little crazy in that state. Don't over think it. This happens all the time. People may go to a training program in Missouri while they live in Montana. The training program provides them with a temporary address to use for their Missouri license. Then once they have obtained the license they go back home and get it transferred to their state. Some states even handle this electronically. The training programs understand how all this works and help you get it processed correctly.
Once you have your license from your resident state you are good to go. It doesn't matter where your company is located. I live in Texas. I have worked for two companies over the last nine years. One was headquartered in Tennessee and the other was in Arizona. Their location has no effect on your license. If you are in their hiring area you can work for them without having to change your residency or license.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined 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.
It really isn't all that complicated unless you are in Illinois. They are a little crazy in that state. .
Amen, brother! 
(from a beleaguered Illinois resident)
Thanks so much for your response. Now I see how it works, and it makes sense
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
I am very new to trucking and considering getting my CDL-A. I’ve considered a number of company sponsored schools, but recently have looked into Sage’s school in NY. I live in MA and I wondered how that worked. It seems I would apply/take the exam at their school, but that would be in NY, of course. As I understand it, then my regular license (MA Class D) would be forfeited. Then would I have to go to MA RMV to get my NY CDL converted to a MA. Seems way over-complicated haha 😩. And then how does it work if you then start driving for a company out of WI say? Thanks for any input!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: