Commercial Driver License Law: A Historical Overview

Driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) requires a higher level of knowledge, experience, skills, and physical abilities than driving a non-commercial vehicle. In the United States, a commercial driver's license (CDL) has been required to drive certain CMVs since April 1, 1992, when the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 became law. This law established minimum requirements that must be met when a state issues a CDL.

What is a Commercial Driver's License (CDL)?

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is a type of driver's license required in the United States to operate large and heavy vehicles, including trucks, buses, and trailers, or a vehicle of any size that transports hazardous materials or a specified number of passengers.

The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 established minimum requirements that must be met when a state issues a CDL. While recreational vehicles and farm vehicles are exempt from requiring a CDL, federal law allows states to mandate a CDL for these vehicles. The Act also made it mandatory for all drivers of commercial vehicles to have a CDL, ensuring that bus drivers and operators of large trucks are highly trained and qualified.

There are three classes of CDLs: Class A, Class B, and Class C. The classification is determined by the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and other specific requirements. To obtain a CDL, applicants must pass both skills and knowledge tests. CDL holders are held to a higher standard when operating any type of motor vehicle on public roads, and serious traffic violations can affect their ability to maintain their CDL certification.

To drive certain specialized vehicles or carry hazardous materials, additional endorsements may be required on the CDL. Examples of endorsements include Passenger (P), Tank (T), and Hazardous Materials (H). Obtaining these endorsements may require passing specialized knowledge exams and driving skills tests.

The minimum age to apply for a CDL is typically 21, although some states allow drivers between 18 and 20 to apply for a single-state CDL, which restricts them to operating within their state of residence. The process of obtaining a CDL involves applying for a commercial learner's permit, completing Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), passing written and practical driving tests, and meeting other state-specific requirements.

When did CDL become law?

The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 established minimum requirements for states to issue commercial driver's licenses (CDLs). Before 1992, licensing requirements for driving larger vehicles and buses varied from state to state. In 1992, when the Act became law, all drivers were required to have a CDL to operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has developed testing standards for licensing drivers. U.S. states can issue CDLs only after a written and practical test has been given by the State or an approved testing facility.

A CDL is required to operate large or heavy vehicles, including dump trucks, tractor trailers, buses, and stretch limos. The minimum age to apply for a CDL is typically 21, but some states allow drivers between the ages of 18 and 20 to apply for a single-state CDL.

In the United States, CDLs are divided into three classes: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Each class has specific requirements and determines the types of vehicles that can be driven.

To obtain a CDL, applicants must pass both skills and knowledge tests. Additionally, CDL holders are held to higher standards when operating any motor vehicle on public roads, and serious traffic violations can impact their ability to maintain their certification.

Who needs a CDL?

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required in the United States to operate large and heavy vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and trailers, or to transport hazardous materials or more than 15 passengers (including the driver). The specific requirements for a CDL vary from state to state, but there are some general guidelines.

Firstly, a CDL is necessary for any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, on the condition that the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the towed vehicle is over 10,000 pounds. This includes tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, and tanker vehicles.

Secondly, a CDL is needed for any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or above, or for towing a vehicle that does not exceed 10,000 pounds. This includes straight trucks, large buses, dump trucks with small trailers, and box trucks.

Thirdly, a CDL is mandatory for any vehicle designed to transport 16 or more occupants, including the driver, such as private and church buses, and school buses, regardless of their size.

Lastly, a CDL is essential for operating any vehicle that is used to transport hazardous materials that require placarding, or any quantity of select agents or toxins listed in federal regulations.

It is important to note that there are exemptions to the CDL requirement. Farmers transporting farm equipment within a certain distance, firefighters and law enforcement personnel operating emergency equipment, recreational vehicle (RV) operators for non-commercial use, and military commercial drivers operating military vehicles are usually exempt from needing a CDL.

The minimum age to apply for a CDL is typically 21, although some states permit drivers between 18 and 20 to obtain a CDL for driving within their state of residence. Obtaining a CDL involves passing both a written knowledge exam and a practical driving test to ensure the driver's ability to safely handle large and heavy vehicles.

How to get a CDL?

How to Get a CDL

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is a type of driver's license required in the United States to operate large and heavy vehicles, including trucks, buses, and trailers, or to transport hazardous materials or more than 15 passengers. Obtaining a CDL involves several steps, including meeting age and residency requirements, completing necessary training, and passing written and practical driving tests. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to obtain a CDL:

Step 1: Understand the Requirements

Before initiating the process, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the prerequisites for obtaining a CDL. The minimum age requirement for a CDL varies across states, with most states setting the minimum age at 18, while others, like Hawaii, require individuals to be at least 21 years old. Additionally, federal regulations mandate individuals to be at least 21 years old to drive commercial vehicles across state lines or transport hazardous materials.

Step 2: Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)

To obtain a CLP, visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Secretary of State office and submit the necessary documents. The specific documents may vary by state but typically include a valid driver's license, proof of legal presence in the United States, and proof of your Social Security number. Some states may also require a medical examination and certification to ensure you meet the physical requirements for operating a commercial vehicle. After submitting the required documents, you will need to pass written knowledge and vision tests to obtain your CLP.

Step 3: Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Once you have obtained your CLP, the next step is to enroll in and complete an ELDT course. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established minimum training standards for individuals seeking a CDL. You must complete the ELDT from a training provider registered with the FMCSA before scheduling your CDL skills and knowledge tests. This training ensures that all commercial drivers receive consistent and comprehensive instruction in safe driving practices.

Step 4: Pass the CDL Written and Driving Tests

After successfully completing your ELDT, you will be ready to take the CDL written and driving tests. The written test will assess your knowledge of commercial driving regulations, while the driving test will evaluate your practical skills behind the wheel. These tests are typically administered by your state's DMV or an approved third-party testing facility.

Step 5: Obtain Your CDL

Upon successfully passing the required tests, you can return to your state's DMV or Secretary of State office to obtain your CDL. You will need to pay the required fees and may need to submit additional documentation, depending on your state's requirements. With your CDL in hand, you will be legally authorized to operate commercial vehicles according to the class and endorsements specified on your license.

It is important to note that maintaining a CDL comes with ongoing responsibilities. Commercial drivers must adhere to safety regulations, comply with medical certification requirements, and periodically renew their CDL to ensure they remain qualified to operate commercial vehicles.

CDL classifications and restrictions

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is a type of driver's license required in the United States to operate large and heavy vehicles, including trucks, buses, and trailers, or a vehicle of any size that transports hazardous materials or more than 15 passengers (including the driver). The minimum age to apply for a CDL is typically 21, although some states allow drivers between 18 and 20 to apply for a single-state CDL.

There are three classes of CDLs: Class A, Class B, and Class C. These classifications are determined by the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and other specific requirements.

Class A

The Class A CDL is required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the towed vehicle is heavier than 10,000 pounds. This includes tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, tanker vehicles, and livestock carriers. With the proper endorsements, a Class A CDL may also allow you to drive some Class B and Class C vehicles.

Class B

The Class B CDL is required to operate any single vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, or to tow a vehicle not heavier than 10,000 pounds. This includes large passenger buses, dump trucks with small trailers, and straight trucks. With the correct endorsements, a Class B CDL holder may also be able to operate some Class C vehicles.

Class C

The Class C CDL is required to operate a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more occupants (including the driver) or to transport hazardous materials (HazMat). With a Class C CDL and the proper endorsements, you may drive small HazMat vehicles and combination vehicles not covered by Classes A or B.

To drive certain specialized types of vehicles, such as buses or tank trucks, or to carry hazardous materials, you must apply for the proper endorsements on your CDL. Endorsements include Passenger (P), Tank (T), and Hazardous Materials (H). To obtain an endorsement, you will need to pass a specialized knowledge exam and, in some cases, a specialized driving skills test.

Restrictions

Restrictions are placed on a CDL when a driver takes the skills test in a vehicle that lacks critical equipment present in certain types of CMVs. For example, if a driver takes the test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, an "E" restriction is placed on their license, prohibiting them from operating a vehicle with a manual transmission.

Other common restrictions include:

• “L” restriction: The driver is forbidden from operating any commercial motor vehicle equipped with air brakes.
• “O” restriction: The driver is restricted from driving any Class A vehicle with a fifth-wheel connection.
• “M” restriction: The driver can only operate Class B and C passenger vehicles or school buses.
• “N” restriction: The driver can only operate Class C passenger vehicles or school buses.
• “V” restriction: Indicates that there is information about a medical variance on the driver's record.

It is important to note that states may have additional codes for endorsements or restrictions on CDLs that are not mentioned in the federal regulations.

Frequently asked questions