Federal Cdl Law: When Did It Come Into Effect?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has been responsible for developing and issuing standards for state testing and licensing of Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL) since April 1, 1992. The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 established minimum requirements that must be met when states issue CDLs. While the Act became law in 1992, requiring all drivers to have a CDL to drive a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV), the federal law actually allows states to require a CDL for recreational vehicles and farm vehicles, although these are federally exempt from needing a CDL.

The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986

In the United States, the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 established minimum requirements that must be met when a state issues a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). The Act set out uniform standards for testing and licensing operators of commercial motor vehicles.

A CDL is a 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). Obtaining a CDL requires passing both skills and knowledge testing geared to higher standards than those for non-commercial drivers' licenses. CDL holders are also held to a higher standard when operating any type of motor vehicle on public roads. Serious traffic violations committed by a CDL holder can affect their ability to maintain their CDL certification.

Prior to the implementation of the CDL in 1992, licensing requirements for driving larger vehicles and buses varied from state to state. This lack of standardized training resulted in a large number of preventable traffic deaths and accidents. When the Act became law in 1992, all drivers were required to have a CDL to operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) developed testing standards for licensing drivers, and U.S. states are able to issue CDLs only after a written and practical test has been administered.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has developed and issued standards for state testing and licensing of CDL holders. These standards require states to issue CDLs to certain CMV drivers only after the driver passes knowledge and skills tests administered by the state and related to the type of vehicle the driver expects to operate. The FMCSA also requires drivers to be 21 years or older to drive a commercial vehicle in interstate commerce (to move goods across state lines) and transport hazardous materials when placards are required.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

The FMCSA has developed and issued standards for state testing and licensing of commercial driver's license (CDL) holders. These standards require states to issue CDLs to CMV drivers only after they have passed knowledge and skills tests related to the type of vehicle they expect to operate. The FMCSA also allows states to issue a CDL to drivers under 21, as long as they only drive a commercial vehicle within the state where the CDL was issued.

The FMCSA provides resources and tips to protect your move, and you can file a complaint with them if you have trouble with a mover. The FMCSA also offers grants to states and educational institutions to enhance CMV safety.

The FMCSA has an information line, a consumer complaint line, and a federal relay service. They also have a Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot (SDAP) Program, which allows motor carriers to hire qualified drivers aged 18-20 with intrastate CDLs for interstate commerce.

CDL federal requirements

In the United States, a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required 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 Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 established the minimum requirements that must be met when states issue a CDL. While federal law allows states to require a CDL for recreational vehicles and farm vehicles, these vehicles are exempt from needing one.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has developed and issued standards for state testing and licensing of CDL holders. These standards require states to issue CDLs to certain commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers only after the driver passes knowledge and skills tests administered by the state and related to the type of vehicle the driver expects to operate.

The FMCSA outlines the following federal CDL requirements:

Minimum Requirements for a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) or Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

• Possess a valid non-commercial driver's license.
• Have one or two years of driving experience (this depends on the state).
• For a Class A or Class B CDL, successfully complete driver training from FMCSA-approved training providers.
• Be at least 18 years old to drive intrastate (within the state).
• Be at least 21 years old to drive interstate (out-of-state) or to transport hazardous materials.
• Provide proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency.
• Provide a Social Security card or proof of the number.
• Be able to speak and read English at a sufficient level.
• Provide a DOT medical card, which requires a DOT physical.
• Must not be a disqualified driver.
• Some states may require the completion of a CDL training course.
• Pass all required background checks.

Federal CDL Application Requirements

To apply for a CDL, you must first obtain a CLP. The CLP must be held for a minimum of 14 days (this may differ from state to state). A road skills test must be passed beforehand, along with any additional knowledge or skills exams for endorsements.

Additional Compliance Requirements

• Commercial vehicle drivers must not hold more than one CDL at a time, according to the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986.
• Texting while operating a vehicle is prohibited (effective late 2013).
• Commercial drivers must self-certify their medical information and use authorized medical examiners from the National Medical Registry (effective 2014).

Physical and Medical Requirements

To drive a commercial motor vehicle, a truck driver must undergo a physical examination by an approved Medical Examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry. The Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam will cover the following:

• Visual acuity measurement should be at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without correction (including eyeglasses or contacts). There must also be at least 70 degrees peripheral in the horizontal meridian measured in each eye.
• Truck drivers should be able to hear a forced whisper from more than 5 feet away in at least one ear. Hearing aids are permitted.
• Truck drivers who require needle-injected insulin do not meet the requirements. However, diabetic drivers who take oral medications are permitted.
• Blood pressure requirements vary, with Stage 3 high blood pressure (>180/110) resulting in disqualification.
• Blood sugar levels are required to be less than 10%. Certificates for levels above 10% are issued at the discretion of the examiner.
• Sleep apnea may result in disqualification unless the condition is demonstrated to be under control, including a recent annual sleep study and a release from a physician.

Written and Knowledge Exams

There are several written exams to pass when working towards a CLP or CDL, including the general knowledge test, an air brakes test, and one or more CDL endorsement tests. A road skills exam is also required to demonstrate knowledge and skills regarding pre-trip inspections, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. The road skills test must be taken in the type of commercial vehicle to be licensed in (Class A, B, or C).

CDL state requirements

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has developed and issued standards for state testing and licensing of CDL holders. These standards require states to issue CDLs to certain commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers only after the driver passes knowledge and skills tests administered by the state and related to the type of vehicle the driver expects to operate.

Texas

• Minimum age of 18 for driving within Texas.
• Minimum age of 21 for driving across state lines and the country.
• Have a valid Texas driver’s license.
• Have a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) 14 days prior to taking the CDL test.
• Complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an FMCSA-approved program.
• Pass a three-part driving test in the commercial vehicle for which you’re applying to drive.
• Provide documentation of identity.
• U.S. citizenship or proof of lawful presence.
• Proof of Texas residency.
• Social Security Number.
• Medical Examiner’s Certificate / Department of Transportation (DOT) physical.
• Pass the knowledge exam.

New York

• The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed into law on November 15, 2021, by President Joe Biden. It established the "safe driver apprenticeship pilot program," allowing qualified 18-20-year-olds with a CDL to operate in interstate commerce after completing supervised training with an older, experienced driver.
• Previously, the minimum age for a CDL Class A in New York was 21.

New Jersey

Drivers must be at least 21 years old for a passenger endorsement.

California

• Possession of a CDL in California changes the threshold for a Driving Under the Influence citation from 0.08% to 0.04% blood alcohol content.
• California defines a commercial vehicle as one that transports people or products for hire.

Ohio

Requires 160 hours of classroom and on-road training.

Hawaii

The minimum age for a CDL is 21.

CDL training

In the United States, a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) has been a legal requirement for driving certain commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) since April 1, 1992. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has developed and issued standards for state testing and licensing of CDL holders.

Some companies, such as Schneider and Stevens Transport, offer company-paid or sponsored CDL training options. These programs often include transportation to the training facility, compensation for time spent in training, behind-the-wheel driving experience, classroom instruction, and lodging.

To be eligible for CDL training, individuals typically need to meet certain requirements, such as obtaining a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) from their state of residence and having a valid U.S. driver's license for at least 12 months.

The CDL training process generally involves both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel driving experience. The classroom instruction covers topics such as:

• Map reading
• Trip planning
• Compliance with Department of Transportation laws

The behind-the-wheel driving experience provides hands-on training in:

• Backing
• Turning
• Hooking a trailer
• Advanced driving techniques like skid avoidance and recovery

Once the training is complete, individuals will need to pass the CDL knowledge and skills tests administered by their state to obtain their CDL license.

CDL Knowledge and Skills Tests

The CDL knowledge test, also known as the General Knowledge Test, consists of 50 questions, and individuals must answer at least 80% correctly to pass.

The CDL skills test includes three sections:

• Pre-Trip Inspection: Applicants must inspect their vehicle and describe what they would inspect and why.
• Written Test: This covers highway safety and different parts of a truck, with a minimum of 30 questions, and an 80% passing rate.
• Driving Skills Test: Applicants must perform a set of required driving maneuvers and demonstrate their ability to operate the vehicle safely.

Passing these tests will lead to obtaining a CDL license, which is essential for driving certain commercial motor vehicles in the United States.

Frequently asked questions