What Are the Requirements to Get a CDL?

Obtaining a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) requires meeting specific federal and state requirements. These standards ensure that commercial vehicle operators can safely handle large trucks and buses on American roads. Here's everything you need to know about qualifying for your CDL.

Age Requirements

Interstate Commerce (Crossing State Lines)
21 years old minimum
Intrastate Commerce (Within Your State)
18-21 years old (varies by state)
Hazardous Materials Endorsement
21 years old minimum

FMCSA Pilot Program

The FMCSA's Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program now allows 18-20 year olds to drive interstate under specific conditions, including completion of an apprenticeship program with an experienced driver.

Medical Requirements

All CDL holders must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination conducted by a certified medical examiner. The exam evaluates your overall health and ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.

Vision Requirements

  • At least 20/40 vision in each eye (with or without correction)
  • At least 70-degree field of vision in each eye
  • Ability to distinguish traffic signal colors (red, green, amber)
  • No monocular vision (must have vision in both eyes)

Hearing Requirements

  • Hear a forced whisper at 5 feet or less (with or without hearing aid)
  • Or pass an audiometric test with specific decibel thresholds

Physical Fitness Standards

  • Normal blood pressure (or controlled with medication)
  • No loss of limb affecting safe operation
  • No muscular, vascular, or neurological diseases affecting safe operation
  • No insulin-dependent diabetes (exemptions available)
  • No respiratory dysfunction likely to interfere with driving
  • No mental, nervous, or psychiatric disorders affecting safe operation

Disqualifying Conditions

  • Epilepsy or any condition causing loss of consciousness
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure (160/100 or higher)
  • Use of Schedule I drugs or amphetamines/narcotics
  • Alcoholism (unless documented recovery)
  • Missing limbs without exemption

Medical Examiner's Certificate

After passing your DOT physical, you'll receive a Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC). Most certificates are valid for 2 years, though some conditions may require more frequent exams. You must carry this certificate while driving.

Required Documentation

When applying for your CDL, you'll need to provide various documents to prove your identity, citizenship/residency, and qualifications.

Identity Documents (One Required)

  • Valid U.S. Passport
  • Birth Certificate (certified copy)
  • Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
  • Certificate of Naturalization

Residency Documents (Two Required)

  • Utility bill (within last 60 days)
  • Bank statement (within last 60 days)
  • Mortgage or rental agreement
  • W-2 or tax return
  • Official mail from government agency

Additional Required Items

  • Social Security Card (original)
  • Current valid driver's license
  • DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate
  • ELDT Certificate (Entry-Level Driver Training)

Driving Record & Background

Your driving history and criminal background are evaluated when applying for a CDL. While requirements vary by state and employer, certain violations can disqualify you.

Disqualifying Traffic Violations

Lifetime Disqualification

  • Using a CMV in a felony involving controlled substances
  • Using a CMV in a felony involving manufacturing/distribution of drugs
  • Second offense of any major violation below

1-Year Disqualification (First Offense)

  • DUI/DWI in any vehicle
  • Leaving the scene of an accident
  • Felony involving a motor vehicle
  • Driving CMV with revoked/suspended CDL
  • Causing a fatality through negligent driving
  • Refusing alcohol/drug test

60-Day Disqualification

  • Two serious traffic violations within 3 years
  • Serious violations include: speeding 15+ mph over, reckless driving, improper lane changes, following too closely, traffic violations in connection with fatal accidents

Criminal Background Considerations

While not all criminal records disqualify you from getting a CDL, certain convictions can affect your employability or endorsement eligibility:

  • Drug trafficking convictions may permanently bar you from hazmat endorsement
  • Felony convictions may limit employment opportunities with major carriers
  • Background checks are required for TWIC cards (port access) and hazmat endorsements

Testing Requirements

To obtain your CDL, you must pass both written knowledge tests and a practical skills test.

Written Knowledge Tests

General Knowledge Test

Required for all CDL classes. Covers safety rules, vehicle inspection, basic control, and federal regulations.

50 questions, 80% to pass

Combination Vehicles Test

Required for Class A CDL. Covers coupling/uncoupling, combination vehicle safety, and air brakes for combo vehicles.

20 questions, 80% to pass

Air Brakes Test

Required if your vehicle has air brakes. Covers air brake system components, inspection, and emergency procedures.

25 questions, 80% to pass

Skills Test (CDL Road Test)

The skills test has three parts that must be passed in order:

1

Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection

Demonstrate thorough inspection of the vehicle, identifying defects and explaining the importance of each component.

2

Basic Vehicle Control

Maneuvers in a controlled environment: straight-line backing, offset backing, alley dock (90-degree backing), parallel parking.

3

On-Road Driving

Demonstrate safe driving skills in real traffic: turns, intersections, lane changes, highway driving, railroad crossings.

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

As of February 7, 2022, FMCSA requires all first-time CDL applicants to complete Entry-Level Driver Training from a registered training provider.

Who Needs ELDT?

  • First-time Class A or Class B CDL applicants
  • Drivers upgrading from Class B to Class A
  • Drivers adding hazmat (H), passenger (P), or school bus (S) endorsements

ELDT Curriculum Requirements

Theory (Classroom) Training

  • Basic operation
  • Safe operating procedures
  • Vehicle systems and reporting malfunctions
  • Non-driving activities

Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) Training

  • Range training (skills)
  • Public road training
  • Must be conducted one-on-one
  • No minimum hours required by FMCSA

Training Provider Registry (TPR)

You must complete ELDT at a school registered with the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Upon completion, the school will upload your information to the TPR, which your state DMV will verify before allowing you to take the CDL skills test.

State-Specific Variations

While federal regulations set minimum standards, states may have additional requirements:

  • Different fees for CDL application, testing, and licensing
  • Varying waiting periods between test attempts
  • Additional state-specific endorsements
  • Different minimum ages for intrastate driving
  • Unique documentation requirements

Contact your state's DMV or motor vehicle division for specific requirements in your area.