CDL Requirements

All CDL holders must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination conducted by a certified medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry. The medical card is valid for up to 24 months, though some conditions require more frequent renewals.

The DOT physical evaluates:

• Vision: At least 20/40 in each eye (with or without correction) and 70-degree peripheral vision in each eye
• Hearing: Must perceive a forced whisper at 5 feet or less (with or without a hearing aid)
• Blood pressure: Must be at or below Stage 1 hypertension (140/90) for a 2-year card. Higher readings may result in a 1-year or temporary certification
• Diabetes: Drivers using insulin require an exemption from FMCSA. Those managing diabetes without insulin may qualify with documentation
• General health: No condition likely to cause loss of consciousness or ability to safely operate a CMV

The exam typically costs $50 to $150. Find a certified examiner through the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

The written knowledge test is administered at your state's DMV or an authorized testing facility. You must pass this test to receive your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), which allows you to practice driving with a licensed CDL holder.

The knowledge test covers:

• General knowledge: Vehicle inspection, basic control, safe driving, cargo handling, pre-trip procedures
• Air brakes: Required if your vehicle has air brakes (most tractor-trailers do)
• Combination vehicles: Required for Class A CDL (coupling/uncoupling, rollover prevention, jackknifing)
• Endorsement-specific sections: Additional written tests for hazmat, tanker, passenger, doubles/triples, and school bus

Most states require a passing score of 80% or higher. You can typically retake the test after a waiting period (varies by state, usually 1-7 days). Study the CDL manual provided by your state's DMV.

The CDL skills test has three components, all conducted in a vehicle of the class you are testing for:

You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills test. Most CDL schools include skills test preparation and provide the vehicle for testing.

Effective February 7, 2022, the FMCSA requires all first-time CDL applicants and drivers adding certain endorsements to complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a provider listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR).

ELDT applies to:

• First-time Class A CDL applicants
• First-time Class B CDL applicants
• Upgrading from Class B to Class A
• Adding a Hazmat (H), Passenger (P), or School Bus (S) endorsement for the first time

ELDT includes two components:

• Theory (classroom) instruction: Covers basic operation, safe driving, vehicle systems, and regulatory compliance
• Behind-the-wheel (BTW) training: Range practice and public road driving with an instructor. Minimum proficiency must be demonstrated, though no specific hour minimum is set federally

Your training provider must report your completion to the TPR before you can take your CDL skills test. Verify your school is ELDT-registered at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.

Your state DMV will check your driving record across all states through the Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS) and the National Driver Register (NDR). The following offenses are major disqualifications:

• DUI/DWI or operating a CMV under the influence (1-year disqualification for first offense, lifetime for second)
• Leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV
• Using a CMV in the commission of a felony (lifetime disqualification)
• Causing a fatality through negligent operation of a CMV
• Operating a CMV when your CDL is revoked, suspended, or canceled
• Refusing to submit to a DOT drug or alcohol test

Additionally, employers conduct their own background checks (typically going back 3-10 years) and are required to query the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse before hiring any CDL driver.

Drug testing: All CDL drivers are subject to pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and return-to-duty drug and alcohol testing per FMCSA regulations.