Federal and State CDL Requirements

http://www.truckercountry.com/cdl-training/cdl-requirements/#med
Understanding the CDL requirements for getting a CDL (commercial drivers license) is
essential if you want to become a truck driver. These also apply to the CLP or commercial
learners permit, which youll have to get in order to train and before you get a CDL. The
Federal CDL requirements (see below) apply to all U.S. states. Then, check out the CDL
requirements in your state. Each state has its own minimum standards for the licensing of
commercial drivers, and they differ from state to state.

Minimum Requirements to Apply for a CLP or CDL

New Federal CDL Requirements

Medical and Physical Requirements

CDL Self Certification

Basic Physical Qualifications for Commercial Drivers

Written and Knowledge Exams

Skill and Road Testing

Military Waiver Information

CDL Requirements in Your State

Minimum Requirements to Apply for a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) or

Commercial Drivers License (CDL)

Have a valid regular (non-commercial) drivers license and be at least 18 years old (in
most states).

Be at least 21 years old:

o To drive a commercial motor vehicle across state lines (interstate).
o To drive a commercial motor vehicle that contains hazardous materials.

Have at least one or two years of driving experience (depending on the state)

An applicant must provide to the State proof of citizenship or lawful permanent

residency per 49 CFR 383.71.
o Social security card, or proof of the number.
o Another document such as a birth certificate or green card.

Pass all applicable background screens.

The applicant must provide the names of all States where the applicant has been licensed
to drive any type of motor vehicle during the previous 10 years FMCSA.

Have no active drivers license suspensions or revocations in any state

Must surrender your regular state driver license once you earn a CDL.

Must certify that he/she is not subject to any disqualification under FMCSA 383.51
(complete list of disqualifications), or any license disqualification under State law, and
that he/she does not have a drivers license from more than one state or jurisdiction.

Be able to speak and read English to drive a CMV in the United States. In addition, the
state written exams will only be given in English. The FMCSA has more about this here.

New Federal CDL Requirements

Since the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986, drivers cannot hold a CDL in more
than one state. This ended the practice of drivers getting multiple drivers licenses and hiding bad
records they may have had in a different state.
In the last few years there have been several additional changes in the compliance
requirements area by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). Like their
name implies, the FMCSA exists to keep U.S. roads safer, mainly by preventing commercial
truck related accidents.
In late 2013, states had to start enforcing the texting prohibition rule.
Then, starting in 2014, commercial drivers had to self-certify medical information and were
only allowed to use authorized medical examiners who are on the National Medical Registry.
More information about these changes can be found from the FMCSA.

Medical and Physical Requirements

The physical demands of the truckers job depends on which type of driving hes doing. But no
matter which type, a driver must be physically physically capable of operating a commercial
motor vehicle and to perform the varied types of non-driving trucking duties. This includes
handling long periods of driving, irregular sleep schedules, potential family and/or social
challenges, and job related stress. In addition, some jobs require heavy lifting in the
loading/unloading process, twisting and bending, getting in and out of the truck many times a
day, occasional (depending where you work) installing of tire chains, and many other possible
physical activities.
You must have a valid Medical Examiners Certificate (DOT card), or a photographic copy of
your valid Certificate, to receive a CDL or CLP. This is a federally mandated (U.S. Department
of Transportation) document that certifies you meet all physical and medical standards for
operating a commercial motor vehicle and the original or photographic copy must be in your
possession whenever you are driving.

CDL Self Certification

Starting in 2014, commercial drivers have to self-certify medical information and are only
allowed to use authorized medical examiners who are on the National Medical Registry. To
find a medical examiner who is certified by the FMCSA to perform DOT physical exams click
here.
All commercial drivers must now self-certify the type of vehicle theyre going to operate in
the following categories:

Non-Excepted Interstate: This just means that you must meet the Federal DOT medical
card requirements and operate across state lines.

Excepted Interstate: You do NOT have to meet the Federal DOT medical card
requirements and operate across state lines.

Non-Excepted Intrastate: You must meet the Federal DOT medical card requirements
and operate only in your home state.

Excepted Intrastate: You do NOT have to meet the Federal DOT medical card
requirements and operate only in your home state.

Basic Physical Qualifications for Commercial Drivers

The Medical Examination Report For Commercial Driver Fitness Determination is a FMCSA
form used by medical examiners. This form will give you a good idea of the medical
qualifications for drivers, as will the complete list (from FMCSA 391.41) further down on that
page.
You are now required to obtain a Medical Examiners Certificate to prove that you are
physically capable of operating a commercial motor vehicle. Some of the requirements are as
follows:

Standard: At least 20/40 acuity (Snellen) in each eye with or without correction. At least
70 degrees peripheral in horizontal meridian measured in each eye. Eye glasses or contact
lenses are acceptable, but the use of corrective lenses should be noted on the Medical
Examiners Certificate.

You cannot be a diabetic who requires insulin via needle injection. However, note that
certain drivers may be exempt.

Hearing: Standard: a) Must first perceive forced whispered voice > 5 ft., with or without
hearing aid, or b) average hearing loss in better ear < 40 dB

Blood Pressure: Has no current clinical diagnosis of high blood pressure likely to
interfere with his ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely

Elevated Blood Sugar levels: 200 or above is considered dangerous. However, there
appears to be no evidence to support that 200 or more (blood sugar level) is a
disqualification, despite this being reported by many other websites. For a
discussion of this apparent inaccuracy, see here.

Other conditions like sleep apnoea may also be a disqualification.

Written and Knowledge Exams

To get a CDL, you must pass knowledge and skills tests. The CDL manual will help you pass the
state exams. This manual is not a substitute for a truck driver training class or program. Formal
training is the most reliable way to learn the many special skills required for safely driving a
large commercial vehicle and becoming a professional driver in the trucking industry.
The person must have taken and passed a general knowledge test get some more info on which
tests to take here or just go to the CDL Practice Test Center and take some tests.

Skill and Road Testing

For the road and skills test you must use the same class of commercial vehicle you need to get
licensed for.
The three part driving test includes:

Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection You need to know your vehicle is safe to drive. Sections
11, 12, and 13 of the CDL Manual covers how you need to explain what you are
inspecting and for what reason.

Basic Vehicle Control You will be tested on your control of your vehicle. This includes
moving vehicle forward, backward, and within a defined area.

On-Road Driving Exam You will have to demonstrate you can safely drive a
commercial vehicle on the road in various traffic situations. (Left and right turns,
stopping, curves, railroad crossings, etc.)

Military Waiver
Did you recently drive a CMV (or the military equivalent of commercial motor vehicle) in the
military? You may be able to waive the skills test portion of the commercial driver license skills
test. Military drivers must apply within one year of separation from active duty.
The Commercial Driver License (CDL) skills test waiver form may be used by service members
who are currently licensed and who are or were employed within the last 90 days in a military
position requiring the operation of a military motor vehicle equivalent to a Commercial Motor
Vehicle (CMV). This waiver allows a qualified service member to apply for a CDL without skills
testing. CDL knowledge (written) test(s) cannot be waived. The transfer of School Bus(S) and/or
Passenger (P) endorsements under this Waiver Program are prohibited.

Check out the article Troops to Trucks program helps military drivers transition into
civilian world for more information.

Heres an Application for the Military Skills Test Waiver.

More information about the Military Waiver can be found from the FMCSA.