Commercial Driver's License Program
Overview
Driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) requires a higher level of knowledge, experience, skills, and physical abilities than that required to drive a non-commercial vehicle. In order to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), an applicant must pass both skills and knowledge testing geared to these higher standards. Additionally CDL holders are 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.
Licensing
Driving a commercial motor vehicle is a big responsibility. It requires special skills and knowledge. Most drivers must obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) through their home State (it is illegal to have a license from more than one State). In addition, special endorsements may be required if you or your company drivers will be driving any of the following vehicles:
- a truck with double or triple trailers
- a truck with a tank
- a truck carrying hazardous materials
- a passenger vehicle
Contact your State licensing bureau (e.g., Department of Motor Vehicles) for details.
Highlights
What's New?
- FMCSA Permanently Bans Commercial Drivers Convicted of Human Trafficking
- Reciprocity and Recognition of United States and Canadian Commercial Drivers Licenses
Any summary, description, or paraphrase of a regulatory requirement on this site is intended to provide general guidance only. Please consult the text of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for a full account of the applicable requirements.
Reminder
FMCSA does not issue Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs). State governments are responsible for issuing CDLs.
