CDL requirements.....

Here are the current federal requirements for obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in the United States, as established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under 49 CFR Parts 383 and 391. All states must comply with these minimum standards.

1. Basic Eligibility Requirements

• Be at least 21 years old to drive commercially across state lines (interstate) or transport hazardous materials requiring placards.
  • States may issue a CDL to individuals 18–20 years old for intrastate (within-state) only.
• Possess a valid non-commercial driver’s license (regular Class D or equivalent).
• Be a U.S. citizen or have lawful permanent residency status (or other authorized presence) — states verify this via SAVE or equivalent.
• Provide proof of identity, Social Security Number, and lawful U.S. presence (REAL ID-compliant documents).
• Have no disqualifying criminal offenses (e.g., felony involving a commercial vehicle, certain drug/alcohol offenses).

2. Medical Requirements

• Pass a DOT physical examination by a certified medical examiner (listed on the National Registry) every 24 months (or more frequently if health conditions require).
• Obtain a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) / DOT medical card.
• Meet FMCSA physical qualifications (vision, hearing, blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy, etc.) — 49 CFR 391.41.

3. Knowledge (Written) TestsMust pass:

• General Knowledge test (50 questions, 80%+ to pass) — required for all CDL applicants.
• Additional knowledge tests depending on class and endorsements:
  • Air Brakes (if vehicle has air brakes)
  • Combination Vehicles (for Class A)
  • Hazardous Materials (HazMat)
  • Tank Vehicle
  • Passenger
  • School Bus
  • Doubles/Triples

4. Skills (Road) TestsConducted in a representative vehicle for the class you’re testing for:

• Pre-trip vehicle inspection test
• Basic vehicle control skills test
• On-road driving test

5. CDL Classes

Class	Description	Minimum Age (Interstate)
A	Combination vehicles ≥26,001 lbs, towed unit >10,000 lbs	21
B	Single vehicles ≥26,001 lbs, or towing ≤10,000 lbs	21
C	Vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers or HazMat placarded	21

6. Endorsements (Additional Testing Required)

Code	Endorsement
H	Hazardous Materials
N	Tank Vehicle
P	Passenger
S	School Bus
T	Doubles/Triples
X	Combination H + N

7. Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) – Mandatory since Feb 7, 2022All first-time CDL applicants (or upgrading class or adding P/S/H endorsements) must complete theory + behind-the-wheel training from a provider listed on the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR).8. Background Checks (for certain endorsements)

• HazMat (H) endorsement: TSA background check and fingerprinting required.
• School Bus (S) endorsement: Some states require additional criminal background checks.

9. Disqualifications (Major Offenses = 1-year or lifetime CDL loss)

• DUI/DWI in any vehicle (0.04% BAC in CMV)
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Felony involving a motor vehicle
• Two serious traffic violations within 3 years (e.g., 15+ mph over, reckless driving)

10. Other Federal Rules

• Must read and speak English well enough to converse with the public, understand signs, and complete reports (49 CFR 391.11(b)(2)).
• Must surrender all other driver’s licenses (no duplicate licenses).
• Must self-certify driving type (interstate/intrastate, excepted/non-excepted) and submit medical certificate to state.

These are the federal minimums — individual states may impose stricter requirements (e.g., higher age, additional tests, or fees), but none can be lower than the FMCSA standards.