A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required in every state to legally operate commercial motor vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVWR, buses carrying 16 or more passengers, or vehicles placarded for hazardous materials. CDL requirements are set by federal law (49 CFR Part 383) but administered by each state's DMV — all states use the same class structure (A, B, C) and share a national knowledge test bank, but fees, renewal periods, and testing procedures vary by state. All first-time applicants must complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) through an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the skills test. Three CDL classes are available: Class A for tractor-trailer combinations, Class B for single large vehicles like dump trucks, and Class C for passenger and hazmat vehicles. Drivers operating in interstate commerce must obtain and renew a DOT Medical Certificate every two years. Select your state below for specific fees, endorsement options, and DMV testing procedures.
Any combination of vehicles with GCWR ≥ 26,001 lbs, towed vehicle GVWR > 10,000 lbs.
Tractor-trailers, semi trucks, tanker combinations
Any single vehicle with GVWR ≥ 26,001 lbs, or towing a vehicle ≤ 10,000 lbs GVWR.
Dump trucks, straight trucks, transit buses, concrete mixers
Vehicles not covered by A or B that transport 16+ passengers or placarded HazMat.
Passenger vans (15+ passengers), small HazMat vehicles
Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required for all first-time Class A or B CDL applicants and for adding H, P, or S endorsements. Training must be completed through an FMCSA-registered provider in the Training Provider Registry (TPR). This is a federal requirement — all states must comply.
Additional states coming soon. For states not listed, consult your state DMV directly.
Class A CDL covers combination vehicles (truck + trailer) where the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,001 lbs — most semi trucks and tankers. Class B CDL covers single heavy vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR such as straight trucks, dump trucks, and large box trucks. Class A requires the most training and is the highest commercial CDL tier.
Yes, all first-time applicants for Class A or B CDL, and anyone adding H, P, or S endorsements, must complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) through an FMCSA-registered training provider before taking the skills test.
Most states issue 4- to 8-year licenses. You must also maintain a valid DOT Medical Certificate (renewed every 2 years) if you operate in interstate commerce.
Yes. You can add endorsements (H, N, P, S, T, X) to an existing CDL. Most endorsements require passing a knowledge test; H and P also require a skills test. H endorsement (HazMat) requires a TSA background check.
A DOT Medical Certificate (Form MCSA-5875) is required for commercial drivers operating CMVs in interstate commerce. You must pass a medical examination by a FMCSA-certified medical examiner. Certificates are valid for 2 years.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is compiled from publicly available government sources and is provided for general informational purposes only. TruckRadar is an independent search engine — we are not affiliated with any government agency and this content does not constitute legal or compliance advice. Regulations change frequently; always verify current requirements directly with the official source before making compliance decisions.
Official source: FMCSA — Commercial Driver's LicenseLast reviewed: 2026-01