CDL requirements are set by the FMCSA and establish the standards that a commercial driver must meet to be licensed to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
CDL License Types: Different types of CDL licenses and what vehicles they allow drivers to operate.
Eligibility Requirements: Requirements for obtaining a CDL, including age, residency, and driving record.
Medical Requirements: Medical certification requirements including physical examinations and drug testing.
Skills Test: Description of the CDL skills test which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control test, and road test.
Endorsements: Additional endorsements drivers can obtain to operate specific types of vehicles.
Training Requirements: Requirements for completing CDL training, including classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.
State-Specific Requirements: State-specific variations in CDL requirements, including licensing fees and documentation requirements.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Regulations: Regulations set by the FMCSA that affect commercial vehicle drivers, including hours of service and electronic logging device requirements.
Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection: Required vehicle inspections and maintenance requirements for commercial vehicles.
Hazmat Endorsement: Procedures and regulations for operating hazardous materials.
Hours of Service: Standard hours that commercial drivers can operate based on their driving and break periods.
International Registration Plan (IRP): Collaboration of state law enabling registration and operation of commercial vehicles across different states.
International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA): A means of tracking fuel usage and payments of commercial vehicles traveling in more than one state.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELD): Rules for installation and usage of electronic logging devices which replaces paper logbooks.
Cargo securing methods: Rules for securing cargo during transit.
Class A: Allows drivers to operate vehicles with a weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, and trailers that weigh 10,000 pounds or more.
Class B: Permits drivers to operate vehicles that are rated between 26,001 and 33,000 pounds, and tow trailers that are less than 10,000 pounds.
Class C: Allows drivers to operate vehicles that are designed to transport 16 or more passengers, or hazardous materials.
Passenger Endorsement: This is required if you will be operating a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers, such as a bus.
Hazardous Materials Endorsement: This is required if you will be transporting hazardous materials that are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Tanker Endorsement: This is required if you will be transporting liquids or gases in bulk containers.
Double/Triple Trailer Endorsement: This is required if you will be pulling double or triple trailers.
School Bus Endorsement: This is required if you will be driving a school bus.
Combination Vehicles Endorsement: This is required if you will be driving a combination of vehicles that weigh more than 26,001 pounds.