Certification: Commercial Driver License (CDL) (CDL)

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation that is responsible for establishing standards for Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) operators, including the Commercial Driver's License (CDL). The minimum national CDL testing standards and licensing requirements established by FMCSA are administered by state driver licensing agencies when they issue a CDL. You are required to obtain and hold a CDL if you drive interstate, intrastate (within a state), or for foreign commerce and drive a vehicle that meets any of the classifications of a CDL. States develop their own tests which must meet the minimum federal standards, but which also may have standards unique to the state. To get a CDL, first you must get a commercial learner's permit. States can only issue learner's permits and CDLs to drivers after they pass knowledge exams and skills tests. You have to pass the CDL knowledge and skills tests for the class of license and type of endorsement required to operate the type of commercial vehicle you plan to drive. And, you have to take the skills test in a vehicle of the same type as the vehicle you plan to operate. For a quick reference of CDL Classes, see the CDL License Matrix.

More than two years of education or training after high school required?
No
More than two years of work experience required?
No
Oral or Written Exam Required?
Yes
Renewal Required?
Every 4 Year(s)
Renew through Continuing Educational Units(CEU)?
No
Renew through Re-Examination?
Yes
Renew through Continuing Professional Development(CPD)?
No
Does applicant have choice of at least two options from above for renewal (CEU, CPD, or exam)?
No

Other

Advanced

The certification has an education level of an Associates of Arts or Associates of Sciences degree or higher and has a work experience requirement of more than 2 years, or requires obtaining a ‘core’ level certification from the same organization.

  • This certification is considered in demand.
  • This certification is related to military occupational specialties.