The CDL Program is a nationwide effort to ensure that only qualified commercial drivers receive and maintain commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) and to remove unsafe and unqualified drivers from our highways.
The CDL program has three federally-defined classes, depending on the configuration of the vehicle the driver intends to operate. Not sure what CDL Class a driver should be licensed in? This flow chart will help you.
There are numerous endorsements and restrictions that may also be added to the license, some of which are federally prescribed.
Jurisdictions may assign their own endorsements to their CDLs as long as they are explained on the license document. Please refer to your jurisdiction for specific information on additional classifications, endorsements, restrictions and licensing requirements.
New Medical Certification Requirements: A Guide for CDL Holders
Starting Jan. 30, 2012, and no later than Jan. 30, 2014, all CDL holders must provide information to their state driver's license agency (SDLA) regarding the type of commercial motor vehicle operation they drive in or expect to drive in with their CDL. Drivers operating in certain types of commerce will be required to submit a current medical examiner’s certificate to their SDLA to obtain a “certified” medical status as part of their driving record. CDL holders required to have a ”certified” medical status who fail to provide and keep up-to-date their medical examiner’s certificate with their SDLA will become ”not-certified” and they may lose their CDL.
For specific state-by-state requirements for drivers and information related to how a state is handling the medical certification requirements, and to determine who to contact for additional information, click here.
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