CDL Classes for Every State
To be eligible for a CDL, you must have a clean driving record. Federal regulations require you to pass a physical exam every two years. To operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce, you must be at least 21. Many states allow those as young as 18 to drive commercial vehicles within the state. You must be able to read and speak English well enough to read road signs, prepare reports, and communicate with the public and with law enforcement.
The Act established three separate classes of commercial driver's licenses. Every state issues licenses in these categories:
- Class A: Any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GWVR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Class B: Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.
- Class C: Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is placarded for hazardous materials.
Many states make exceptions for farm vehicles, snow removal vehicles, fire and emergency vehicles, and some military vehicles.
Endorsements
To be licensed for certain types of commercial vehicles, extra testing is required. If you pass, you will receive an endorsement on your CDL. These are the five endorsements that you can apply for. Each requires between one and five knowledge (written) tests, and two require driving (skills) tests.
- T?Double/Triple Trailers (knowledge test only)
- P?Passenger (knowledge and skills tests)
- N?Tank Vehicle (knowledge test only)
- H?Hazardous Materials (knowledge test only)
- S?School Buses (knowledge and skills tests)
Requirements for Medical Certification
In the interest of public safety on the highways, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations require interstate commercial drivers to be medically fit to operate their vehicles safely and competently. You are required to have a physical exam and carry a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certificate if:
- You operate a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR) or gross vehicle weight (GVW) or gross combination weight (GCW) of 4,536 kilograms (10,001 pounds) or more in interstate commerce.
- You operate a motor vehicle designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, in interstate commerce.
- You operate a motor vehicle designed or used to transport between nine and 15 passengers, for direct compensation, beyond 75 air miles from your regular work-reporting location, in interstate commerce.
- You transport hazardous materials in quantities requiring placards, in interstate commerce.
You must carry a current copy of your medical examination certificate with you when you drive. Residents of Mexico or Canada who drive in the United States can be certified by doctors in their countries, provided they meet the U.S. requirements.
Minimum Training Requirements
There are no federal standards in place for on-the-road commercial driver training. The government only requires that you take and pass your CDL knowledge (written) and skills (driving) tests. Longer-combination-vehicle (LCV) drivers must receive training in driver wellness, driver qualifications, hours of service, and whistleblower protection.
The MA commercial driver's manual is a good place to learn basic information, but you will need to be professionally trained to drive a commercial motor vehicle.
In order to pass your driving skills tests, you will need to learn how to inspect vehicles before driving, learn how to couple and uncouple tractors and trailers, and have plenty of practice driving. This includes driving in different conditions and on different road surfaces, turning, parking, backing up, and braking.
Many motor carriers train their employees, while other drivers take courses at private driving schools, vocational or technical schools, and community colleges. Individual states often approve or certify training courses. The Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI) has set minimum standards for training curriculums and certifies driver training courses that meet industry and Federal Highway Administration (FHA) guidelines. Many employers require their drivers to take PTDI-approved training.
Some states may specify minimum training guidelines. Check with your state's motor vehicles department to see if there are minimum training requirements to get your CDL.
Hazmat Background Checks
Under the USA PATRIOT Act, commercial drivers transporting hazardous materials (hazmat) must pass a background records check and be fingerprinted. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for conducting the background checks for all commercial drivers with hazmat endorsements or who want to add hazmat endorsements to their licenses. The TSA developed this program to carry out the USA PATRIOT Act mandate and protect citizens from the potential threat of terrorists using hazmat cargo. The requirement is a result of the USA PATRIOT Act (Public Law 107-56, Section 1012) and the Safe Explosives Act (Public Law 107-296, Section 1121-1123), ARS § 28-3103(A)(2), and 49 CFR 1572.
If the TSA disqualifies you because of your background, you can appeal their finding or seek a waiver. However, if you are found guilty of a disqualifying crime, you must declare any disqualifying conditions and surrender your hazmat endorsement (if you already have it) to your state's department of motor vehicles or other licensing agency.
The TSA charges the following nonrefundable fees for background checks:
- Information collection fee: $38
- Threat assessment fee: $34
According to the TSA, background checks take between one and eight weeks to complete. You will be notified by mail whether you are approved. If you are approved, you can then go to your state's licensing authority (usually the department of motor vehicles) to complete your application process. If you are denied, you can appeal or seek a waiver.
According to the FMCSA, hazmat endorsements must be renewed at least every five years. However, your state might require renewal more often. You will need a background check each time you renew your hazmat endorsement. You must arrange for the background check no less than 30 days before the expiration of your current approval, or your CDL may be cancelled.
Disqualifying Crimes
Conviction of any of the following crimes will disqualify you from being eligible for a hazmat endorsement:
- Assault with intent to murder
- Kidnapping or hostage-taking
- Rape or aggravated sexual abuse
- RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) violations
- Unlawful possession, use, sale, distribution, or manufacture of an explosive device, firearm, or other weapon
- Distribution of, intent to distribute, possession, or importation of a controlled substance
- Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud
- Crimes involving a severe transportation security incident
- Improper transportation of a hazardous material
- Conspiracy or attempt to commit any of these crimes
We hope that this guide makes the federal CDL requirements for drivers easier for you to understand. Remember that your state also has its own guidelines that may be stricter than the federal ones. As a commercial driver, you must also be familiar with other federal regulations so you can comply with them. For more information, consult your employer, or visit the Web site of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
As always, the first thing to worry about when applying for anything through the Massachusetts RMV is making sure you meet the basic requirements and have the ID to prove it. In Massachusetts, you can apply for a CDL at 18, but only for in-state travel. You need to be 21 to apply for out-of-state travel.
Your existing Massachusetts photo driver's license will work as an ID when applying for a CDL. If you do not have a Massachusetts driver's license when applying for a CDL, be prepared to show the following and remember that the RMV clerks are absolute sticklers for proper ID:
- Social Security card or valid, current U.S. or non-U.S. passport (you must have a Social Security number to apply for a CDL).
- Document proving date of birth
- Document proving signature
- Document proving Massachusetts residency
Once you have your ID in place, you need to go to a Massachusetts RMV office to apply for a CDL permit. You can download an application and save time by completing it in advance.
Obtaining a Massachusetts CDL Permit
To start, you'll need to complete and pass a written exam. You can take the exam on a walk-in basis at any full-service RMV office. Turn in your application and $30 and make sure you get to the RMV office at least two hours before it closes.
This exam is a lot more complicated than the standard Class D non-commercial permit exam that everyone takes before obtaining their first driver's license. The general knowledge section of the exam has 50 questions and you need to get 40 correct to pass. Sections on different endorsements such as school bus, doubles/triples, and hazmat can add up to 155 more questions on the exam. Each extra section will cost you another $10 on the application fee.
Pass the exam and you'll walk out with a permit, good for two years. Fail it and you get to do the entire application process all over again, including payment of any fees.
Obtaining a Massachusetts CDL
You can practice driving on a CDL permit, as long as the person sitting next to you has a CDL and endorsements good for the class of vehicle you are driving. Other than that, there aren't any restrictions as to driving at night or out of state to practice. You'll need the time to do a lot of practicing or, better yet, take some commercial driving classes. Once you're ready for the road test, call the RMV phone center to set up your road test appointment.
You'll need to have the following with you when you take your road test:
- A completed application for your license.
- Your current driver's license, if you are upgrading it.
- A valid DOT medical certificate or medical waiver.
- A sponsor who has a current CDL, DOT certificate, and endorsements for the vehicle you are driving.
- A properly registered and equipped vehicle with proof of insurance coverage that meets requirements for the level of CDL you are trying to obtain.
The road test will be given by an RMV inspector and has three main parts:
- Vehicle inspection: You will need to take the inspector on an inspection tour of the vehicle.
- Basic control: You will need to complete basic driving tests on a closed course.
- Road test: You will need to complete an actual road test with the examiner in the vehicle.
If you pass, the RMV inspector will sign and stamp your permit. You can bring the permit and license fees for your classification and endorsements to an RMV office to obtain your CDL. If you fail the exam, you will need to reapply for the road test before your permit expires.
Massachusetts CDL Fees
- Class A (5-year license): $60
- Class B (5-year license): $50
- Class C (5-year license): $40
- Permit application (2-year permit Classes B, C): $30
- Class A permit application (2-year permit with combination vehicle endorsement): $40
- CDL endorsement (with CDL permit application): $10
- CDL endorsements (after CDL permit issued): $30
