The driver must hold a basic driver's license for at least one year and then obtain a commercial learner's permit (CLP) to be eligible for a permanent CDL. The minimum age to obtain an intrastate CDL is 18 years, while you can apply for an interstate CDL when you are 21 years of age or more. The State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) maintain a nationwide record of all the licenses issued through the Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS). When you permanently shift to a new state, you must apply for a transfer of your license, generally within 30-90 days. A driver can legally hold only one license, issued by the state of his/her domicile.
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1Įach state mandates drivers to obtain a CDL after completing the training followed by a series of knowledge and skills tests. The US Department of Transportation (USDoT) requires that drivers get appropriate training for the license by their employers, or they can opt for a certification program. As commercial vehicles are larger and heavier than their non-commercial counterparts, and often carry passengers, cargo or hazardous materials, it can be unsafe for everyone if they are driven by unqualified drivers. CDL certifies that the driver has undergone training and evaluation and gained adequate experience to maneuver commercial motor vehicles safely. Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Requirements, Reviews and Moreĭrivers looking for a career in the logistics industry need to obtain a commercial driver's license, commonly called CDL, to drive commercial motor vehicles (or CMVs) throughout the US.