BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S PERMIT/LICENSE

• Must meet requirements for an Alaska driver's license .
• Certify that you are in agreement with state motor carrier safety regulations. See Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or call 1-907-269-5551for more information.
• Provide a valid Medical Card. You can call (907) 341-3200 to address any queries related to medical cards.
• Provide proof of identity.
• Provide proof of legal presence.
• Provide proof of forms of ID.
• Provide your Social security number.

STEPS TO APPLY FOR A CDL PERMIT/LICENSE

1. You must meet the requirements for an Alaska driver's license.
2. Fill out the CDL application form (Form 415) and hand in in-person to a DMV office. For more information see Instruction Permit section below.
3. Pay a $15.00 fee for your permit.
4. Pass the CDL knowledge exams. See the CDL Manual for the required information. The exam can be taken at any DMV location.
5. Pass vision screening test.
6. Take road test at your local DMV office.
7. You are not required by law to enroll and subsequently complete any commercial driver education program but it helps to take one in order to generate awareness and knowledge required for the tests.
8. Pay license and endorsement fee.

INSTRUCTION PERMIT

In order to be eligible for an Alaska CDL, you must first obtain a CDL instruction permit. First, you must fill out the CDL application form (Form 415). Then show proof of legal presence and US residency. Next, pay the $15.00 permit fee. Lastly, pass the CDL general knowledge exam and vision screening test. Alaska Instruction Permits issued to persons above 20 years of age.

FEES

An Alaska Commercial Driver's License will be valid for 5 years from your birthday. The cost is $100.00 for a standard CDL license. Please see a list of fees for more information.

CDL ENDORSEMENTS

The following is a list of endorsements you can get on your CDL:

• Hazardous Material (Class H).
• Tank Vehicles (Class N).
• Passenger-Carrying Vehicle (Class P).
• School Bus (Class S).
• Towing a Double or Triple Trailer (Class T).
• Combination of N and H type of endorsements (Class X)

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (HAZMAT)

This is an endorsement required if you are driving a commercial motor vehicle that transports hazardous materials. There are specific background checks and knowledge exams that you need to pass in order to receive this endorsement on your CDL. Please see the HAZMAT endorsement article for more detailed information.

FEDERAL GUIDELINES FOR INTERSTATE DRIVERS

The following is a list of federal requirements for interstate drivers.

• Certify that you are in agreement with state motor carrier safety regulations. See Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or call 1-907-269-5551 for more information.
• Have the correct class of license. See Classes of CDLs for more details.
• See Alaska's Commercial Driver's Manual for more information on state regulations and guidelines.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• If you already have a CDL, see CDL renewal.
• For more information regarding test centers and hours and locations see you local DMV office.
• See Alaska's Commercial Driver's Manual for knowledge exam information.