[edit] BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S PERMIT/LICENSE

• Must meet requirements for a California Driver's License.
• Certify that you are in agreement with state motor carrier safety regulations. See Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or call 1-800-777-0133 (California DMV) for more information.
• Provide a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate. You can obtain one by having a licensed medical professional fill out the appropriate Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver Fitness reports. The medical examiner should provide you with a Medical Examiner's Certificate. Alternatively you can submit the DMV Report of Medical Examination Report form Medical Examination Report (DL 51).
• Provide proof of age and legal presence.
• Provide thumbprint and get your picture taken.
• Provide your full name.
• Provide proof of California residency.
• Provide your Social security number.

[edit] STEPS TO APPLY FOR A CDL PERMIT/LICENSE

1. You must meet the requirements for a California driver's license.
2. Fill out the CDL application form (DL44C) and hand in in-person to a DMV office. For more information see Instruction Permit section below.
3. Complete a 10 year History record check form (DL 939).
4. Pay the required fee for your permit.
5. Pass the traffic laws and signs tests. See the CDL Manual for the required information.
6. Pass vision screening test.
7. Taking a Commercial driver's education program specifically for commercial motor vehicles is required by California Law only if you are a public transit bus driver.
8. Take road skill test at a DMV CDL office or submit a Certificate of Driving Skill (DL 140) signed by both you and the employer.
9. Pay license and endorsement fees.

[edit] INSTRUCTION PERMIT

In order to be eligible for a California CDL, you must first obtain a CDL instruction permit. First, you must fill out the CDL application form (DL44). Then show proof of legal presence and US residency. Next, pay the required permit fee. Lastly, pass the CDL general knowledge exam and vision screening test.

[edit] FEES

A Commercial Driver's License will be valid for 5 years. The cost is $64.00 for a standard CDL license. Please see a list of fees for more information.

[edit] 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).

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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 1-800-777-0133 (California DMV) for more information.
• Have the correct class of license. See Classes of CDLs, Restrictions and Endorsements for more details.
• See California's Commercial Driver's Manual for more information on state regulations and guidelines.

[edit] 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 California's Commercial Driver's Manual for knowledge exam information.