BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S PERMIT/LICENSE

• Must meet requirements for a Washington D.C. Driver's license.
• Certify that you are in agreement with state motor carrier safety regulations. See Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
• 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. One should also carry a Department of Transportation (DOT) certification if one carries more than 15 passengers or HAZMAT materials.
• Provide proof of identity.
• Provide proof of legal presence.
• Provide proof of residence.
• Provide your Social Security number.

STEPS TO APPLY FOR A CDL PERMIT/LICENSE

1. You must meet the requirements for a Washington D.C. Driver's license.
2. Visit the local DMV office. Fill out a Voter's Identification or Driver's License form. For more information see Instruction Permit section below.
3. Pay a $39.00 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. Attend and then provide proof that you have taken a Commercial driver's education program specifically for commercial motor vehicles.
7. Take road test at specific DMV service location.
8. Pay license and endorsement fee.

LEARNER'S PERMIT

In order to be eligible for a Washington DC CDL, you must first obtain a CDL instruction permit. You need to show proof of legal presence and US residency. Next, pay the $39.00 learner permit fee. Lastly, pass the CDL general knowledge exam and vision screening test.

FEES

A Washington D.C Commercial Driver's License will be valid for 8 years. The cost is $117.00 for a standard CDL license. Please see a list of fee 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).

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.
• Have the correct class of license. See Classes of CDLs for more details.
• See Washington D.C. 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 your local DMV office.
• See Washington D.C. Commercial Driver's Manual for knowledge exam information.