BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S PERMIT/LICENSE

• Must meet requirements for a Massachusetts Driver's License.
• Certify that you are in agreement with state motor carrier safety regulations. See Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or call (800) 858-3926 (RMV Customer Service Representative) 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.
• Provide proof of age.
• Provide document proving signature.
• Provide proof of identity.
• Provide proof of legal presence.
• Provide proof of Massachusetts residency.
• Provide your Social security number.

STEPS TO APPLY FOR A CDL PERMIT/LICENSE

1. You must meet the requirements for a Massachusetts Driver's License.
2. Fill out the CDL application form and hand in in-person to a RMV full service office. For more information see Instruction Permit section below.
3. Pay a $40.00 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 RMV full service location.
5. Pass vision screening test.
6. There is no mandatory requirement that you take a Commercial driver's education program specifically for commercial motor vehicles but opting to enroll in such a program will help you to perform well in your knowledge exam.
7. Studying the 2004 Model Commercial Driver's License Section 10 School Bus Manual is required for those applying for a School Bus License.
8. Take road test at your local RMV full service office. Road test appointments can be taken only by calling the RMV Telephone Center.
9. Pay license and endorsement fees.

INSTRUCTION PERMIT

In order to be eligible for a Massachusetts CDL, you must first obtain a CDL instruction permit. First, you must fill out the CDL application form. Then show proof of legal presence and US residency. Next, pay the $40.00 permit fee. Lastly, pass the CDL general knowledge exam and vision screening test. Massachusetts Instruction Permits expire in 2 years.

FEES

A Massachusetts Commercial Driver's License will be valid for 5 years. The cost ranges from $40-$60 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).
• HazMat and Tank Vehicles (Class X).
• Air Brakes (Class L).

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 (800) 858-3926 (RMV Customer Service Representative) for more information.
• Have the correct class of license. See Classes of CDLs, Restrictions and Endorsements for more details.
• See Massachusetts'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 your local RMV office.
• See Massachusetts's Commercial Driver's Manual for knowledge exam information.