BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S PERMIT/LICENSE

• Must meet requirements for a Nebraska Driver's license. You must be at least 18 for a CDL valid within the state of Nebraska and 21 years to own an interstate CDL.
• Certify that you are in agreement with state motor carrier safety regulations. See Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or call (402) 471-3861 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 Determination. The medical examiner should provide you with a Medical Examiner's Certificate.
• Provide legal proof of name, age, and Social Security Number.

STEPS TO APPLY FOR A CDL PERMIT/LICENSE

1. You must meet the requirements for a Nebraska driver's license.
2. Fill out the CDL Data Form and hand in in-person to a DMV office.
3. Apply for any endorsements that you want on your license.
4. Identify the class of vehicle you want to drive and apply for a license accordingly.
5. Pass the CDL written and skills exams. See the CDL Manual for the required information. The exam can be taken at any of the DMV locations.
6. Pass vision screening test.
7. Attend and then provide proof that you have taken a Commercial driver's education program specifically for commercial motor vehicles.
8. Take road test at your local DMV office. Ensure that the vehicle you are driving for the test has the same features that you are applying a license for.
9. Pay license and endorsement fees. A regular Nebraska CDL will cost you $55.

FEES

A Nebraska Commercial Driver's License will be valid for 5 years. The cost is $55 for a standard CDL license. The fees may vary depending on the endorsements.

CDL ENDORSEMENTS

The following is a list of endorsements you can get on your CDL. All tests require written tests, some up to 5, and two require skills test.

• Double/Triple Trailers (Class T).
• Passenger (Class P).
• Tank Vehicle (Class N).
• Hazardous Materials (Class H).
• School Buses (Class S).

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. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for conducting these checks, with fees varying for each test. 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 402-471-3861 for more information.
• Have the correct class of license. See Classes of CDLs, Restrictions and Endorsements for more details.
• See Nebraska'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 Nebraska's Commercial Driver's Manual for knowledge exam information.