BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S PERMIT/LICENSE

• Must have a basic New Jersey Driver's License.
• Certify that you are in agreement with state motor carrier safety regulations. See Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or call (888) 486-3339(NJMVC) 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.
• Pass the six point ID Verification.
• Must be able to distinguish between red, green and amber colors.
• Provide your Social security number.

STEPS TO APPLY FOR A CDL PERMIT/LICENSE

1. You must have a basic New Jersey Driver's License.
2. Fill out the CDL application form and hand in in-person to a MVC office. For more information see Instruction Permit section below.
3. Pay a $35.00 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 Regional Service Center.
5. Pass vision screening test.
6. Apply for the appropriate endorsement.
7. 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.
8. Take road test at your local Regional Service Center.
9. Pay license and endorsement fees.

INSTRUCTION PERMIT

In order to be eligible for a New Jersey CDL, you must first obtain a CDL instruction permit. First, you must fill out the CDL application form, physical examination form and the fingerprint card (if applicable). Then, clear the six point ID Verification. Next, pay the $35.00 permit fee. Lastly, pass the CDL general knowledge exam and vision screening test. New Jersey Instruction Permits expire in 90 days.

FEES

A New Jersey Commercial Driver's License will be valid for 4 years. The cost is $42.00 for a standard CDL license plus $2 per endorsement. 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).
• 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 (888) 486-3339(NJMVC) for more information.
• Have the correct class of license. See Classes of CDLs, Restrictions and Endorsements for more details.
• See New Jersey'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 MVC office.
• See New Jersey's Commercial Driver's Manual for knowledge exam information.