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Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Application

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S PERMIT/LICENSE

  • Must meet requirements for a Nevada Driver's license.
  • You must be minimum 18 years of age for applying for a Nevada CDL and at least 21 to have an interstate CDL. You must be at least 25 years old before you can begin driving vehicles larger than 70 feet.
  • Certify that you are in agreement with state motor carrier safety regulations. See Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 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. You should also provide a medical fitness report to the DMV once in 2 years.
  • Provide proof of Nevada residency and identity.
  • Ensure you do not have a license from any other state.

STEPS TO APPLY FOR A CDL PERMIT/LICENSE

  1. You must meet the requirements for a Nevada driver's license.
  2. Fill out the Commercial Driver's License Application and hand in in-person to a DMV office. Ensure you tick the instruction permit. Also fill out the Nevada Commercial Driver's Instruction Permit Affidavit. You will get a license permit and you can drive a commercial vehicle when accompanied by someone who is at least 25 years of age and has a valid CDL for more than year. For more information see Instruction Permit section below.
  3. Pay a fee for your permit.
  4. Once you decide to apply for a regular CDL, you need to fill out the Commercial Driver's License Application.
  5. Apply for any endorsements that you want on your license.
  6. Identify the class of vehicle you want to drive and apply for a license accordingly.
  7. Pass the CDL knowledge and skills exams. See the CDL Manual for the required information. The exam can be taken at any DMV location. If you fail the written test, you will have to re-test after paying $3.
  8. Pass vision screening test.
  9. Attend and then provide proof that you have taken a Commercial driver's education program specifically for commercial motor vehicles.
  10. Take road test at your local DMV office. Bring a type of vehicle that you want to obtain a license for. Ensure the vehicle has the same endorsements that you have applied for in your CDL. If you fail the road test, you will have to re-test after paying $25.
  11. Pay license and endorsement fees.
  12. For more information, call the licensing section of Nevada DMV on (775) 684-4830. You can also email your queries to info@dmv.nv.gov.

INSTRUCTION PERMIT

In order to be eligible for a Nevada CDL, you must first obtain a CDL instruction permit. First, you must fill out the Commercial Driver's License Application, indicating you are applying for an instruction permit. You are also required to fill out the Nevada Commercial Driver's Instruction Permit Affidavit. Show proof of identity and residency. Next, pay the permit fee. Lastly, pass the CDL general knowledge exam and vision screening test. Nevada Instruction Permits are valid for 1 year.

FEES

A Nevada Commercial Driver's License will be valid for 8 years. The cost is $64.00 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).
  • Combined Tanker and Hazmat (Class X).

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.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES