BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S PERMIT/LICENSE

• Must meet requirements for a Virginia Driver's license.
• Certify that you are in agreement with state motor carrier safety regulations. See Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or call 804-355-5371 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 identity.
• Provide proof of legal presence.
• Provide proof of Virginia residency.
• Provide your Social security number.

STEPS TO APPLY FOR A CDL PERMIT/LICENSE

1. You must meet the requirements for a Virginia driver's license.
2. Fill out the CDL application form making sure to check option #3 ‘CDL Learner's Permit or License' and hand in in-person to a DMV office. For more information see Instruction Permit section below.
3. Pay a $3.00 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 and there is a $2.00 re-examination fee if you do not answer 80% of the questions correctly.
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 your local DMV office.
8. Pay license and endorsement fees.

INSTRUCTION PERMIT

In order to be eligible for a Virginia 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 $3.00 permit fee. Lastly, pass the CDL general knowledge exam and vision screening test. Also, you must have your instruction permit for 30 days before obtaining a CDL. Virginia Instruction Permits expire in 1 year and are non-renewable.

FEES

A Virginia 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).

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 804-355-5371 for more information.
• Have the correct class of license. See Classes of CDLs, Restrictions and Endorsements for more details.
• See Virginia'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 Virginia's Commercial Driver's Manual for knowledge exam information.