BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S PERMIT/LICENSE

• Must meet requirements for a Vermont Driver's license.
• Certify that you are in agreement with state motor carrier safety regulations. See Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or 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 Vermont residency.
• Provide your Social security number.

STEPS TO APPLY FOR A CDL PERMIT/LICENSE

1. You must meet the requirements for a Vermont 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 $20 deposit 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.
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.

FEES

The cost is $65.00 for a four year CDL license, $45.00 for a two year CDL, $12.00 for an instructional permit, $20.00 for the skills test and $10.00 for each 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).

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