Are you wondering if you need a Commercial Driver License (CDL)? If so, you're in the right place! Keep reading to find out what you need to know about obtaining a CDL and the requirements involved.
First off, it's important to note that all CDL applicants must have an Operator's License, pass vision requirements, and pass knowledge and skills tests. Applicants must also be at least 18 years old, and if they are under 21, they will be restricted to intrastate operation only.
Knowledge tests are available in multiple languages and may be taken orally in English or Spanish, with the exception of the hazardous materials test. Skills tests must be conducted in English, and interpreters are not allowed during any tests. Be sure to review the CDL Handbook to prepare for your tests.
There are different requirements depending on the type of vehicle you plan to operate. For trucks or truck combinations weighing 26,001 lbs or more, and towing a vehicle/unit over 10,000 lbs, a Class A license is required. This license requires passing the General Knowledge Test, Combination Vehicles Test, Air Brakes Test (if applicable), and applicable exams for desired endorsements, as well as the Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection, Basic Vehicle Control, and On-road Test skills tests.
For straight trucks and buses weighing 26,001 lbs or more, a Class B license is required. This license requires passing the General Knowledge Test, Air Brakes Test (if applicable), and applicable exams for desired endorsements, as well as the Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection, Basic Vehicle Control, and On-road Test skills tests.
If you plan to operate vehicles transporting placarded amounts of hazardous materials or vehicles designed to transport 16 or more people, including the driver, with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of less than 26,001 lbs, you will need a Class C license. This license requires passing the General Knowledge Test, Air Brakes Test (if applicable), and applicable exams for desired endorsements, as well as the Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection, Basic Vehicle Control, and On-road Test skills tests.
If you already have an out of state or Canadian CDL, we will reciprocate it. However, if you have a hazmat endorsement, you will need to reapply for it, which will include a background check, appropriate tests, and fees. If you have a military CDL, you may be exempt from taking the skills tests if you present the Certification for Waiver of Skill Test for Military Personnel form completed by your commanding officer or designee.
Endorsements are special authorizations that permit you to drive certain types of vehicles, transport certain types of property, or a certain number of passengers. The following endorsements can be placed on Class A, B, or C commercial driver licenses: Placarded Hazmat (H), Tank Vehicles (N), Passengers (P), School Bus (S), Double/Triple Trailers (T), and Placarded Hazmat & Tank Vehicles (X).
In summary, obtaining a CDL requires passing knowledge and skills tests, being at least 18 years old, and meeting different requirements depending on the type of vehicle you plan to operate. Don't forget to review the CDL Handbook and consider obtaining endorsements to expand your opportunities as a commercial driver.

Monday, March 27, 2023. News from FMCSA website
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has removed All-Ways Track ELD from the list of registered Electronic Logging Devices (ELD). FMCSA has placed All-Ways Track ELD on the Revoked Devices list due to the company’s failure to meet the minimum requirements established in 49 CFR part 395, subpart B, appendix A, effective March 27, 2023.

FMCSA will be sending an industry email to let motor carriers know that all who use All-Ways Track ELD must take the following steps:

1. Discontinue using the revoked ELD(s) and revert to paper logs or logging software to record required hours of service data.
2. Replace the revoked ELD(s) with compliant ELD(s) from the Registered Devices list before May 26, 2023.

Motor carriers have a period of up to 60 days to replace the revoked ELD(s) with compliant ELD(s). If the ELD provider corrects all identified deficiencies, FMCSA will place the ELD back on the list of registered devices and inform the industry and the field.
During this period, safety officials are encouraged not to cite drivers using All-Ways Track ELDs for 395.8(a)(1) – “No record of duty status” or 395.22(a) – “Failed to use a registered ELD.” During this time, safety officials should request the driver’s paper logs, logging software, or use the All-Ways Track ELD display as a back-up method to review the hours of service data.
Beginning May 26, 2023, motor carriers who continue to use the revoked ELD listed above would be considered to be operating without an ELD. Safety officials who encounter a driver using a revoked ELD on or after May 26, 2023 should cite 395.8(a)(1), and place the driver out-of-service (OOS) in accordance with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance OOS Criteria.
FMCSA strongly encourages motor carriers to take the actions listed above now to avoid compliance issues in the event that the deficiencies are not addressed in time.
For more information on ELDs, visit FMCSA’s ELD implementation website.