The CDL Manual by State: Everything You Need to Know

Are you ready to average over $81,997 per year with numerous career and employment benefits? Then it’s time to start working on a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

A CDL allows you to drive commercial trucks, buses, and other assorted large vehicles. The licensing process is straightforward, but it’s also very exact with the highest safety and professional standards in mind.

You’ll have to meet national CDL requirements, and successfully complete your state’s testing and training programs. Our guide has all the general information you need, along with links to every CDL manual by state so you can look up your resident-specific requirements.

National CDL Requirements

Federal guidelines are a baseline every state must meet. There are no states that allow 17-year-olds to hold a CDL, for example, because the national age requirement is a minimum of 18 years old.

Other requirements include:

A valid driver’s license (non-commercial)
1-2 years driving experience
Proof of citizenship or lawful residency
Medical certification
Cleared background check
English language proficiency (CDL tests are English-only)
Driver’s license history
Proof of state residency
Knowledge and skills test

The knowledge and skills test will be administered by your state licensing office. Drivers must also complete the training programs through the state.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) maintains an official registry of approved training providers. A provider must have FMSCA approval for their training program to be valid.

Additionally, drivers must be at least 21 years of age to:

Drive across state lines (interstate travel)
Hold a hazardous material (hazmat) endorsement

Drivers with a hazmat endorsement must also:

Pass the hazmat knowledge exam
Pass the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security threat assessment
Submit their fingerprints to the official database

These basic requirements are just the first step. You can still be disqualified based on certain factors. You may also face state standards that are stricter than federal minimums.

National CDL Disqualifications

Disqualifying factors can prevent you from applying for a CDL license. They can also result in suspension/permanent revocation once you have your license.

To keep yourself and other drivers safe on the road, you must pass DoT’s medical qualifications. The medical certification process will examine your:

Vision
Hearing
Blood pressure
Blood sugar
Misc. major health concerns (diabetes, seizures, limb loss, drug/alcohol abuse, etc.)

Some medical issues may be conditionally approved/disapproved. This depends on the issue’s severity and the management options. Other conditions can result in an automatic disqualification.

Unlawful behavior is another disqualifier, particularly if it pertains to driving:

Using a vehicle to commit felony drug trafficking
Any human trafficking conviction
Major traffic violations (DUIs, fleeing the scene, negligent driving fatality, etc.)
Serious traffic violations (excess speed, reckless driving, tailgating, etc.)
Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing (RRHGC) offenses
Violating Out-of-Service Orders (OOSOs)

It’s also illegal to hold multiple CDL licenses from different states. This prevents people from hiding violations on their driving records.

CDL License Basics

There are three main steps to obtaining a CDL license:

Qualify for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
Complete a training program
Pass a CDL test

Every state has a CDL manual outlining the specific way to complete these steps. This will include how to obtain the license class and endorsements you need for your job.

There are three CDL license classifications:

Class A (18-wheelers, flatbeds, livestock carriers, etc.)
Class B: (large buses, dump trucks, box trucks, motor homes, etc.)
Class C: (small hazmat trucks, passenger vans, tow trucks, etc.)

Some vehicles require both a specific class and endorsement to operate. There are six endorsements used by the FMCSA:

T: Double/Triple Trailers
P: Passenger
N: Tank vehicle
H: Hazardous materials
X: Tank and hazmat combination
S: School Bus

Your state CDL training and testing will depend on the class and endorsements you need. Thankfully, if you hold a Class A license, you won’t have to train and test again for Class B and C. The Class B license likewise covers Class C vehicles.

State CDL Training

FMSCA approval is based on several factors. The program must meet the federal criteria for:

Curriculum
Facilities
Vehicles
Instructors
Recordkeeping

The training provider must also meet state standards. This includes any state laws or regulations that grant the legal authorization to run a training program, such as licensing and certifications.

Training program structure can vary between training providers. Notable differences include:

Cost
Program length
Class schedule
Part-time or full-time classes
Instruction method (in-class, online, or hybrid)
Available facilities and vehicles

The provider type will affect these variables, so make sure to research all your available options. Training providers generally include private trucking schools and community colleges.

You can also find training programs through commercial trucking companies. Many of these companies offer hiring programs alongside training as an incentive.

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Effective February 7, 2022, entry-level drivers are now required to complete an ELDT program. Entry-level applies to:

First-time Class A or B CDL applicants
Current Class A or B license upgrades
First-time S, P, or H endorsement applicants

If you accomplished any of these prior to February 7, you aren’t required to complete the ELDT. Certain exemptions can also apply.

CDL License Restrictions

Along with endorsements, you may have certain license restrictions. FMSCA has seven basic restrictions:

L: Air brakes
Z: Hydraulic brakes
E: Manual transmissions
O: Fifth wheels
M: Class A license restricted to Class B or C passenger vehicles and school buses
N: Class B license restricted to Class C passenger vehicles or school buses
V: Medical variances

A restriction prevents you from legally driving under certain conditions. They’re based on the vehicle you use during CDL testing, with the exception of medical variances.

A class E restriction, for example, prohibits you from operating any CMV with a manual transmission. You gain the E restriction by taking the skills test in an automatic vehicle.

States can have their own additional endorsement or restriction codes. For instance, Texas places an A restriction on any license for drivers who wear corrective lenses.

CDL State Testing

CDL testing is similar to a regular driver’s license test. There are two main parts: a written knowledge test and a hands-on skills test.

The knowledge test will include at least three sections:

General knowledge
Air brake systems
Applicable endorsement test(s)

The skills section will include a demonstration in three main areas:

Vehicle inspection
Basic control skills
Road driving

The CDL testing process is exceedingly difficult to pass without preparation. It takes many hours of study and practice, especially if you aren’t used to handling large vehicles.

Preparing for CDL Exams

Your knowledge and skills test preparation will be different from each other. The knowledge test prep is mostly good old-fashioned studying. Your skills test prep, by contrast, will include hands-on practice through your training program.

Knowledge Test Prep

You can easily study for the knowledge test using free resources and tools to enhance your classroom instruction. Study tools include:

Study guides
Lessons
Flashcards
Informative articles

Cramming and simply reading over the material are two popular study strategies. These strategies are actually some of the least effective, however. Cramming can even be counter-productive.

A more effective strategy combines a variety of tools with different learning methods. This helps your brain retain information in your long-term memory, which is vital to becoming a CMV driver.

Study Guides

Study guides keep all the test material organized. These handy tools are also helpful for:

Creating study session timetables
Simplifying complex info
Learning overall concepts

This tool also helps you avoid wasting study sessions on non-tested info. Students with a study guide can more effectively strategize their learning path.

Lessons

Lessons are a dynamic study tool that directly measures your performance. As you go through the material, new lessons are based on the areas where you need more study. This helps you more effectively manage your time and study strategy.

Flashcards

Study flashcards are a popular learning tool, even though many students don’t even know why it’s so effective. Flashcards use retrieval practice, which makes you recall info instead of recognizing it. Research shows retrieval practice is one of the best ways to put info into your long-term memory.

Articles

Informative articles are a surprisingly great tool for enhanced learning. They can:

Include graphs, visuals, and videos
Add background info or context
Create quick reference guides
Inform areas that are vague or confusing
Stay up-to-date on test/industry changes

If you struggle with a math concept, for example, info articles can give you a handy formula reference sheet or explain how the skills apply to real-world job problems. This helps you retain info that’s otherwise vague or abstract.

CDL Practice Tests

Practice tests are one of the best study tools to employ. Research has consistently shown that students who use practice tests increase their exam scores. This is due to:

Direct test performance feedback
Familiarity with test questions and format
Reduction in test anxiety
Lowered test-taking time
Improved test-taking skills
Reduction in educational background gaps

Practice tests are the ultimate test performance booster. Using practice tests in combination with other great study tools will help you master the CDL state testing process quickly and effectively.

Skills Test Prep

You can study the basic skills test information using the same strategy as the knowledge test. However, actual practice can only be completed through on-the-road training.

A CLP is required for student drivers. You must also hold a CLP for at least 14 days prior to CDL testing.

Many states require a certain amount of driving hours before testing. California, for example, requires at least 15 hours of official driving practice.

Not everyone is comfortable handling large vehicles right away. If you feel you need more road practice, look for training programs that offer flexible and/or enhanced student driving opportunities.

CDL Manual by State

Your state’s CDL manual will include all the information you need to obtain your CDL license. This includes:

Process steps
Relevant laws and regulations
Official definitions
Training requirements
Testing parameters
Safety rules

You can find your state’s official CDL manual by using our convenient list below. Always double-check with official sources (DMVs, .edu, or .gov sites) before using a CDL manual.

Your Career Journey Starts Here!

A CDL license is the key to an exciting career in the transport industry. Getting your license can seem tricky, but it’s a straightforward process once you know the general info and you access your CDL manual by state.

Feeling overwhelmed by all of the content in your state’s manual? We can help! Our CDL cram course is a dynamic, personalized study tool that helps you learn the information you need to know in the time you have to study. No matter how you choose to learn the CDL information you need to know for test day, congratulations on taking the next step towards a rewarding new career in trucking!