Delaware CDL Test Requirements and CDL Endorsement Test Info

Do I Need A Commercial Driver License?

If you live in Delaware and drive a Class A, B or C commercial vehicle, you must have an Delaware Commercial Driver License (CDL).

CDL Endorsements are required for double/triple trailers, tanker vehicles, passenger vehicles and vehicles placarded for hazardous materials.

What Tests Do I Need To Take?

Don't know which endorsement you need? Just answer this question:

To operate a commercial vehicle in one of the following classifications, you must have an Delaware CDL Endorsement.

CLASS A - This classification applies only to "combination" vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) exceeding 26,000 pounds, provided the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed exceeds 10,000 pounds.

CLASS B - This class includes single or combination vehicles where the GVWR of the single vehicle exceeds 26,000 pounds. The vehicle in tow must not exceed 10,000 pounds.

CLASS C - Vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, and vehicles placarded for hazardous materials, that do not meet the criteria for Class A or B above fall under this classification.

Delaware has a special non-CDL license to identify farmers and firefighters who operate CMVs under the CDL waiver provisions. For further information, contact your local motor vehicle office.

All Delaware school bus drivers must have a CDL and to meet additional Delaware Department of Instruction school bus training and medical requirements. For further information, contact your local motor vehicle office.

About the CDL Knowledge Tests

You will have to take one or more knowledge tests, depending on what class of license and what endorsements you need. All CDL applicants must take the general knowledge test. The table below will tell you what additional tests you must take, if any.

Test Name Take If...
Passenger Transport ...you want to drive a bus
Air Brakes ...your vehicle has air brakes
Combination Vehicles ...you want to drive combination vehicles
Hazardous Materials ...you want to haul hazardous material or waste in amounts which require placarding
Tankers ...you want to haul liquids in bulk
Doubles/Triples ...you want to pull double or triple trailers

After you pass the written tests, you will be issued a CDL permit that will allow you to drive a CMV with a licensed CDL driver. You may only drive the type vehicle for which you have tested and only with a CDL driver qualified in the same type CMV. This permit is valid for six months.

Skills Tests

If you pass the required knowledge test(s), you can take the CDL skills tests. You must arrange for the skills test at the same motor vehicle office where you took the written tests. You must test in a vehicle that is representative of the one you will be driving. If the vehicle is not safe, is not insured, or is not registered, the motor vehicle examiner will be unable to administer the skills test.

There are three types of general skills that will be tested: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.

  1. Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection: You will be tested to see if you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle and explain to the examiner what you would inspect and why.
  2. Basic Vehicle Control: You will be tested on your skill to control the vehicle. You will be asked to move your vehicle forward, backward, and turn it within a defined area. These areas may be marked with traffic lanes, cones, barriers, or something similar. The examiner will tell you how each control test is to be done.
  3. On-road Test: You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your vehicle in a variety of traffic situations. The situations may include left and right turns, intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and down grades, and single or multi-lane roads, streets, or highways. The examiner will tell you where to drive.

What Are The Other Requirements For A CDL?

Applicants must:

The main physical requirements include good hearing, 20/40 vision with or without glasses or corrective lenses, and a 70-degree field of vision in each eye. Drivers must not be colorblind.

What Fees Will I Have To Pay?

The fee for a five-year CDL is $30.00. The fee to keep the expiration on your current license while you hold a CDL permit is $17.50.

Where Can I Get More Information?

To download the Delaware CDL Manual: http://www.dmv.de.gov/

For federal requirements for a CDL: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safetyprogs/cdl.htm

For medical requirements: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rulesregs/fmcsr/regs/391.43.htm

Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles: http://www.dmv.de.gov/

Delaware Department of Transportation: http://www.deldot.net/

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