Required CDL Endorsements

Many applicants for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) are often confused by federal and state requirements to apply for a CDL. When a person gets any CDL, they take the General Knowledge Test and the tests for any endorsement(s) they want or need for the Class A, B or C license.

Depending on the vehicle you will be driving the following CDL Endorsements may be required with one or more skills tests.

Endorsements include:
-T: Double/Triple Trailers: Pulling, Coupling and Inspecting
-P: Transporting Passenger: Danger Zones, Emergencies, Antilock Braking Systems
-N: Tank Vehicle: Safe Driving and Inspecting Tanks
-H: Hazardous Materials: Regulations, Responsibilities and Emergencies
-X: Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials

In addition, here are the basic requirements:

• Residency in the state in which you will be licensed
• Being at least 18 years of age to drive within your own state and at least 21 years of age to drive out-of-state
• A medical exam, vision screening, and drug test
• Proof of your social security number
• No active driver's license suspensions or revocations in any state
• Passing all applicable background screens
• Surrendering your state driver license once you earn a CDL

The federal standard requires states to issue a CDL to drivers according to license classifications. Here are the Class designations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration:

• Class A -- Any combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
• Class B -- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.
• Class C -- Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is placarded for hazardous materials.