Idaho CDL Test Requirements and CDL Endorsement Test Info

Do I Need A Commercial Driver License?

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

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

If you drive a commercial vehicle that falls into one of the following classifications, you must have an Idaho Commercial Driver License (CDL).

Class A - Combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is greater than 10,000 pounds. Drivers with a Class A license may, with the proper endorsements, operate vehicles requiring a Class B, C or D license.

Class B - Single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle 10,000 pounds GVWR or less. Drivers with a Class B license may, with the proper endorsements, operate vehicles requiring a Class C or D license.

Class C - Vehicles with a GVWR or GCWR less than 26,001 pounds. Class C is strictly for vehicles designed to carry 16 or more people (including the driver), or carry hazardous materials requiring the vehicle to display placards. A driver with a Class C license may also operate vehicles requiring a Class D license.

A Seasonal Commercial Driver's License is available to qualified seasonal drivers for certain farm-related service industries such as custom harvesters, farm retail outlets and suppliers, agri-chemical businesses, and livestock feeders. The Seasonal CDL is only valid within 150 miles of the business or farm being serviced. It is valid (with a Class D license) for 180 days in a 12 month period, and can only be obtained twice in a lifetime. It is not valid for driving Class A (combination) vehicles or passenger vehicles designed to carry 16 or more people including the driver. It is not valid for driving vehicles carrying hazardous materials requiring placards except for diesel fuel in quantities of 1,000 gallons or less, liquid fertilizers in vehicles or implements of husbandry with total capacities of 3,000 gallons or less, or solid fertilizers that are not mixed or transported with any organic substance.

There are four categories of CDL exemptions.

• Recreational vehicle exemption - applies to drivers of vehicles used exclusively to transport personal possessions or family members for non-business or recreational purposes.
• Military vehicle exemption - applies to military vehicle operators who are considered active-duty military personnel and to civilians who are required to wear uniforms and are subject to the Code of Military Justice.
• Emergency vehicle exemption - applies to drivers of fire fighting or other emergency equipment used in response to emergencies involving the preservation of life or property.
• Farm vehicle exemption - applies to drivers of farm vehicles, including family members and farm hands, under certain conditions only. The farm exemption applies to drivers of farm vehicles that are:

1. Controlled and operated by the farmer,

2. Used to transport agricultural products, supplies, and machinery to or from a farm,

3. Not used in common or contract carrier operations, and

4. Not driven more than 150 miles ("as the crow flies") from the farm.

The farm exemption is intended for small farm-to-market operations only. It does not extend beyond the boundaries of Idaho. It does not include farmers who are transporting other farmers' products if they are receiving any compensation for the services.

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.

Skills Tests

If you pass the required knowledge test(s), you can take the CDL skills tests. There are three types of general skills that will be tested: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You must take these tests in the type of vehicle for which you wish to be licensed.

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 be at least 18 years old and either have a valid Idaho non-commercial license (Class D) or have passed all tests required to obtain one. Applicants may be able to take the Class D license tests and CDL tests at the same time. However, applicants must have one year of driving experience in order to obtain a CDL.

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 Paperwork Do I Need?

To apply for your CDL, take your current driver license and social security card to your county sheriff's office. When you go to the skills tester after you pass the written tests, you will need to take identification, proof of insurance, and your receipts showing you have passed the written tests and paid the skills test fee.

What Fees Will I Have To Pay?

CDL fees are as follows:

CDL license (4-year): $28.50

Endorsement addition (after issuance of a CDL): $11.50

Written tests (each): $ 3.00

Skills test ($5 to Driver's License Office, $50 to Skills Tester): $55.00

Where Can I Get More Information?

To download the Idaho CDL Manual: http://itd.idaho.gov/dmv/DriverServices/documents/cdl_manual.pdf

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

For medical requirements: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/medical.htm

Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles: http://itd.idaho.gov/dmv/driverservices/ds.htm

Idaho Trucking: http://trucking.idaho.gov/

Idaho Department of Transportation: http://itd.idaho.gov/

• General Knowledge
• Passenger Transport/School Bus
• Air Brakes
• Combination Vehicles
• Doubles/Triples
• Tankers
• Hazardous Materials
• Pre-Trip Walk Around Inspection