Massachusetts CDL Test Requirements and CDL Endorsement Test Info
Do I Need A Commercial Driver License?
If you live in Massachusetts and drive a Class A, B or C commercial vehicle, you must have a Massachusetts 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 a Massachusetts 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. The holder of a Class A license, which includes any appropriate endorsements, may operate all vehicles included in Class B, C, and D (Operator License).
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 B licensees, with appropriate endorsements, may drive all vehicles in Class C or D.
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 and may drive all vehicles in Class D.
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. There are fifty questions on the general knowledge test. You must get 40 correct to pass. 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 exam and a vision test, you will receive a CDL permit. The permit is valid for two years. You may only operate a vehicle for the same class permit that you hold. You must be accompanied by a licensed operator who holds a valid license with the correct class and endorsements for the vehicle you are operating. Your permit must be with you while you are operating the vehicle.
Once you have passed the written permit test, you must call the RMV Telephone Center (http://www.mass.gov/rmv/info/phone.htm) to schedule your road test. All road tests must be scheduled by the phone center. You may not make a road test appointment in person.
A road test is always required when applying for a CDL license with any selected endorsement. If you already have a Class D license and are applying for a Class C license, a road test is required only if you selected passenger and/or air brakes endorsements.
For all road tests, you are required to supply a properly equipped, legally registered and insured vehicle that has a valid inspection sticker. It also must be of the proper type and manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating for the class license you are applying for. It must pass a safety check by the examiner. If the vehicle is rented, you must provide the rental agreement and written permission on the rental company's letterhead authorizing use of the vehicle for a road test.
To take the road test, you must bring a sponsor who has a valid CDL license with the proper endorsements for the vehicle class you are using. Your sponsor must also have a current DOT Medical Certificate.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
You must be at least 18 years old to obtain in intrastate ( Massachusetts) CDL, and at least 21 years old to obtain an interstate CDL.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require drivers to pass a physical examination once every 2 years. 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 Should I Bring To The Registry Of Motor Vehicles?
To apply for your CDL permit, bring your current driver license, a Department of Transportation Physical Examination Form, and your social security card.
Bring the following to the road test: a completed application for your license, your valid CDL permit, your current driver license, a valid DOT medical certificate or medical waiver, your sponsor, and a properly equipped vehicle with proof of insurance coverage.
After you pass the road test, bring the stamped, signed permit and the appropriate fees to any RMV full service office to get your license.
What Fees Will I Have To Pay?
The fee for the general knowledge test is $30. Endorsement tests that you take at the same time as the general knowledge are $10 each. If you take a CDL endorsement test after the CDL permit or license has been issued, the fee will be $30. Each additional endorsement test you take during this same transaction will be an additional $10.
Where Can I Get More Information?
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
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles: http://www.mass.gov/rmv/
Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation and Construction: http://www.eot.state.ma.us
Massachusetts Highway Department: http://www.mass.gov/mhd/home.htm
Massachusetts CDL Permit and License: http://www.mass.gov/rmv/license/8cdl.htm
Massachusetts CDL Handbook: http://www.mass.gov/rmv/cdlmanual/index.htm
CDL Resources
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CDL Guide State DMVs Truck Driver Schools |
How to get a CDL Ohio CDL Texas CDL |
