Oregon CDL Test Requirements and Endorsements

Who Needs a CDL?

Anyone who plans on operating a Class A, B, or C commercial vehicle in the State of Oregon will need to secure an Oregon commercial driver's license. If you wish to operate double/triple trailers, tanker vehicles, passenger vehicles, or vehicles placarded for hazardous materials, then you'll find it necessary to obtain endorsements.

• Class A License - You'll need to earn this license to legally operate combination vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) that exceeds 26,000 pounds, as long as the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is more than 10,000 pounds. The holder of a Class A license can operate Class B, C, and D vehicles.
• Class B License - Earn this license to operate single or combination vehicles where the GVWR of the single vehicle exceeds 26,000 pounds. The vehicle being towed must not exceed 10,000 pounds. With this license, you can also drive vehicles in Class C or D.
• Class C License - This license will allow you to drive vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, as well as vehicles placarded for hazardous materials. With this license, you may also operate vehicle in Class D.

Knowledge and Skills Tests

The CDL process will begin with one or more knowledge tests, depending on what type of license and/or endorsement(s) you are trying to secure. You will not need an appointment for this assessment. Then, if you successfully pass this test, you will move on to a skills test, in which you will be judged on the following: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You will need to take the skills test in the type of vehicle for which you wish to become licensed to drive.

Oregon CDL 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 must know if the vehicle is safe to drive. You will have to inspect the vehicle and tell the examiner what you're doing and why.
• Basic Vehicle Control-Can you properly control your vehicle? You will be asked to move the vehicle forward, backward, and turn it within a defined area.
• On-Road Test - You will be tested to see if you can safely drive the vehicle in various traffic situations, including: intersections, railway crossings, curves, and more.

Other CDL Requirements

There are other requirements that must be met to fully obtain a CDL. You will need to pass a physical exam every two years. You will need to possess good hearing, 20/40 vision, and a 70-degree field of vision in each eye. Drivers must not be colorblind.

Going to the DMV

When you go to the DMV, make sure you have the following documents: a current driver's license, a Department of Transportation Physical Examination Form, and your social security card.

Oregon ID and Required Documents

DMV Fees

You will have to pay for your tests in advance. You may wish to bring two forms of payment, in the case you fail one of the tests. Depending on what county you reside in, pricing may change. For a current list of fees, visit the Oregon DMV.

Driver's License Info on Oregon's Official DMV Website

More Information

Oregon CDL Manual: Oregon CDL Driver's Handbook

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

For Medical Requirements for a CDL: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/medical.htm