Ascertain which type of CDL you require (see Resources). There are three main classes of CDL -- A, B and C. Determined by Federal law, class A licenses are required for vehicles with a gross weight vehicle rating, or GVWR, of 26,001 lbs. or more that have at least one trailer with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or more. Drivers must hold class B licenses for single vehicles weighing more than 26,000 lbs. Class C licenses are required for vehicles weighing less than 26,001 lbs. that either require HazMat placards, or transport 16 or more people, including the motorist.
Determine whether or not you require endorsements (see Resources), such as class S for school buses or class P for vehicles that carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
Visit the most convenient DMV office in your state (see Resources) and inform them of any licenses and endorsements that you require -- you cannot carry out any practical CMV learning until you have obtained a learner's permit. Provide the DMV office with several documents, including your Social Security card, proof of identity, proof of residence and insurance details of the commercial vehicle that you will use to learn your commercial vehicle skills in. Pass a basic knowledge and vision test and pay for and collect your learner's permit. As an example, the fee in Maryland as of March 2011 is $90. This license is valid for six months.
Acquire a CMV in the class of vehicle which you are training for. For example, if you are trying to obtain a class B license, you will require a single vehicle with no trailers with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more. Hire a vehicle on a month-by-month basis to allow you to renew the vehicle for as long as you need it, or borrow one from your workplace, friends, family or colleagues. Find a holder of the relevant class of CDL who must accompany you in the cab while you learn to drive the CMV. This person must have held his CDL for at least two years and a regular driver's license for a minimum of five years.
Study the CDL guide from your state alongside your practical learning. Everything that is included on both the written and practical examination is provided in the CDL manual, so it is the most important resource available to you.
Visit your DMV office and apply to sit your full CDL exams. Undergo the written knowledge test in the class of CDL you are applying for -- for example, a class A test. Undergo any additional testing for endorsements. For example, federal law determines that drivers must pass additional knowledge and practical testing in order to gain their class S school bus endorsement.
Move on to the practical exams once you have finished your written tests. Provide a commercial vehicle in the relevant class in order to complete the practical tests. You must first complete a pre-trip inspection. Here, you are required to identify the basic safety and mechanical functions of the vehicle. Progress to the maneuvers test, where you have 10 minutes to complete each move. Finally, complete the road test, where you will be accompanied by an examiner in the passenger seat as you drive in real-life traffic.
Take your endorsed CDL examinations form -- which you will receive upon successful completion of all phases of testing -- back to your DMV office. Pay for and collect your full CDL and any endorsements you have applied and tested for. Drivers between 18 and 20 years old can only use their CDL in the state within which it was issued, while those over the age of 21 can use their license intrastate. This license is valid for five years before you must reapply for a new license.
