Army COOL Snapshot - Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

The following Army Occupations provide training and/or experience that contributes to attaining this credential. Please review the "Civilian" tab, if present, for information about which DOL Job Families this credential falls under.

Personnel Category	Occupation	Occupation Type	Related As	CA Eligible	Promotion Points	Skill Level	Star
Enlisted	12B Combat Engineer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points	Skill Level III	Star
Enlisted	12C Bridge Crewmember	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	12D Diver	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	12G Quarrying Specialist (RC)	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	12H Construction Engineering Supervisor	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	12K Plumber	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	12M Firefighter	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	12N Horizontal Construction Engineer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	12P Prime Power Production Specialist	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	12Q Powerline Distribution Specialist (RC)	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	12R Interior Electrician	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	12T Technical Engineer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	12V Concrete and Asphalt Equipment Operator	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	12W Carpentry and Masonry Specialist	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	12Y Geospatial Engineer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	12Z Combat Engineering Senior Sergeant	MOS	Other	CA Eligible
Enlisted	13B Cannon Crewmember	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	13F Joint Fire Support Specialist	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	13M Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)/High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HiMARS) Crewmember	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	14E PATRIOT Fire Control Enhanced Operator/Maintainer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	14G Air Defense (AD) Battle Management System Operator	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	14P Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Crewmember	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	14T PATRIOT Launching Station Enhanced Operator/Maintainer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	15B Aircraft Powerplant Repairer	MOS	Other	CA Eligible
Enlisted	15D Aircraft Powertrain Repairer	MOS	Other	CA Eligible
Enlisted	15F Aircraft Electrician	MOS	Other	CA Eligible
Enlisted	15G Aircraft Structural Repairer	MOS	Other	CA Eligible
Enlisted	15H Aircraft Pneudraulics Repairer	MOS	Other	CA Eligible
Enlisted	15N Avionic Mechanic	MOS	Other	CA Eligible
Enlisted	15R AH-64 Attack Helicopter Repairer	MOS	Other	CA Eligible
Enlisted	15T UH-60 Helicopter Repairer	MOS	Other	CA Eligible
Enlisted	15U CH-47 Helicopter Repairer	MOS	Other	CA Eligible
Enlisted	15Y AH-64 Armament/Electrical/Avionics Systems Repairer	MOS	Other	CA Eligible
Enlisted	19D Cavalry Scout	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	19K M1 Armor Crewman	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	74D Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Specialist	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	88H Cargo Specialist	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	88L Watercraft Engineer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	88M Motor Transport Operator	MOS	Most	CA Eligible	Promo Points	Skill Level I	Star
Enlisted	88N Transportation Management Coordinator	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	89A Ammunition Stock Control and Accounting Specialist	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	89B Ammunition Specialist	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	91A M1 Abrams Tank System Maintainer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	91B Wheeled Vehicle Repairer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	91C Utilities Equipment Repairer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	91D Tactical Power Generation Specialist	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	91E Allied Trades Specialist	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	91F Small Arms/Towed Artillery Repairer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	91H Tracked Vehicle Repairer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	91J Quartermaster and Chemical Equipment Repairer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	91L Construction Equipment Repairer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	91M BRADLEY Fighting Vehicle System Maintainer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	91P Self Propelled Artillery Systems Maintainer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	91S STRYKER Systems Maintainer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	91X Maintenance Supervisor	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	91Z Senior Maintenance Supervisor	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	92F Petroleum Supply Specialist	MOS	Most	CA Eligible	Promo Points	Skill Level I
Enlisted	92L Petroleum Laboratory Specialist	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	92M Mortuary Affairs Specialist	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	92R Parachute Rigger	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	92W Water Treatment Specialist	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	94A Land Combat Electronic Missile System Repairer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	94D Air Traffic Control Equipment Repairer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	94E Radio Equipment Repairer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	94H Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) Maintenance Support Specialist	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	94M Radar Repairer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	94P Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Repairer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	94R Avionic and Survivability Equipment Repairer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	94S PATRIOT System Repairer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	94T Short Range Air Defense System Repairer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	94W Electronic Maintenance Supervisor	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	94Y Automatic Test Systems Operator/Maintainer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	94Z Senior Electronic Maintenance Supervisor	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	B6 Combat Engineer Heavy Track	ASI	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	C3 Well Drilling	ASI	Some	CA Eligible
Enlisted	Soldier Common Core	MOS	Some	CA Eligible
Warrant Officer	140K Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Systems Tactician	WOMOS	Some	CA Eligible
Warrant Officer	140L Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Systems Technician	WOMOS	Some	CA Eligible
Officer	52B Nuclear and Counterproliferation	AOC	Other	CA Eligible
Officer	74A Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN)	AOC	Other	CA Eligible
Warrant Officer	880A Marine Deck Officer	WOMOS	Some	CA Eligible
Warrant Officer	881A Marine Engineering Officer	WOMOS	Some	CA Eligible
Warrant Officer	882A Mobility Officer	WOMOS	Some	CA Eligible
Warrant Officer	890A Ammunition Warrant Officer	WOMOS	Some	CA Eligible
Warrant Officer	913A Armament Systems Maintenance Warrant Officer	WOMOS	Some	CA Eligible
Warrant Officer	914A Allied Trades Warrant Officer	WOMOS	Some	CA Eligible
Warrant Officer	915A Automotive Maintenance Warrant Officer	WOMOS	Some	CA Eligible
Warrant Officer	915E Senior Automotive Maintenance Warrant Officer/Senior Ordnance Logistics Warrant Officer	WOMOS	Some	CA Eligible
Warrant Officer	919A Engineer Equipment Maintenance Warrant Officer	WOMOS	Some	CA Eligible
Warrant Officer	923A Petroleum Technician	WOMOS	Some	CA Eligible
Officer	92A Quartermaster, General	AOC	Other	CA Eligible
Warrant Officer	948B Electronic Systems Maintenance Warrant Officer	WOMOS	Some	CA Eligible
Warrant Officer	948D Electronic Missile Systems Maintenance Warrant Officer	WOMOS	Some	CA Eligible
Warrant Officer	948E Senior Electronics Maintenance Warrant Officer	WOMOS	Some	CA Eligible

This credential is related to the following DOL Job Families:

	Civilian Job	Job Family	Bright Outlook	Registered Apprenticeship	Local Salary Info
	Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers	Transportation and Material Moving	Bright Outlook	Apprenticeship	find local salary

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Attainability:

Eligibility Requirements (View Details)

Credential Prerequisite
Experience
Education
Training
Membership
Other
Fee

Note: This credential may have multiple options for a Service member to meet eligibility requirements. Requirements listed here are based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.

Exam Requirements (View Details)

Exam
Written Exam
Oral Exam
SKILL TEST
Performance Assessment

RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY

Renewal Period

Continuing Education
Exam
Continuing Education OR Exam
Fee
Other

AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

United States Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20590

Phone: (202) 366-4000

Contact Page

Other REQUIREMENTS

The Commercial Driver's License (CDL) credential has the following other requirements:

Step 1: Obtain the Commercial Learners Permit (CLP):
- Applicants must meet the state's medical qualifications.
- Applicants must meet the state's proof of name and residency requirement.
- Applicants must pass knowledge tests for the type of vehicle and kind of driving they want to get the license for.

Step 2: Obtain the Commercial Driver's License (CDL):
- Applicants must have a valid operator (non-CDL) driver's license, and have passed such vision, sign/symbol, and knowledge tests as the state issuing the learner's permit ordinarily administers to applicants for operator (non-CDL) drivers' licenses.
- Applicants must possess the CLP for 14 days before taking the skills test.
- Applicants must successfully complete CDL training prior to testing if required by the state.
- Applicants must pass all three parts of the skills test: Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Controls Test, and Road Test.

States develop their own knowledge and skills tests, which must meet the minimum Federal standards in 49 CFR Part 383 Subpart G and Subpart H. The specific types of items that a state must include in the knowledge and skills tests that it administers to CDL applicants are included in this section. The skills tests must be taken in a vehicle representative of the type of vehicle that the applicant operates or expects to operate.

Show Written Exam Requirements / Hide Written Exam Requirements

Knowledge Test General

All CMV operators must have knowledge of the following 20 general areas.

Safe operations regulations
Safe vehicle control systems
CMV safety control systems
Basic control
Shifting
Backing
Visual search
Communication
Speed management
Space management
Night operation
Extreme driving conditions
Hazard perceptions
Emergency maneuvers
Relationship of cargo to vehicle control
Vehicle inspections
Hazardous materials
Mountain driving
Fatigue and awareness
Skid control and recovery

Knowledge Test Air Brakes

All CMV drivers operating vehicles equipped with Air brakes must have knowledge of the following 7 areas:

General air brake system nomenclature
The dangers of contaminated air supply (dirt, moisture, and oil)
Implications of severed or disconnected air lines between the power unit and the trailer's
Implications of low air pressure readings
Procedures to conduct safe and accurate pre-trip inspections
Procedures for conducting en route and post-trip inspections of air-actuated brake systems
General operating practices and procedures

Knowledge Test Combination Vehicles

All CMV drivers operating combination vehicles must have knowledge of the following 3 areas:

Coupling and uncoupling
Vehicle inspection
General operating practices and procedures

Knowledge Test Double/Triple Trailers Endorsement

To obtain a double/triple trailer endorsement, each applicant must have knowledge covering the following:

Procedures for assembly and hookup of the units
Proper placement of heaviest trailer
Handling and stability characteristics including off-tracking, response to steering, sensory feedback, braking, oscillatory sway, rollover in steady turns, and yaw stability in steady turns
Potential problems in traffic operations, including problems the motor vehicle creates for other motorists due to slower speeds on steep grades, longer passing times, possibility for blocking entry of other motor vehicles on freeways, splash and spray impacts, aerodynamic buffeting, view blockages, and lateral placement
Operating practices and procedures not otherwise specified

Knowledge Test Tank Vehicle Endorsement

To obtain a tank vehicle endorsement, each applicant must have knowledge covering the following:

Causes, prevention, and effects of cargo surge on motor vehicle handling
Proper braking procedures for the motor vehicle when it is empty, full and partially full
Differences in handling of baffled/compartmented tank interiors versus non-baffled motor vehicles
Differences in tank vehicle type and construction
Differences in cargo surge for liquids of varying product densities
Effects of road grade and curvature on motor vehicle handling with filled, half-filled and empty tanks
Proper use of emergency systems
For drivers of DOT specification tank vehicles, retest and marking requirements
Operating practices and procedures not otherwise specified

Knowledge Test Hazardous Materials Endorsement

To obtain a hazardous material endorsement each applicant must have such knowledge as is required of a driver of a hazardous materials laden vehicle, from information contained in 49 CFR parts 171, 172, 173, 177, 178, and 397 on the following:

Hazardous materials handling
Operation of emergency equipment
Emergency response procedures
Operating practices and procedures not otherwise specified.

Knowledge and Skill Test Passenger Endorsement

An applicant for the passenger endorsement must satisfy both of the following additional knowledge and skills test requirements:

Knowledge test
- Proper procedures for loading/unloading passengers
- Proper use of emergency exits, including push-out windows
- Proper responses to such emergency situations as fires and unruly passengers
- Proper procedures at railroad-highway grade crossings and drawbridges
- Proper braking procedure
- Operating practices and procedures not otherwise specified
Skills test
- To obtain a passenger endorsement applicable to a specific vehicle class or group, an applicant must take his/her skills test in a passenger vehicle satisfying the requirements of that vehicle class or group as defined in Commercial Motor Vehicle Groups.

Knowledge and Skill Test School Bus Endorsement

To qualify for the school bus endorsement, the candidate must demonstrate the following knowledge and skills:

Knowledge test
- Loading and unloading children, including the safe operation of stop signal devices, external mirror systems, flashing lights, and other warning and passenger safety devices required for school buses by State or Federal law or regulation
- Emergency exits and procedures for safely evacuating passengers in an emergency
- State and Federal laws and regulations related to safely traversing railroad-highway rail grade crossings
- Operating practices and procedures not otherwise specified
Skills test
- Must take a driving skills test in a school bus of the same vehicle group as the school bus applicant will drive

Show SKILL TEST Requirements / Hide SKILL TEST Requirements

Skill Test General

Skills tests are conducted in on-street conditions or under a combination of on-street and off-street conditions. States may utilize simulators to perform skills testing, but under no circumstances as a substitute for the required testing in on-street conditions. Applicants for a CDL must possess the following basic skills for the vehicle class that the driver operates or expects to operate:

Pre-trip vehicle inspection skills
Basic vehicle control skills
Safe on-road driving skills

Skill Test Air Brake Equipped Test Vehicles

Applicants for a CDL must possess the following basic skills for the vehicle class that the driver operates or expects to operate. Skills tests are conducted in on-street conditions or under a combination of on-street and off-street conditions. States may utilize simulators to perform skills testing, but under no circumstances as a substitute for the required testing in on-street conditions.

Locate and verbally identify air brake operating controls and monitoring devices
Determine the motor vehicle's brake system condition for proper adjustments and that air system connections between motor vehicles have been properly made and secured
Inspect the low pressure warning device(s) to ensure that they will activate in emergency situations
With the engine running, make sure that the system maintains an adequate supply of compressed air
Determine that required minimum air pressure build up time is within acceptable limits and that required alarms and emergency devices automatically deactivate at the proper pressure level
Operationally check the brake system for proper performance

Skill Test Passenger Endorsement

To obtain a passenger endorsement applicable to a specific vehicle class, an applicant must take his/her skills test in a passenger vehicle satisfying the requirements of that vehicle group as defined in Subpart F - Vehicle groups and endorsements.

Skill Test School Bus Endorsement

Must take a driving skills test in a school bus of the same vehicle group as the school bus applicant will drive.

Exam Preparation Resources

There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) examination:

Best Sources

Legislation
- Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Regulations

An additional resource is O'Reilly Learning Safari Books Online, a searchable digital library that provides online access to thousands of books, training videos and conference sessions. See the Educational Resources section on the Related Sites page here on COOL to learn how to get free access.

RECERTIFICATION

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

The Commercial Driver's License (CDL) credential has the following recertification information:

The CDL period of validity and recertification requirements vary by state. Per federal regulation, the CDL can be valid for no more than eight years from the date of issuance.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS for the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) include:

The U.S. Department of Transportation requires all commercial drivers of vehicles in interstate commerce with a maximum gross vehicle weight rating of over 10,000 pounds (4,536 kilograms) to obtain and maintain a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate (ME Certificate). CDL holders must provide their State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA) with a copy of their ME Certificate. CDL drivers, who do not update the expiration date of their ME Certificate with their state will have their commercial driving privileges downgraded and will not be eligible to drive a CMV that requires a CDL.

All CDL holders must also declare to their SDLA that they only operate or expect to operate commercially in one of four possible categories with their CDL in order to determine their medical self-certification status. CDL holders, who are found driving in a category other than one to which they self-certified, are subject to suspension or revocation of their commercial driving privileges.

Additional information, including state-by-state instructions for submitting ME Certificates and the self-certification process, can be found on the FMCSA website.
Drivers with physical impairments, which affect the ability to safely operate CMVs, must obtain a "variance" from the state in order to be approved to drive commercially. The variance document must be carried with the commercial driver whenever they are operating a CMV.

Show All / Hide All

FMCSA's Military Skills Test Waiver Program and Even Exchange Program (Knowledge Test Waiver) make it easier, quicker, and less expensive for experienced military drivers to obtain Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs).

Military Skills Waiver

Every state and the District of Columbia now offer the Military Skills Test Waiver program, which allows active duty Service members and Veterans within one year of discharge to substitute two years of safe driving experience in military equivalents of commercial vehicles for the CDL skills (driving) test. If the candidate qualifies, they can use the Commercial Driver License (CDL) Skills Test Waiver Form or a state version of the form when they apply for a state CDL. See the information below the map for details about the specific waiver qualifications.

Some states have updated their web sites with waiver program information, while others have not.

In the map below:

Dark green states have waiver program information on their web sites. Click the state to open a browser tab displaying that state’s waiver information.
Light green states do not yet have waiver program information on their web sites, although they do have approved waiver programs. Click the state to open a browser tab displaying that state’s commercial driver licensing information. Look on the state web site for contact information to learn what you need to do for that state to submit your waiver form.

In May, 2011, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration finalized the commercial learner's permit rule. Within that rule is a special military provision that gives state driver licensing agencies the authority to substitute two years of safe driving experience in military equivalents of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) for the skills test portion for the CDL. This waiver may be used by Service members who have the following:

A safe driving record during the two-year period prior to applying for the CDL
Two years of experience operating a military vehicle of the type of CMV for which the Service member or Veteran seeks a CDL
Regular employment in a military position requiring operation of a CMV within one year prior to applying for the CDL (revised from 90 days to one year, as of July 8, 2014)

Qualified Service members can use the Commercial Driver License Skills Test Waiver form (or a state adaptation of that form) to apply for a state CDL.

Note: CDL knowledge (written) tests cannot be waived. The transfer of school bus and/or passenger endorsements under this waiver program also is not allowed. Click on a state in the map above for additional information on specific state CDL requirements.

Military Even Exchange

The Even Exchange Program (Knowledge Test Waiver) allows qualified military drivers to be exempt from the knowledge test for obtaining a CDL. When used with the Military Skills Test Waiver, this allows a driver to exchange a military license for a CDL. Additional information, including participating states, can be found on the FMCSA Military Drivers Program webpage.