To get obtain a commercial drivers license you have to be able to drive a big rig, but that’s only part of the requirements. Drug and alcohol testing is mandatory and the driver must be in good enough health to pass a Department of Transportation physical. Some states require drivers to pass a truck driving course before taking the test to obtain their commercial drivers license, while others allow drivers to take the test after they have had their commercial permit for as little as three months.
Obtain a Permit
Stop by any Department of Motor Vehicles office in your state to pick up a booklet that explains your state’s commercial driver’s license requirements. Every truck driver is required to pass a knowledge test before they get a permit that gives them permission to drive a big rig on a temporary basis so that they can practice truck driving before taking their drive test. This amount of questions on this test varies by state, but states are required to ask at least 30 questions and the driver must answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly to obtain their permit. Topics covered on this test may include:
Vehicle inspection
Night driving
Communication
Securing cargo
Railroad Crossings and more.
Take the Behind-the-Wheel Test
Most DMVs require truck drivers to schedule their behind-the-wheel tests in advance, so it’s smart to think about when you’ll be ready and make an appointment about a month before you expect to take the test. Driving the truck is part of the commercial driver’s license requirements, but the test usually begins with the driver performing a pre-trip inspection on the vehicle. The driver should explain everything they are looking for to the instructor while they are inspecting the vehicle before driving. The instructor may ask questions during the inspection.
The next part of the test involves truck driving. The driver will be asked to demonstrate their skills in controlling the vehicle before they actually drive on the road. Most of the time the instructor will take the prospective driver to a designated area where cones will be set up. The driver will be asked to move the vehicle forward and backward as well as turn it in either direction. The driver should listen carefully to the instructor and follow instructions carefully to pass this portion of the test. This test is generally followed by a road test where the driver is instructed to take the truck out on the road and follow the instructor’s directions. The driver must pass as three of these tests using the type of vehicle they want to drive before they are given a commercial license.
Medical Requirements
Medical and physical fitness is an important part of the commercial driver’s license requirements in every state. Drivers are required to pass a physical conducted by a licensed examiner. Most primary care doctors are able to conduct a DOT physical. The examiner will give each driver who passes their physical a medical card that is valid for up to 24 months. Drivers will be tested for a variety of medical conditions. Their eyesight and hearing will be tested, as well as their blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Drivers must be physically able to drive, and their agility will be tested. Drivers may be given a medical card that is valid for less than 24 months if they have a medical condition that could disqualify them from operating a commercial motor vehicle if it is not properly treated or corrected.
Additional Requirements
Drivers should note that they are only allowed to obtain one commercial drivers license and it should be obtained in their home state. Drivers who obtain a license in more than one state will be required to surrender their additional licenses and may face a steep fine.
All CDL drivers are required to notify their employer within 30 days if they are convicted of any traffic violations, even if they were driving their personal vehicle. This does not include parking tickets.
Drivers are also required to notify the DMV in their home state within 30 days if they are convicted of a traffic violation in any state other than their home state. Drivers must notify their employer immediately if their commercial driving privileges are revoked, canceled, suspended or disqualified for any reason.