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WHAT IS A CDL?

A "CDL" is a Commercial Drivers License. It meets certain "standards" that are the same for every state. It differs from your North Carolina "operator's" or "chauffeur's" licenses. It is required if you drive certain kinds of commercial vehicles either within North Carolina or outside of North Carolina.

WHAT IS THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ACT OF 1986 (CMVSA/86)?

It is a law passed by the United States Congress which requires ALL the individual states to comply with certain standards in regards to the licensing of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. North Carolina driver licensing standards comply with the law, requiring CMV drivers to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) when driving applicable vehicles. A CDL license can ONLY be issued in the driver's STATE OF LEGAL RESIDENCE, and if you have a CDL, you can have NO OTHER DRIVER'S LICENSE in ANY other state.

WHEN DO I NEED A CDL INSTEAD OF MY REGULAR NORTH CAROLINA DRIVERS LICENSE?

A CDL is required if you operate any of the following CMV's . . .

• A vehicle with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 lbs.
• A vehicle towing a unit with a manufacturer's GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs. when the GCWR exceeds 26,000 lbs.
• A vehicle designed to transport 16 or more persons (including the operator) or any vehicle carrying children to or from school and home regularly for compensation.
• A vehicle of any size that carries hazardous materials in amounts requiring placarding.

ARE THERE ANY EXEMPTIONS TO BEING REQUIRED TO HAVE A CDL?

Yes, a few . . .

• Active Duty Military . . . with military licenses operating military vehicles.
• Firefighters . . . meeting approved training standards and operating authorized emergency vehicles.
  
• Farmers . . . in certain cases.
  
• Individuals ....operating motor homes or other vehicles used exclusively to transport personal possessions or family members, for non business purposes.

ARE THERE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN A NORTH CAROLINA CDL?

You must meet the following requirements to obtain a CDL . . .

• You must be 21 years old. (18 years if all commercial driving is done within North Carolina and if no hazardous materials requiring placarding are transported and if you do not drive double or triple trailer rigs).
• Possess a valid medical certificate in accordance with MCSR regs. 49 CFR 391.41 - 391.49.
• You must otherwise qualify for the license based on your driving record. Any of the following will disqualify you from obtaining a CDL . . .
  • If you possess a license from any state other than your State of Residence.
  • If you are currently subject to any disqualification of your commercial driving privilege in North Carolina or any other state.
  • If your license is currently suspended, revoked, denied, or cancelled.
  • If you have a conviction for operating a CMV (commercial motor vehicle) while impaired in the 24 months immediately preceding application.
  • other technical rules, and further restrictions that pertain only to NORTH CAROLINA are covered in detail within the Course.
    THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO APPRENTICESHIP OR TRAINING REQUIREMENTS TO GET YOUR NORTH CAROLINA CDL. THIS MAY SOON CHANGE.

HOW DO I OBTAIN A CDL?

By completing the following items . . .

• Show your driver's license from your State of Residence.
• Take and pass all written examinations that apply to your license class and endorsement requirements.
• Show proof of social security number.
• Meet driver record eligibility requirements as determined by the State of North Carolina.
• Fill out an application including certifications.
• Show proof that you passed the required written tests, pass a vision screening, and show proof of a valid DOT medical certificate (BEFORE a CDL Temporary Instruction Permit will be issued and before you will be allowed to the the skills test).
• Pay the North Carolina CDL fees.
• Schedule, take, and pass your CDL skills test.

What do the terms Class A, Class B, and Class C mean on a CDL?

It refers to the type of vehicle that you may operate . . .

• CLASS A . . . allows you to operate vehicles which tow trailers or other vehicles with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds when the combined GVWR is over 26,000 pounds. A Class "A" license also allows you to operate Class B and C vehicles. Applicable endorsements are required.
• CLASS B . . . allows you to operate single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more OR a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more, towing trailers/vehicles rated at 10,000 pounds GVWR or less. A Class "B" license also allows you to operate Class C vehicles. Applicable endorsements are required.
• CLASS C . . .allows you to operate vehicles under 26,001 lbs. GVWR; that are designed to transport 16 or more persons including the driver; or that carry 15 or less people (including the driver) transporting children to or from school and home regularly for compensation, or carry hazardous materials in amounts requiring placarding. Applicable endorsements are required.

What are Endorsement Codes and when do I need them on my CDL?

Endorsements are necessary for certain commercial driving requirements as follows . . .

• AIR BRAKES endorsement for vehicles with air brakes.
• (T) DOUBLE or TRIPLE TRAILERS. For tractors pulling two or three trailers.
• (P) PASSENGER. For vehicles which are designed to carry 16 or more people (including the driver);
• (S) SCHOOL BUS. Any vehicle transporting children to or from school and home regularly for compensation.
• (N) TANK VEHICLES. For vehicles designed to haul liquids or liquefied gases in bulk in permanently mounted tanks or portable tanks rated at 1,000 gallons or more.
• (H) HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. To carry hazardous materials in amounts requiring placards.
• (X) Endorsement code designating a Tank (N) vehicle that carries Hazardous Materials (H).

I'M OVER 18 YEARS OLDS, BUT NOT 21 YEARS OLD YET. CAN I GET A CDL?

Yes . . . with restrictions. Until your 21st birthday, you cannot drive a commercial vehicle outside the borders of North Carolina. You cannot drive a vehicle requiring HAZ MAT placarding and cannot drive double or triple trailer rigs.

CAN I USE MY NORTH CAROLINA CDL OUT OF STATE?

Yes! If you are 21 years or older it is good throughout the entire United States.

CAN MY CDL BE SUSPENDED OR REVOKED?

Yes, there are MANY reasons that your CDL can be suspended or revoked. Improper use of alcohol or drugs, traffic violations, and failure to notify top the list. The North Carolina CDL Course details ALL of the rules regarding suspension or revocation. The point to remember is that alcohol or drug use is not tolerated and your record WILL FOLLOW YOU THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES FOREVER!!!

SO LET'S SAY THAT MY CDL IS REVOKED. CAN'T I JUST GET A CDL IN ANOTHER STATE?

No!!! Those days are gone. One computer system keeps track of all licenses THROUGHOUT the United States. In a matter of seconds it can be determined if you possess more than one license.

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