Federal CDL requirements — apply in all 50 states
CDL requirements are primarily set at the federal level by the FMCSA. Every state must meet or exceed federal minimums. The following requirements apply nationwide regardless of which state issues the CDL.
Age Requirements
Interstate commerce (crossing state lines): Age 21 or older — required by federal law for all CDL holders operating in interstate commerce.
Intrastate commerce (within one state only): Age 18 permitted in most states — check your state's specific rules below.
DOT Medical Certificate
All CDL holders must pass a DOT physical examination and maintain a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate. The certificate is typically valid for up to 24 months. Certain medical conditions require more frequent examinations.
Knowledge Tests
All CDL applicants must pass a General Knowledge test. Additional knowledge tests are required for each endorsement (HazMat, Tanker, Passenger, etc.) and for the Air Brakes restriction removal.
Skills Tests
Three-part skills test required: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control (backing, alley dock), and on-road driving. Must be performed in a vehicle of the same class and type as the CDL being obtained.
CDL classes — what each covers
| CDL Class | Vehicles Covered | GVWR / Weight | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A | Combination vehicles — tractor-trailer | 26,001+ lbs, towed unit over 10,000 lbs | OTR trucking, flatbed, tanker, reefer |
| Class B | Single large vehicles, straight trucks | 26,001+ lbs, towed unit under 10,000 lbs | Dump trucks, delivery, transit buses |
| Class C | Small vehicles carrying 16+ passengers or HazMat | Under 26,001 lbs | Passenger vans, small HazMat vehicles |
CDL endorsements — requirements and restrictions
Hazardous Materials
Required to transport hazardous materials in quantities requiring placarding. Requires TSA security threat assessment, background check, and fingerprinting. 10-year DUI/DWI lookback. Renewal every 5 years.
Tanker
Required to operate tank vehicles — liquid or gaseous materials in a tank of 119+ gallons. Knowledge test required. No background check beyond standard CDL. Combined with H endorsement = X endorsement.
Doubles / Triples
Required to pull double or triple trailers. Knowledge test required. Not permitted in all states — check state-specific rules. Common in Western states, restricted in several Eastern states.
Passenger
Required to operate vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver. Knowledge and skills test required. Background check required in most states.
School Bus
Required in addition to Passenger endorsement to operate a school bus. State-specific background check and additional training typically required beyond federal minimums.
HazMat + Tanker
Combined endorsement for drivers transporting hazardous materials in tanker vehicles. Required for fuel hauling, chemical transport, and other liquid HazMat operations. TSA background check required.
State-specific CDL rules — key variations
While federal law sets the floor, states vary on several important points. Here are the most significant state-level variations affecting CDL drivers and employers in 2026:
Intrastate age exceptions (18-20 year olds)
Federal law requires age 21 for interstate commerce. Most states permit 18-20 year olds to hold a CDL for intrastate (within-state) operations only. Key states with active intrastate programs include Texas, Ohio, Indiana, Georgia, and most Midwest agricultural states. California, New York, and several Northeast states do not permit intrastate CDL for drivers under 21.
Doubles and triples restrictions
The T endorsement is federally issued but state law governs where doubles and triples can operate. Eastern states including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania prohibit triple trailers entirely and restrict double trailer lengths. Western states generally permit full doubles and triples on designated highways.
CDL licensing fees
| State | CDL Application Fee (approx.) | Renewal Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | $97 | 8 years |
| California | $72 | 5 years |
| Florida | $75 | 8 years |
| Ohio | $28.50 | 4 years |
| Pennsylvania | $89.50 | 4 years |
| Illinois | $60 | 4 years |
| New York | $80 | 8 years |
| Georgia | $32 | 8 years |
| Tennessee | $26 | 8 years |
| North Carolina | $18 | 8 years |
Fees approximate and subject to change. Always verify with your state DMV before applying.
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) — 2022 federal requirement
Since February 2022, all first-time CDL applicants and drivers upgrading their CDL class or adding certain endorsements must complete an Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) program from an FMCSA-registered provider. This applies to Class A and Class B CDL applicants and drivers seeking Passenger, School Bus, or HazMat endorsements for the first time.
ELDT does not apply to drivers renewing existing CDLs or adding endorsements they previously held. The training must be completed at a registered school — the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) lists all approved providers by state.
For employers: CDL requirements affect your applicant pool
Understanding CDL requirements helps you write better job postings. Stating your MVR standards, endorsement requirements, and age minimums explicitly in your posting saves time for both sides — qualified drivers apply, unqualified ones self-screen. Use the CDL Job Description Generator to build a posting with the right requirements language for your position.