Endorsements and Restrictions on California CDLs

Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) in California are subject to a range of endorsements and restrictions that tailor the license to specific types of vehicles, cargo, and driving responsibilities. These modifications are essential for ensuring that drivers possess the appropriate knowledge and training for their designated tasks.

CDL Endorsements in California

Endorsements are additional qualifications on a CDL that allow drivers to operate specific types of vehicles or carry certain cargo. In California, the most common CDL endorsements include:

H – Hazardous Materials (HazMat): Allows drivers to transport hazardous materials. Requires a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check and passing a written knowledge test.
N – Tank Vehicles: Permits the operation of vehicles designed to transport liquids or gases in tanks.
P – Passenger Transport: Required for drivers transporting passengers in vehicles such as buses.
S – School Bus: For drivers operating a school bus. Includes both the P endorsement and additional training and fingerprinting.
T – Double/Triple Trailers: Authorizes the operation of double or triple trailer combinations.
X – Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials: Covers both the N and H endorsements.

Obtaining any of these endorsements requires passing one or more additional written tests. Some endorsements, like HazMat and School Bus, have more stringent requirements due to security and safety concerns.

For details on how to apply for endorsements, see California's Commercial Driver's License Endorsements.

CDL Restrictions in California

Restrictions limit the CDL holder’s driving privileges, often based on the type of vehicle tested in or a medical condition. Common CDL restrictions in California include:

E – No Manual Transmission: Indicates the driver tested in a vehicle with an automatic transmission and is not permitted to operate manual transmission commercial vehicles.
K – Intrastate Only: The driver is limited to operating a commercial vehicle within California only.
L – No Air Brakes: Applied if the driver did not pass the air brakes knowledge test or failed to demonstrate proficiency.
M/N – Passenger or School Bus Restrictions: Prevents the operation of a school bus (N) or a school/pupil activity bus (M) unless the driver is properly licensed and endorsed.
V – Medical Variance: Shows that the driver has a medical exemption or waiver granted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Understanding and managing these restrictions is crucial to ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. Violating a restriction can lead to penalties, disqualification, or suspension of the CDL.

For more on CDL medical standards, visit California CDL Medical Examination Requirements.

Adding or Removing Endorsements and Restrictions

To add an endorsement, drivers must:

Submit a completed application.
Pass any required written tests.
Undergo a background check (for certain endorsements like HazMat).
Pay applicable fees.

To remove a restriction, drivers must demonstrate the ability or qualification that the restriction addresses, such as testing in a vehicle with air brakes to lift the "L" restriction.

For step-by-step instructions, refer to Steps to Obtain a California Commercial Driver's License.

Important Considerations

CDL holders must always carry a valid medical certificate unless exempt.
Some endorsements, like HazMat, must be renewed every five years and require updated background checks.
Endorsements and restrictions are visible on the front of the license card and must be observed at all times.

If you're transferring a CDL from another state, be aware that California may apply different endorsements or restrictions. Learn more at Transferring an Out-of-State License to California.

Endorsements and Restrictions on California CDLs

CDL Endorsements in California

Endorsements are additional qualifications on a CDL that allow drivers to operate specific types of vehicles or carry certain cargo. In California, the most common CDL endorsements include:

H – Hazardous Materials (HazMat): Allows drivers to transport hazardous materials. Requires a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check and passing a written knowledge test.

N – Tank Vehicles: Permits the operation of vehicles designed to transport liquids or gases in tanks.

P – Passenger Transport: Required for drivers transporting passengers in vehicles such as buses.

S – School Bus: For drivers operating a school bus. Includes both the P endorsement and additional training and fingerprinting.

T – Double/Triple Trailers: Authorizes the operation of double or triple trailer combinations.

X – Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials: Covers both the N and H endorsements.

CDL Restrictions in California

Restrictions limit the CDL holder’s driving privileges, often based on the type of vehicle tested in or a medical condition. Common CDL restrictions in California include:

E – No Manual Transmission: Indicates the driver tested in a vehicle with an automatic transmission and is not permitted to operate manual transmission commercial vehicles.

K – Intrastate Only: The driver is limited to operating a commercial vehicle within California only.

L – No Air Brakes: Applied if the driver did not pass the air brakes knowledge test or failed to demonstrate proficiency.

M/N – Passenger or School Bus Restrictions: Prevents the operation of a school bus (N) or a school/pupil activity bus (M) unless the driver is properly licensed and endorsed.

V – Medical Variance: Shows that the driver has a medical exemption or waiver granted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Adding or Removing Endorsements and Restrictions

To add an endorsement, drivers must:

Submit a completed application.

Pass any required written tests.

Undergo a background check (for certain endorsements like HazMat).

Pay applicable fees.

To remove a restriction, drivers must demonstrate the ability or qualification that the restriction addresses, such as testing in a vehicle with air brakes to lift the "L" restriction.

Important Considerations

CDL holders must always carry a valid medical certificate unless exempt.

Some endorsements, like HazMat, must be renewed every five years and require updated background checks.

Endorsements and restrictions are visible on the front of the license card and must be observed at all times.

If you're transferring a CDL from another state, be aware that California may apply different endorsements or restrictions. Learn more at Transferring an Out-of-State License to California.