Applying for a Commercial Driver's License in Washington, D.C.

Obtaining a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Washington, D.C., is a multi-step process that ensures drivers meet both federal and local standards for operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). This guide outlines the eligibility requirements, necessary documentation, testing procedures, and associated fees.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a CDL in D.C., applicants must:

Age: Be at least 21 years old for interstate driving or 18 years old for intrastate driving within D.C.
Residency: Hold a valid D.C. non-commercial driver's license (NCDL).
Citizenship: Be a U.S. citizen or a non-U.S. citizen with a valid permanent resident card.
Driving History: Provide a 10-year driving history from all states where the applicant held a license.
Medical Certification: Possess a current Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certification card.

Certain conditions may disqualify applicants, such as a suspended or revoked NCDL, specific medical conditions, or unresolved traffic violations.

Required Documentation

Applicants must present the following documents:

Valid D.C. NCDL.
Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency.
Social Security Number verification.
Two proofs of D.C. residency.
DOT Medical Examination Report and Medical Examiner’s Certificate.

For non-U.S. citizens, additional documentation proving legal status may be required.

CDL Classes and Endorsements

D.C. offers three classes of CDLs:

Class A: For operating combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
Class B: For single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more.
Class C: For vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers or hazardous materials.

Endorsements for specific vehicle types or cargo include:

P: Passenger vehicles.
S: School buses.
N: Tank vehicles.
H: Hazardous materials.
T: Double/triple trailers.

Each endorsement requires passing additional knowledge tests.

Application Process

Study the CDL Manual: Familiarize yourself with the D.C. CDL Manual to prepare for the knowledge tests.
Obtain a CDL Learner's Permit:
- Visit the Deanwood Road Test/CDL Services Office.
- Submit required documentation.
- Pass the applicable knowledge tests.
- Pay the necessary fees.
The learner's permit is valid for one year and is non-renewable.
Schedule and Pass the Road Skills Test:
- After holding the learner's permit, schedule a road skills test.
- Bring a vehicle representative of the class of license sought.
- Pass the pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and on-road driving test.
Obtain the CDL:
- Upon passing the skills test, apply for the CDL at the Brentwood Commercial Driver License Center.
- Pay the applicable fees.

Fees

CDL Learner's Permit: $39
CDL License (First-Time and Renewal): $117
Knowledge Test: $10 per test
Road Skills Test: $10
Endorsements: $20 each

Additional Resources

For more information on related topics:

For official information and updates, visit the D.C. DMV CDL Services page.

Applying for a Commercial Driver's License in Washington, D.C.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a CDL in D.C., applicants must:

Age: Be at least 21 years old for interstate driving or 18 years old for intrastate driving within D.C.

Residency: Hold a valid D.C. non-commercial driver's license (NCDL).

Citizenship: Be a U.S. citizen or a non-U.S. citizen with a valid permanent resident card.

Driving History: Provide a 10-year driving history from all states where the applicant held a license.

Medical Certification: Possess a current Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certification card.

Certain conditions may disqualify applicants, such as a suspended or revoked NCDL, specific medical conditions, or unresolved traffic violations.

Required Documentation

Applicants must present the following documents:

Valid D.C. NCDL.

Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency.

Social Security Number verification.

Two proofs of D.C. residency.

DOT Medical Examination Report and Medical Examiner’s Certificate.

For non-U.S. citizens, additional documentation proving legal status may be required.

CDL Classes and Endorsements

D.C. offers three classes of CDLs:

Class A: For operating combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.

Class B: For single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more.

Class C: For vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers or hazardous materials.

Endorsements for specific vehicle types or cargo include:

P: Passenger vehicles.

S: School buses.

N: Tank vehicles.

H: Hazardous materials.

T: Double/triple trailers.

Each endorsement requires passing additional knowledge tests.

Application Process

Study the CDL Manual: Familiarize yourself with the D.C. CDL Manual to prepare for the knowledge tests.

Obtain a CDL Learner's Permit:

Visit the Deanwood Road Test/CDL Services Office.
Submit required documentation.
Pass the applicable knowledge tests.
Pay the necessary fees.

The learner's permit is valid for one year and is non-renewable.

Schedule and Pass the Road Skills Test:

After holding the learner's permit, schedule a road skills test.
Bring a vehicle representative of the class of license sought.
Pass the pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and on-road driving test.

Obtain the CDL:

Upon passing the skills test, apply for the CDL at the Brentwood Commercial Driver License Center.
Pay the applicable fees.