Obtaining a CDL Learner's Permit in D.C.

Securing a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) learner's permit in Washington, D.C., is a crucial first step for individuals aiming to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). This guide outlines the eligibility requirements, necessary documentation, testing procedures, and other essential information to help you navigate the process effectively.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a CDL learner's permit in D.C., applicants must meet specific criteria:

Age Requirement:
- Intrastate CDL: Must be at least 18 years old to operate CMVs within D.C.
- Interstate CDL: Must be at least 21 years old to operate CMVs across state lines.
Residency and Citizenship:
- Must be a U.S. citizen or a non-U.S. citizen with lawful permanent residency.
- Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency.
Driver's License:
- Possess a valid non-commercial driver's license (NCDL).
Driving History:
- Submit a 10-year driving history record from all states where you have been licensed.

Required Documentation

When applying for a CDL learner's permit, ensure you have the following documents:

Proof of identity and age (e.g., birth certificate, passport).
Social Security Number verification.
Proof of D.C. residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement).
Valid NCDL.
Medical Examiner's Certificate (DOT card) confirming you meet the physical requirements to operate a CMV.

Note: All documents must be original or certified copies.

Application Process

Study the CDL Manual: Familiarize yourself with the D.C. CDL Manual to understand the rules and regulations governing commercial driving.
Schedule an Appointment: Visit the Deanwood Road Test/CDL Services Office to schedule your knowledge test. Walk-ins are not accepted.
Take the Knowledge Test: The CDL knowledge test assesses your understanding of commercial driving rules. The test is available only in English, and you must score at least 80% to pass.
Vision Screening: Undergo a vision test to ensure you meet the visual standards required for commercial driving.
Pay Applicable Fees: Fees include:
- Knowledge Test: $10
- CDL Learner's Permit: $10
- Additional fees may apply for endorsements or retesting.
Receive Your Permit: Upon passing the knowledge and vision tests and paying the fees, you will receive a 45-day temporary paper permit. Your official CDL learner's permit will be mailed to your address on record.

Important: The CDL learner's permit is valid for one year and is non-renewable. If it expires, you must retake the knowledge test to obtain a new permit.

Permit Restrictions

While holding a CDL learner's permit, you must adhere to certain restrictions:

Supervised Driving: You may operate a CMV only when accompanied by a licensed commercial driver who holds the same class or higher CDL.
Endorsements: If you plan to drive specialized vehicles (e.g., school buses, tankers), you must obtain the appropriate endorsements by passing additional knowledge tests.

Next Steps After Obtaining the Permit

After securing your CDL learner's permit:

Practice Driving: Gain experience operating a CMV under the supervision of a qualified CDL holder.
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT): Complete ELDT from a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)-approved provider if applying for:
- Class A or B CDL for the first time.
- Upgrading an existing CDL.
- Adding endorsements for hazardous materials, passenger, or school bus operations.
Schedule the Road Skills Test: After holding the permit for at least 14 days and completing ELDT, schedule your road skills test at the Deanwood Road Test/CDL Services Office.
Pass the Road Skills Test: The test includes a vehicle inspection, basic controls test, and on-road driving test.
Obtain Your CDL: Upon passing the road skills test, you can apply for your full CDL.

For more detailed information on the application process, refer to the Applying for a Commercial Driver's License in D.C. guide.

Additional Resources

Ensure you stay informed and comply with all requirements to successfully obtain your CDL learner's permit in Washington, D.C.

Obtaining a CDL Learner's Permit in D.C.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a CDL learner's permit in D.C., applicants must meet specific criteria:

Age Requirement:

Intrastate CDL: Must be at least 18 years old to operate CMVs within D.C.
Interstate CDL: Must be at least 21 years old to operate CMVs across state lines.

Residency and Citizenship:

Must be a U.S. citizen or a non-U.S. citizen with lawful permanent residency.
Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency.

Driver's License:

Possess a valid non-commercial driver's license (NCDL).

Driving History:

Submit a 10-year driving history record from all states where you have been licensed.

Required Documentation

When applying for a CDL learner's permit, ensure you have the following documents:

Proof of identity and age (e.g., birth certificate, passport).

Social Security Number verification.

Proof of D.C. residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement).

Valid NCDL.

Medical Examiner's Certificate (DOT card) confirming you meet the physical requirements to operate a CMV.

Note: All documents must be original or certified copies.

Application Process

Study the CDL Manual: Familiarize yourself with the D.C. CDL Manual to understand the rules and regulations governing commercial driving.

Schedule an Appointment: Visit the Deanwood Road Test/CDL Services Office to schedule your knowledge test. Walk-ins are not accepted.

Take the Knowledge Test: The CDL knowledge test assesses your understanding of commercial driving rules. The test is available only in English, and you must score at least 80% to pass.

Vision Screening: Undergo a vision test to ensure you meet the visual standards required for commercial driving.

Pay Applicable Fees: Fees include:

Knowledge Test: $10
CDL Learner's Permit: $10
Additional fees may apply for endorsements or retesting.

Receive Your Permit: Upon passing the knowledge and vision tests and paying the fees, you will receive a 45-day temporary paper permit. Your official CDL learner's permit will be mailed to your address on record.

Important: The CDL learner's permit is valid for one year and is non-renewable. If it expires, you must retake the knowledge test to obtain a new permit.

Permit Restrictions

While holding a CDL learner's permit, you must adhere to certain restrictions:

Supervised Driving: You may operate a CMV only when accompanied by a licensed commercial driver who holds the same class or higher CDL.

Endorsements: If you plan to drive specialized vehicles (e.g., school buses, tankers), you must obtain the appropriate endorsements by passing additional knowledge tests.

Next Steps After Obtaining the Permit

After securing your CDL learner's permit:

Practice Driving: Gain experience operating a CMV under the supervision of a qualified CDL holder.

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT): Complete ELDT from a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)-approved provider if applying for:

Class A or B CDL for the first time.
Upgrading an existing CDL.
Adding endorsements for hazardous materials, passenger, or school bus operations.

Schedule the Road Skills Test: After holding the permit for at least 14 days and completing ELDT, schedule your road skills test at the Deanwood Road Test/CDL Services Office.

Pass the Road Skills Test: The test includes a vehicle inspection, basic controls test, and on-road driving test.

Obtain Your CDL: Upon passing the road skills test, you can apply for your full CDL.

For more detailed information on the application process, refer to the Applying for a Commercial Driver's License in D.C. guide.