Endorsements

Once you have received your CDL, you can add endorsements and upgrade your license class. You can also downgrade your CDL at any time if you would like to drop to a lower class or remove an endorsement. Most commercial drivers will need to obtain at least one endorsement.

Code	Vehicle	Endorsement	Special Requirement
T	Double and Triple Trailer	Needed for operators of vehicles pulling two or three trailers	A Class A license is required to operate this type of vehicle
P	Passenger	Needed for operators of buses or similar vehicles used to transport passengers	Requires a road test. Other special requirements [183k pdf] are necessary. Download fingerprint application [pdf]
S	School Bus	Needed for all school bus drivers	Requires a knowledge and road test; Drivers who hold an "S" endorsement will also have to test for a "P" endorsement–both are required to operate a school bus. Download the S Endorsement brochure [491k pdf]
N	Tank Vehicle	Needed for operators of vehicles that transport liquids or gas in bulk
H	Hazardous Materials	Needed for operators of vehicles transporting hazardous materials	Must be trained and retested every two years. Note: Federal Requirements [152k pdf]
L	Air Brakes	Needed for any vehicle equipped with air brakes	Special road test federally required; If test is not taken, an "L" restriction is added to the CDL license

Requirements
To qualify for CDL endorsements you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age for intrastate use
• Be at least 21 years of age with three years driving experience for interstate use, hazardous materials, school bus or passenger endorsements
• Have 20/40 vision in each eye (with or without glasses)
• Have 70 degrees of peripheral vision in each eye
• Be able to recognize red, green and amber colors

Applicants who intend to operate a school bus:

• Are required to have a federal background check and a state criminal background investigation (available through employer or local school district)
• You must present documentation verifying completion of these investigations at the time of the road test

Applicants driving buses other than school buses for the Department of Education:

• Are required to have a state criminal background check
• Must supply completed federal DOT medical forms prior to their road test. New forms must be submitted every two years