Oregon DMV Getting a Commercial Driver License (CDL)

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Oregon DMV

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Getting a Commercial Driver License (CDL)

Generally, you must have a CDL to operate a motor vehicle on highways or premises open to the public in Oregon if the gross vehicle weight rating is greater than 26,000 lbs, the vehicle is used to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or the vehicle is used to transport hazardous materials. Exceptions exist for recreational vehicles operated solely for personal use, certain farm vehicles when the driver is operating within the limitations of a farm endorsement, emergency fire vehicles operated by firefighters as defined in ORS 652.050, and emergency vehicles operated by emergency service workers as defined in ORS 401.025.

The sections below provide more detailed information:

Commercial Driver License
CDL Instruction Permit
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Information

You may use the links above to go directly to any section.

Commercial Driver License

Qualify/Apply
In order to qualify and apply, you must:

Meet the qualifications for or have a Regular Driver License (Non-Commercial Class C). This means you must pass the Non-Commercial Class C; knowledge and drive tests before applying for a CDL;
Be at least 18 years of age (21 years of age to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce);
Provide proof of your full legal name;
Provide proof of your legal presence in the U.S., identity and date of birth;
Provide proof of your Social Security Number;
Provide proof of your Oregon residence address;
Provide a valid mailing address;
Pass the CDL General Knowledge Test (offered in English only);
Determine the appropriate CDL Class (Class A, B or C), and pass any additional CDL Knowledge Tests and/or meet any additional requirements for that specific class;
Complete the Commercial Driver License Application, and indicate that you have at least one year driving experience in at least a Non-Commercial Class C vehicle;
Complete requirements for any CDL endorsements you may need;
Pass a vision screening as defined in OAR 735-062-0050;
Present a valid medical examiner's certificate and, when required, a medical waiver or exemption;
Pass a CDL Drive Test (conducted in English only);
Pay the applicable testing and issuance fees (see note on payment of test fees); and
Not be suspended or otherwise disqualified from holding a CDL in Oregon or any other state.

After you meet all requirements, you will be issued an interim card to use until you receive your license in the mail.

If you surrendered a previous driver license, permit or identification card, it will be hole-punched and returned to you. The hole-punched card is not valid by itself, but may be used as additional proof of identity with the interim card.

Note: There are specific requirements for each CDL Class as well as available endorsements.

Training
If you need to practice or train for the Commercial Drive Test you must obtain a CDL Instruction Permit (see section below). You may take the Commercial Drive Test at a DMV office without a CDL Instruction Permit. However, you must have a CDL Instruction Permit or CDL in order to take the Commercial Drive Test with a CDL Third Party Tester.

CDL Instruction Permit

A CDL Instruction Permit authorizes the operation of any vehicle, except a motorcycle or a vehicle carrying hazardous materials, when accompanied by a person who:

Is at least 21 years of age;
Has a valid license for the class of vehicle being driven by the permit holder;
Has the proper endorsements for the vehicle being operated; and
Is sitting in the front seat next to the permit holder.

CDL instruction permits are valid for one year from the date of issuance. If you need more practice driving with your instruction permit, you may renew it prior to the expiration of your current one. Renewing an instruction permit does not extend the validity of the current permit. The renewed permit will be valid for one year after the date of issuance. If your permit has been expired for more than one year you will be required to successfully complete the knowledge and vision test and pay all applicable fees.

Qualify/Apply
In order to qualify and apply, you must:

Meet the qualifications for or have a Regular Driver License (Non-Commercial Class C). This means you must pass the Non-Commercial Class C; knowledge and drive tests before applying for a CDL instruction permit if you have not already done so;
Be at least 18 years of age (21 years of age to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce);
Provide proof of your full legal name;
Provide proof of your legal presence in the U.S., identity and date of birth;
Provide proof of your Social Security Number;
If your address has changed, provide proof of your Oregon residence address;
Provide a valid mailing address;
Complete the Commercial Driver License Application, and indicate that you have at least one year driving experience in at least a Non-Commercial Class C vehicle;
Pass the CDL General Knowledge Test (offered in English only);
Pass a vision screening as defined in OAR 735-062-0050;
Present a valid medical examiner's certificate and, when required, a medical waiver or exemption; and
Pay the applicable testing and issuance fees (see note on payment of test fees).

After you meet all requirements, you will be issued an interim card to use until you receive your license in the mail.

If you surrendered a previous driver license, permit or identification card, it will be hole-punched and returned to you. The hole-punched card is not valid by itself, but may be used as additional proof of identity with the interim card.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am moving to Oregon from another US state and have a valid CDL there. How do I apply for a CDL in Oregon?

New residents applying for an Oregon CDL with a valid out-of-state CDL must:

Obtain and study the Oregon Driver Manual;
Provide proof of your full legal name;
Provide proof of your legal presence in the U.S., identity and date of birth;
Provide proof of your Social Security Number;
Provide proof of Oregon residence address (be a resident of Oregon);
Provide a valid mailing address;
Present a valid medical examiner's certificate and, when required, a medical waiver or exemption;
Pass the Oregon Class C non-commercial (passenger car) general knowledge test;
If you wish to add or retain a hazardous materials endorsement, you will need to pass a TSA Criminal Background Check if you have not completed the check within the past year. You may obtain an Oregon Driver License or CDL without the hazardous materials endorsement while you wait for the results of the TSA Criminal Background Check;
Pass a vision screening as defined in OAR 735-062-0050;
Turn in your valid out-of-state CDL; and
Pay the applicable testing and issuance fees (see note on payment of test fees);

DMV may waive the drive tests if the same driving privileges are being granted in Oregon as in the previous state.

I am moving back to Oregon from another U.S. state. I currently have a valid CDL in that other state, but when I lived in Oregon previously, I had an Oregon CDL. How do I re-apply for an Oregon CDL now that I'm a resident again?

A previous Oregon resident returning to Oregon with a valid CDL from another state who wishes to re-apply for an Oregon CDL must:

Provide proof of your full legal name;
Provide proof of your legal presence in the U.S., identity and date of birth;
Provide proof of your Social Security Number;
Provide proof of Oregon residence address (be a resident of Oregon);
Provide a valid mailing address;
Present a valid medical examiner's certificate and, when required, a medical waiver or exemption;
Pass the Oregon Class C non-commercial (passenger car) general knowledge test;
Pass a vision screening as defined in OAR 735-062-0050;
Turn in your valid out-of-state CDL;
Pay the applicable testing and issuance fees (see note on payment of test fees); and
Satisfy hazardous materials endorsement testing and security clearance requirements if you want to add or retain that endorsement.

Note: If your Oregon CDL included a HAZMAT endorsement, you may be subject to a TSA Criminal Background Check.

Related Information

Additional information that may be relevant includes:

Page updated: May 08, 2009

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