|
First-time CDL applicants should visit a CDL
office. Experienced CDL drivers may visit DMV Full Service Offices to submit a DOT physical, take knowledge tests or transfer an existing out-of-state license. CDL skills tests are administered at CDL offices only.
Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) means a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle —
- Has a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds; or
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more; or
- Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver; or
- Is of any size and is used in the transportation of hazardous materials that require placarding.
Commercial drivers must meet the same Residency & Proof of Identity requirements as non-commercial drivers. They must meet different age requirements, submit to a physical exam and pass additional skills and knowledge tests.
You must be at least 21 years of age to be issued a CDL to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce and to receive endorsements for passengers or hazardous materials. You must be at least 25 to receive an endorsement for vehicle combinations over 70 feet in length. CDLs issued to applicants age 18 to 20 will contain Restriction R (no passengers or hazmat) and Restriction 2 (intrastate commerce only).
All applicants must complete a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) approved physical examination and present a completed Medical Examiner's Certificate. These cards are not available online. Please visit a DMV CDL Office. Ensure the expiration date is listed and legible.
You must list all states where you have held any commercial or non-commercial driver's license in the past ten years. We will check your driving history in each state for the past ten years.
Out-of-state CDLs can be transferred at DMV Full Service Offices if the driver has a current DOT physical card and meets the requirements listed in our New Resident Guide.
Current Nevada license holders who are
filing only an updated physical exam may mail the FMCSA-649 to the
nearest CDL Office or deliver it in-person at any CDL or Full Service Office.
First-time CDL applicants are encouraged to apply
at a CDL office for answers to specific, technical questions. Experienced drivers may apply and take written tests at any CDL or Full Service Office. We do not make appointments for applications and written tests.
Drive tests are administered by appointment at CDL
offices only. A number of larger companies and organizations employ
third-party certifiers. The DMV also licenses a number of private Commercial Driving Schools.
School Buses
School bus drivers must have a commercial driver's license if they drive a vehicle designed to transport (seat) 16 or more persons, including the driver. School bus drivers must have a school bus endorsement (S) in addition to a passenger endorsement (P) on their commercial driver's license (CDL).
To get the school bus endorsement, you must pass a knowledge test and a skills test for the class of school bus you drive or intend to drive. For more information on school buses, see Appendix 1 of the CDL Handbook. |
