What's New

• FMCSA Announces a Proposed Rule to Establish a Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse New!
• One Year Extension Added to the Requirement to Carry the Medical Examiner's Certificate New!
• FMCSA Releases Study Outlining New Opportunities for Veterans New!
• Military Skills Test Waiver Status Map (PDF)
• FMCSA Publishes Final Rule (FR) Modifying Seven Provisions of the May 2011 FR
• Reciprocity and Recognition of United States and Canadian Commercial Drivers Licenses
  • Frequently Asked Questions

The Commercial Driver's License

Driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) requires a higher level of knowledge, experience, skills, and physical abilities than that required to drive a non-commercial vehicle. In order to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), an applicant must pass both skills and knowledge testing geared to these higher standards. Additionally CDL holders are held to a higher standard when operating any type of motor vehicle on public roads. Serious traffic violations committed by a CDL holder can affect their ability to maintain their CDL certification.

FMCSA's CDL Division oversees various aspects of State CDL programs and sets standards that impact individual CDL holders. The CDL Division develops policies, procedures and guidelines that impact and guide State CDL programs. The CDL Division manages grant programs that enable States and municipalities to pass laws and implement processes that comply with federal regulatory standards. The Division develops strategies that harmonize program standards with State and local jurisdictions, other government agencies, and the private sector. The Division works on standardizing CDL knowledge and skills testing, and ensures that States provide accurate and timely communication through shared and compliant data systems containing CDL driver qualifications and disqualifications, medical qualifications and qualifications of Canadian and Mexican commercial drivers. CDL Division personnel assist in educating law enforcement officers, judges, prosecutors and court personnel to ensure the accurate and timely adjudication of traffic violations involving CDL holders. The Division has also been involved in the Department of Transportation's efforts to facilitate the ability of military veterans to receive credit for their military driving experience when applying for a civilian CDL license.

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