Oregon DMV Getting a Commercial Driver License (CDL)

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Oregon DMV

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- Transportation Department
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Getting a Commercial Driver License (CDL)

Overview

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.

Use the links below to go directly to any section:

Commercial Driver License
CDL Instruction Permit
Related Information

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.

Related Information

Additional information that may be relevant includes:

Page updated: October 29, 2009

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