Trucking Schools In Connecticutt
Getting your CDL in Connecticut
To obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Connecticut, you’ll need to fulfill certain requirements and complete a series of steps. The process involves gathering documentation, passing written and skills tests, and paying the necessary fees. Here’s a general overview:
1. Eligibility Requirements:
– You must be at least 18 years old to drive within Connecticut and 21 years old to drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials.
– You should hold a valid Connecticut driver’s license.
– You must provide proof of your Social Security Number.
2. Documentation:
– Gather the required documentation, including proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate, passport), proof of residency, and proof of Social Security Number.
– You may also need to provide documents verifying your legal presence in the United States.
3. CDL Written Test:
– Study the Connecticut Commercial Driver’s License Manual thoroughly.
– Visit a local Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office to take the written CDL exam.
– The exam covers general knowledge, specific vehicle classes, air brakes (if applicable), and any additional endorsements you seek.
4. CDL Skills Tests:
– Schedule an appointment at a CDL Skills Testing location to take the CDL skills tests.
– The skills tests consist of three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
– You’ll need to provide the appropriate vehicle for each test, such as a commercial vehicle of the appropriate class.
5. Medical Examination:
– Obtain a medical examination from a certified medical examiner.
– The medical examiner will complete the Medical Examination Report (MER) and provide you with a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC).
6. Fees:
– The fees for obtaining a CDL in Connecticut can vary. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the fee for a Class A, B, or C CDL was $19 for each endorsement, $72 for the knowledge test, $40 for the road test, and $30 for the license itself.
– Additional fees may apply for endorsements, duplicates, and other services.
Please note that the fees and specific procedures may have changed since my last update. To get the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official website of the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or contact your local DMV office in Connecticut. They will provide you with the current requirements and fees for obtaining a CDL in Connecticut.
Get a commercial driver’s license (CDL)
To drive a commercial motor vehicle in Connecticut, you need to get a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) and then get a CDL.
A commercial motor vehicle is a:
- Vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds
- Vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver
- Vehicle designed to transport 11 or more passengers, including the driver, and used to transport students under age 21 to and from school
- Any vehicle transporting hazardous materials that is required to be placarded
Exemptions for commercial vehicles
Vehicles that don’t need a CDL include:
- Those that you use for farming purposes within 150 miles of the farm
- Any fire-fighting apparatus
- Authorized emergency vehicles
- Recreational vehicles
- Military vehicles operated by military personnel
Application age requirements for a CDL
A successful applicant needs to meet the following age requirements based on the type of CDL they need:
- Must be at least age 18
- To haul hazardous material, must be at least age 21
- To drive interstate, must be at least age 21
Medical requirements for a CDL
CLP and CDL holders need to give the DMV a valid medical examiner’s certificate, provided by a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. For more information, visit the CDL medical requirements page.
Self-certification
CDL holders need to provide self-certification of their driving type. For more information, visit the self-certification page.
REAL ID requirements for CLP and CDL
To meet new federal requirements around ID verification, CLP and CDL holders need to provide the DMV with:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of Social Security number
- Proof of legal presence in the United States
- Undocumented individuals will not be issued a CLP or CDL
- Proof of Connecticut residence (proof must be from two sources)
- Name change documents (if applicable)
For a detailed list of documents you need, visit the REAL ID document checklist.
Who can get a REAL ID
- New applicants for a CLP
- Current CDL holders when they renew a license
- All out-of-state CDL holders when they transfer to Connecticut
REAL ID requirements do not apply to current U.S. citizens who completed this paperwork requirement when they got a verified driver’s license. The license will have a gold star on it, indicating it’s a verified REAL ID, as well as their CDL designation.