Getting your CDL in Massachusetts
Getting your CDL in Massachusetts
To obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Massachusetts, you need to meet certain requirements and pass a series of tests. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Get a Medical Certificate: Before you can apply for a CDL, you need to get a medical certificate from a certified medical examiner. The medical certificate will show that you are physically fit to operate a commercial vehicle.
2. Obtain a Permit: Next, you need to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License Learner’s Permit (CDL-LP) by passing a series of written tests on the rules and regulations of driving a commercial vehicle. The permit allows you to practice driving with a qualified CDL holder.
3. Get Training: You need to complete a Commercial Driver Training Program or receive training from a qualified individual. This training will prepare you for the road test.
4. Take the Road Test: Once you feel comfortable with your driving skills, you need to schedule an appointment with the RMV to take the road test. You’ll need to bring a vehicle that meets the requirements for the class of license you’re seeking.
As for the cost, the fees vary depending on the type of CDL you’re applying for and the number of tests you need to take. You can contact the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) for more information on the fees associated with obtaining a CDL in Massachusetts.
To obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Massachusetts, you need to meet specific 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 Massachusetts and 21 years old to drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials.
– You should hold a valid Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts Commercial Driver’s Manual thoroughly.
– Visit a local Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) 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 Test:
– Schedule an appointment at an RMV office or an authorized third-party testing location to take the CDL skills test.
– The skills test consists of three parts: pre-trip vehicle 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 Massachusetts can vary. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the fee for a Class A, B, or C CDL was $75 for a five-year license.
– Additional fees may apply for duplicates, skills tests, 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 Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) or contact your local RMV office in Massachusetts. They will provide you with the current requirements and fees for obtaining a CDL in Massachusetts.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) classes and endorsements
Overview
Applicants may apply for a CDL beginning at age 18. However, Federal Regulations state that a license holder, including CDL holders, must be 21 years of age to drive a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce. Therefore, CDL holders in Massachusetts under the age of 21 will be issued a K restriction (Intrastate Operation Only).
Commercial vehicles are divided into 3 classes based on size, weight, and functionality. Each class requires a different CDL. In addition to classes, you may also get endorsements, which permit you to drive specifically kinds of vehicles. For example, you’ll need a special endorsement to drive a school bus.
| CDL Class | Tests Required | Possible Endorsements and Required Tests | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class A (Combination vehicle endorsement required) | General Knowledge Written Exam Combination Endorsement Written Exam Road Exam |
| ||||||||||||||
| Class B | General Knowledge Written Exam Road Exam |
| ||||||||||||||
Class C (Passenger, HAZMAT, or Airbrakes endorsement required) | General Knowledge Written Exam Road Exam Note: If upgrading to a Class C from a Class D, no road test is required UNLESS the endorsement requires one. |
|
| CDL Class | Tests Required | Possible Endorsements and Required Tests |
|---|
Endorsements
An endorsement is a designation on your CDL that indicates that you’re qualified to operate specific kinds of vehicles or to use them in specific ways. For example, you need an endorsement to carry passengers in a commercial vehicle, and you also need an endorsement to drive a vehicle carrying hazardous materials.
Once you’ve earned an endorsement, the letter that represents it will be printed on the front of your CDL, and a description on the back.
Endorsement | Displays on Driver’s License as | Description | Testing Requirements |
A Endorsement (L restriction Removal) | Does not print on driver’s license | Allows the customer to operate a commercial motor vehicles with airbrakes. The A Endorsement is implied in the absence of an L Restriction | Written exam and road test |
P Endorsement
| Passenger | Allows the customer to carry passengers | Written exam and road test |
H Endorsement
| Hazardous Materials
| Allows the customer to carry hazardous materials or waste | Written exam and Transportation Security Administration threat assessment* |
N Endorsement | Tank | Allows the customer to haul liquids in bulk | Written exam |
X Endorsement | Tank/Hazmat | This is a combination of the N Endorsement and the H Endorsement. If a customer has both, his/her Commercial Driver’s License will display the X Endorsement. | N/A |
T Endorsement
| Doubles/Triples | Allows the customer to pull double or triple trailers. This endorsement is only available for Class A driver’s licenses. However, it is not a requirement for getting a Class A driver’s license | Written Exam |
S Endorsement
| School Bus
| Allows the customer to transport students in a full-sized school bus | Written exam and road test |
*There are 2 requirements you must meet before getting or renewing a Hazardous Materials Endorsement:
- Apply for and successfully pass the Transportation Security Administration’s Security Background Check. This is now required for all Hazardous Materials Endorsement applicants. It could take 60 days or more to receive the results.
- Take and pass the Hazardous Materials Endorsement exam. You can do this at the same time you as getting or renewing your CDL
Call (855) 347-8371 or go to https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/ to begin the process.
Self Certification
If you’re a CDL driver, you’re federally required to self-certify. This means that you must tell the RMV if you will operate only in Massachusetts, or will cross state lines. You must also tell us if you’re required to hold a medical certificate.
If you have an out-of-state CDL that’s being renewed, upgraded, or transferred from that state, you need to complete a CDL self-certification, which includes a CDL self-certification form and a copy of the medical certificate.
You may also need to provide the RMV with documentation showing that you have received a vision, diabetes, or skills performance evaluation variance from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).