Getting your CDL in New Jersey
To obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in New Jersey, you must:
1. Have a valid New Jersey driver’s license.
2. Be at least 18 years old to drive within the state of New Jersey and 21 years old for interstate driving.
3. Obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP).
4. Pass a vision test and a knowledge test for the CLP.
5. Practice driving with a CDL holder, adhere to approved safety protocol and minimum required hours.
6. Pass a skills test once you’ve had your CLP for at least 14 days for Class A or Class B, and have held your CLP for all applicable restrictions as listed on the MVC’s website.
7. Once you pass the skills test, you can apply for a CDL at any New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) agency.
8. Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency.
Additional endorsements may be required based on the type of vehicle you intend to operate. These endorsements include, but are not limited to, hazardous materials (Hazmat), passenger transportation, double/triple trailers, tanker vehicles, and air brakes.
Before taking any tests, it is highly recommended that you study the New Jersey Commercial Driver License Manual, which can be found on the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) website.
To obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in New Jersey, you need to follow a process that includes meeting specific requirements, completing training, passing written and practical exams, and paying the necessary fees. Please note that the information provided is based on the knowledge available up until September 2021, and there may have been updates or changes since then. It’s always best to consult the official website of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Here is a general outline of the CDL process in New Jersey:
1. Determine the CDL Class: New Jersey offers several classes of CDL, including Class A, Class B, and Class C, depending on the type of vehicle you plan to operate.
2. Eligibility Requirements: Ensure you meet the basic requirements set by the New Jersey MVC. You must be at least 18 years old for an intrastate CDL (within New Jersey) or 21 years old for an interstate CDL (across state lines). You must have a valid regular driver’s license and provide proof of legal presence in the United States.
3. Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): Before obtaining a CDL, you will need to obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). To get a CLP, you need to pass a written knowledge test specific to the class of CDL you’re seeking. The test covers topics like general knowledge, air brakes (if applicable), combination vehicles (if applicable), and any endorsements you may need. You must also pass a vision screening and provide proper identification.
4. CDL Training: While not mandatory, it is highly recommended to complete a CDL training program to receive professional instruction and hands-on training. CDL training programs can be found at commercial driving schools or community colleges. These programs help prepare you for the CDL skills test and provide valuable knowledge and experience.
5. Skills Test: Once you’ve obtained your CLP and completed your training, you can schedule an appointment with the New Jersey MVC to take the CDL skills test. The skills test typically includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and an on-road driving test. You may also need to complete additional tests for specific endorsements.
6. Endorsements: If you plan to operate vehicles with additional features or requirements, such as carrying hazardous materials, transporting passengers, or driving a tanker, you may need to obtain specific endorsements. Endorsements require additional written tests and possibly additional skills tests.
7. Fees: The fees associated with obtaining a CDL in New Jersey may vary. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the base fee for a CDL in New Jersey is $42 for a four-year license. There may be additional fees for specific endorsements or other services. These fees are subject to change, so it’s best to check the New Jersey MVC website or contact their office directly for the most current fee information.
It’s important to note that additional costs may arise, such as those related to CDL training programs, medical examinations, and background checks.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on CDL requirements and fees in New Jersey, please refer to the official website of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission or contact their office directly.
CDL Skills Test Modernization
Over the last decade, vehicle technologies and components to include braking, steering, and suspension systems have continued to evolve at a fast pace.
In 2018, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and AAMVA jointly decided to evaluate the existing vehicle inspection (VI) and basic control skills (BCS) tests. The Modernized tests were evaluated using experienced drivers, new drivers, student drivers, and CDL examiners. Testing vehicles included a broad range of Class A and Class B commercial vehicles.
CDL Modernization was approved by FMCSA and the new AAMVA CDL Testing Model was released in August of 2022. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) is in the process of completing site upgrades and training, as we prepare for CDL skills test modernization.
NJMVC will adopt the CDL Skills Test Modernization in July 10, 2023
What’s New
Chapters 11 and 12 in the CDL Driver Manual were rewritten to reflect the changes discussed in the test development. The new VI and BCS Chapters will be:
To get your CDL, you must meet the following qualifications:
- Be a US Citizen or a non-US Citizen with lawful permanent resident status.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a basic; New Jersey driver’s license(Class D).
- Have at least 20/40 vision in each eye with or without glasses.
- Be able to recognize red, green, and amber colors.
- Be physically fit.*
* All CLP/CDL drivers must complete the CDL Holder Self-Certification document, and if applicable, submit a valid medical examiner certificate.
Important note: The medical or background check results can lead to a commercial driver license disqualification. If disqualified, there is no refund of the CLP fee.
School Bus Driver Requirements 70 years of Age and Older
Application Process
- Study in advance by reading the CDL Manual.
- Get your examination test receipt.
- Make an appointment for a CDL Permit.
- Complete the Application for Commercial Driver License
- Bring your 6 Points of ID, including your social security card, proof of address, and proof of legal presence in the US.
- Be prepared to pay the $125 commercial examination test receipt fee (non-refundable) by credit card, check, money order, or cash.
- Take your CDL knowledge test.
- If you are not prepared to take your test at the time you get your Examination Test Receipt, you must make an appointment for the test.
- EFFECTIVE 2/7/22: If you are applying for a HAZMAT endorsement, you must complete the required Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a provider listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry prior to taking your knowledge test.
- After passing your CDL knowledge test(s), you will be issued your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). At this time, you may schedule your skills test.*
- Take your CDL skills test.
- EFFECTIVE 2/7/22: Prior to taking your skills test for your CDL or any endorsements, you must complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a provider listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry.
- You must have an appointment to take your skills test.
- Unless waived, CLP holders must wait a minimum of 14 days before taking the skills test.
- After passing your skills test, you will be issued your CDL.
Restrictions
CDL applicants under 21 years old:
- Can only operate in intrastate commerce (within NJ only) and
- Must select commerce category “3” or “4” on the CDL Holder Self-Certification form; and
- May not receive a HAZMAT (HME) endorsement; and
- May not receive a passenger endorsement.
Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) restrictions are as follows:
K – Restriction for Intrastate only.
L – Restriction for vehicles with no air brakes.
P – No passenger restriction on CLP, if CLP has a P endorsement.
V – Restriction for medical variance (the driver must also have the hard copy variance issued by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).
X – No Cargo in Tank restriction, if CLP has an N endorsement.
Commercial Driver License (CDL) restrictions are as follows:
E – No manual transmission equipped CMV (If you take the test in a CMV with an automatic transmission, you will receive the E restriction and are prohibited from operating a CMV with a manual transmission).
K – Intrastate only.
O – No tractor trailer CMV.
Q – 15 Passengers or less
T – Probationary driver: supervising driver required; night and passenger restrictions if under 21.
V – Medical variance.
Z – No full air brake equipped CMV.
Exemptions
The following do not need a CDL for their purposes:
- Taxi drivers (carrying less than seven passengers) and ride-sharing van drivers.
- Firefighters
- Operators of rescue or first-aid squad vehicles.
- Farmers hauling their own products and equipment within 150 miles of their farms.
- Non-civilian operators of military equipment.
- Operators of construction equipment not designed for operation on public roads.
- Operators of recreational vehicles, provided the vehicle is being operated only for personal use.
CDL Renewal
A CDL must be renewed in person.
- Schedule your renewal appointment online
- Bring your 6 Points of ID, including your social security card, proof of address, and proof of legal presence in the US.
- A $42 fee for a CDL to be paid at the agency by credit/debit card, cash, check, or money order (payable to NJMVC).
- Additional fee is required for added endorsements or classes.
- When applicable:
- Completed CDL Holder Self-Certification form
- Medical Examiner’s Certificate
Lost or stolen CLP documents
A lost CDL may be replaced by ordering a duplicate online.
If you have lost a CLP/CDL permit, you must visit a Licensing Center (no appointment necessary) to get a replacement. Make sure to bring:
- 6 Points of ID verification.
- $3 fee for a duplicate examination test receipt, or $11 fee for a duplicate CLP.
If your CLP was stolen, remember that it must be reported to the police.