Apply for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

If you are applying for a commercial learner's permit in Massachusetts, you have the option of choosing a REAL ID.

Beginning May 7, 2025, individuals 18 and older will need a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card (or another ID accepted by the TSA) to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities.

A Massachusetts REAL ID has a star in the top right corner. A standard driver's license does not.

Visit REAL ID in Massachusetts for more information.

To get a commercial learner's permit (CLP) you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age for an intrastate (Massachusetts only) transport CLP
• Be at least 21 years of age for an interstate (all states) transport CLP
• Have a Class D license that will be valid for the entire length of the commercial permit
• Proof of lawful presence in the U.S.
  • Customers applying for a “Non-Domicile” CDL must prove lawful presence for a minimum of 12 months. The expiration date of the Commercial credential will reflect the end of stay date.
    Canada and Mexico: Customers from Canada or Mexico are not eligible for “Non-Domicile” CDLs. To be eligible for a Massachusetts CDL, these customers must prove permanent lawful presence.
  • Hazmat: “Non-Domicile” CDL holders are not eligible to apply for a Hazmat (H) endorsement.
• Acceptable Forms of Identification for Proof of lawful presence
• Have a valid Social Security number
• Be a resident of Massachusetts
• Not hold a driver's license in any other state
• Be clear of outstanding obligations to any state
• Meet minimum commercial driver's license medical standards
• Pass the CLP general knowledge exam
• Pass the combination vehicle exam, if applying for a Class A CLP
• Pass either the hazardous material (H) endorsement exam or the passenger (P) endorsement exam, if applying for a Class C CLP
• Applicants that obtain a Class A or B Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) for the first time, upgrade from a Class B to A CDL, or add a Passenger (P) or School Bus (S) endorsement for the first time on or after February 7, 2022, must have completed applicable entry-level driver training from a registered training provider to be eligible for a road test. Applicants applying for a Hazmat (H) endorsement on or after February 7, 2022 must have completed applicable entry-level driver training from a registered training provider to be eligible for a knowledge test.

CLPs expire 180 days from the date of issue and can be renewed one time for an additional 180 days for no fee. If your learner's permit expires after the one renewal period and you want to get a new permit, you need to present the required sources of identification, take and pass the written tests, and pay the $30 written test fee plus the fee for any endorsements. CLPs must be renewed within 30 days of expiration. If it is not, you will have to take and pass a new knowledge test(s) at your expense.

Customers can make an appointment to renew in person or call 857-368-8000 to renew over the telephone.

You may only operate a vehicle for the same class permit that you hold. You must be accompanied by a licensed operator who holds a valid license with the correct class and endorsements for the vehicle you are operating. Your permit must be with you while you are operating the vehicle.

Drivers of commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs. must carry a valid U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) approved medical certificate. Also, drivers transporting 15 or more passengers or carrying placarded hazardous materials, regardless of vehicle size, are required to carry a DOT medical certificate. The only exception from this certification is state or municipal employees using a state or municipal vehicle.

You must have a CDL to operate:

• Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more.
• A combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 lbs.
• A vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver).
• Any size vehicle which requires hazardous material placards or is carrying material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR part 73. Federal regulations through the Department of Homeland Security require a background check and fingerprinting for the Hazardous Materials endorsement.