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 |
|
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| Class B |
General Knowledge Written Exam Road Exam |
|
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|
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. |
|
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).