YOUR CDL MUST BE OBTAINED AND MAINTAINED IN YOUR STATE OF RESIDENCE

Choose your STATE OF RESIDENCE. This is normally the state where your regular driver's license was issued. If you plan on moving soon, you may want to choose your new state of residence.

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CLP CDL Learner's Permit

How to obtain a CLP CDL Learner's Permit. Step by Step.

Available CDL Courses

Individual Modules

General Knowledge Test $17.95
Passenger Vehicles Endorsement $7.95
Air Brakes Test $11.95
Combination Vehicles Endorsement $9.95
Doubles and Triples Endorsement $7.95
Tank Vehicles Endorsement $7.95
Hazardous Materials Endorsement $14.95
School Bus Endorsement $7.95
Three-Part Skills Tests $5.95
Narrated Audio CDL Study Guide $4.95

Bundled Courses

SUPER Bundle (Incl. Everything!) $39.95
Class A CDL Bundle $29.95
Class B CDL Bundle $24.95
Class C CDL Passenger Bus Bundle $21.95
Class C CDL School Bus Bundle $25.95
Class C CDL HazMat Bundle $25.95
Class C CDL Tank Vehicles Bundle $21.95
CDL Hazmat + Tank ADD-ON Bundle $17.95
CDL School Bus ADD-ON Bundle $15.95

CDL Tests Selector Tool

How to obtain a CLP (Commercial Learner's Permit)

Getting Started

Getting a CLP (Commercial Learner's Permit) involves several steps. There are medical requirements and residency requirements besides knowledge and skills requirements.

The first step is to get a free copy of the CDL Manual - CDL Handbook. The manual is available in the field locations, downloaded from the website and printed. has its own process to get your CLP (Commercial Learner's Permit).
The second step is to decide which type of vehicle and what kind of driving you want to get the CDL for.
There are 3 classes of CDLs with endorsements for specialized qualifications for vehicles like school buses, tank trucks, tractor trailers, etc. Each types of CLP (Commercial Learner's Permit) and endorsement requires you pass a skills test and in some cases a written test. It is important to make sure you pass all the required tests or risk having restrictions on your license.

Once you've finished getting informed and making decisions, there are two basic steps to getting a CDL:

Step 1: Get the Commercial Learners Permit ( CLP)

A Commercial Learners Permit ( CLP) is a permit that only authorizes you to practice on public roads with a qualified CDL holder sitting next to you. Getting the permit involves more than just passing all the knowledge tests for the type of driving you want to do. To make sure that you are eligible your driving record is checked for the last 10 years in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. You need to bring in the proof that your state accepts to show that you are medically qualified. Most types of commercial driving require a DOT medical card, requiring a DOT physical. Your state may require specific documents it wants to see to prove your name and proof of residency. There are fees for getting the CLP. Reading and following the instructions found in the specific CDL Information will streamline the process.

Step 2: Get the Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

You are required to possess the CLP for 14 days before taking the Skills Test. Some states require the successful completion of CDL training prior to testing. Regardless, it is highly recommended that you practice the inspection tests and maneuvers in the CDL Manual that you will be tested on with a qualified individual before showing up for the test. You must pass all 3 parts of the Skills Test: the Vehicle Inspection Test, the Basic Controls Test, and the Road Test. Your state may even allow you to use their "training aid" to help you remember items on the vehicle inspection checklist. Taking the Skills test is no guarantee that you will pass.

Once you have passed the Skills Test you need to take the documentation to the counter for processing. Some states will give you the CDL that same day, while others send it to you in the mail. Regardless make sure that everything is correct before you leave the counter. It can be costly and embarrassing if you find a mistake later.

Checklist . . .

Possess current valid regular driver's license in .
Show proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, payroll check stub, W-2 Form).
For interstate driving, submit proof of DOT Medical Certificate. For intrastate driving, complete an application which includes a statement certifying that you meet medical and driver qualifications. If you have had any change in your physical condition since your last driver license renewal which may affect your ability to drive, you may need a special form from the branch office for your physician to fill out before you can apply for your license.
Meet driver record eligibility requirements as determined by your DMV office personnel.
Pass the required knowledge and vision tests. You must pass all required knowledge tests to obtain a CDL Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP). This allows you to practice driving under supervision of a driver who has a CDL for the type of vehicle you wish to drive. A CDL Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) is also required for taking the CDL skills tests. If you do not pass a knowledge test on your first attempt, you must wait one day to retake the test. There is a one-day wait period for any subsequent retest.
Pay your CDL fees.
Schedule your CDL skills test.
Upon successfully passing your Skills Tests, return to the DMV office.
Receive your CDL.