COMMERCIAL LEARNER'S PERMIT requirements

NLC strongly recommends students obtain their Class A CDL BEFORE graduation to increase their desirability to potential future employers. Since having a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) is a prerequisite to obtaining a CDL, we have listed each state's CLP requirements for your reference.

California

Though this list contains the necessary steps, further details are available at: dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licensesidentification-cards/commercial-driverlicenses-cdl/

To obtain a commercial learner’s permit in the state of California, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or older.

• Complete a Commercial Driver License Application.

• Complete a 10-Year History Record

Check form (DL 939) if you have been issued a driver license in the same or different name to operate any type of motor vehicle in another state or other jurisdiction within the previous 10 years.

• Provide your true full name.

• Present an acceptable birth date/legal presence document.

• Present acceptable residency documents, if you have never had a California driver license or California identification card.

• Provide your Social Security number.

• Pay the application fee.

• Pass a knowledge test for the class of vehicle you will drive.

Texas

Though this list contains the necessary steps, further details are available at: dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/howdo-i-apply-commercial-driver-license

To obtain a commercial learner’s permit in the state of Texas, you must:

• Apply in person at a driver’s license office.

• Present appropriate documents to verify your identity.

• Present documents to verify Texas residency.

• Present evidence of your Social Security number.

• Meet the self-certification of medical status requirement by completing the Self-Certification Affidavit.

• If applicable, meet the nonresident commercial requirements.

• Present proof of Texas vehicle registration and liability insurance on all vehicles registered in your name.

• Complete the Supplement Application Texas Commercial Driver License Certifications and Record of CDL Examination (CDL-1).

• Consent to be photographed, fingerprinted, and provide a signature.

• Pass a vision test.

• Pass the knowledge and skills tests for the appropriate driver’s license, including endorsements.

• Pay the required fee.

• Provide a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for the driving test.

Florida

Though this list contains the necessary steps, further details are available at: flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/ commercial-motor-vehicle-drivers/ commercial-driver-license/

To obtain a commercial learner’s permit in the state of Florida, you must:

• Be a resident of Florida (info on obtaining residency can be found at: stateofflorida.com/residency.aspx).

• Be at least 18 years of age to drive intrastate, 21 to drive interstate.

• Hold a Florida Class D license.

• Surrender any and all other driver’s licenses issued by Florida or any other state.

• Not be under suspension, revocation, cancellation, or disqualification in Florida or any other state.

• Submit a valid medical report or card.

• Provide proof of Social Security number.

• Pass all required tests and pay fees.