A Washington DC Commercial Driver’s License is an important requirement when contemplating about working as a truck driver in this state. Recent events have caused the federal and state governments to issue newer regulations with regards to the application process making it a little more complicated than it used to. For some, this can be a bit of a difficulty as newer fees are required and there are also several qualifications that applicants now have to pass in order to get a CDL. If you would like to learn more about these requirements then read on.

One of the most important factors in applying for a truck driver’s license is the age requirement. Today, you would have to be at least 18, to apply for an intrastate license, and 21 for an interstate one. You should also have a clean driving record for the past few years if you wish to even proceed to an instruction permit. This means that you should already have a driver’s license when you apply for a Washington DC Commercial Driver’s License.

When you present your application at the DMV office, they will run a background check on your license through the Commercial Driver License Information System and the National Driver Record to see if you have committed any disqualifying traffic violations during the last few years and if you have another license in another state.

The next thing that you have to comply with is the DOT medical certification, the CDL self-certification process, and the vision test. Today, the DMV requires applicants to be physically capable of driving these commercial vehicles without any medical condition which may affect their driving skills. A lot of accidents have been found to be caused by certain conditions hence the medical screening. Aside from this, you will also have to be prepared with your proof of residence or legal status in the US and your Social Security number.

When you apply for your instruction permit, you will need to present the said documents together with your filled-out application form and the corresponding application fee. You will then be led to take the written test which will generally cover basic driving and road signs. Make sure that you study the Washington DC CDL Manual in order to pass this test. You can get a copy from your local DMV office or you can download it directly from their website.

If you pass the written exam, you will then be provided with an instruction permit which will be valid for six months. During this period you can either enroll in a CDL school or be accompanied by a licensed individual while you drive the type of commercial vehicle that you are applying for. Before your permit expires and when you feel that you are ready for the actual test, you can then schedule for the road test through the DMV office. The test will cover pre-trip inspection, basic driving skills, and a road test in actual traffic conditions. If you pass all of these tests, you will then be given a Washington DC Commercial Driver’s License.

District of Columbia’s Department of Motor Vehicles
Brentwood CDL Center
1205 Brentwood Road, NE
Washington, DC 20018
Website: DC CDL Information
DC Commercial Driver’s License Manual
Phone: (202) 737-4404