CDL requirements are set by federal law (49 CFR Part 383) and administered by each state's DMV. All states share the same CDL class structure — Class A, B, and C — but state-specific fees, renewal periods, and testing procedures vary. Select your state for full details.
Any combination of vehicles with GCWR ≥ 26,001 lbs, towed vehicle GVWR > 10,000 lbs.
Tractor-trailers, semi trucks, tanker combinations
Any single vehicle with GVWR ≥ 26,001 lbs, or towing a vehicle ≤ 10,000 lbs GVWR.
Dump trucks, straight trucks, transit buses, concrete mixers
Vehicles not covered by A or B that transport 16+ passengers or placarded HazMat.
Passenger vans (15+ passengers), small HazMat vehicles
Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required for all first-time Class A or B CDL applicants and for adding H, P, or S endorsements. Training must be completed through an FMCSA-registered provider in the Training Provider Registry (TPR). This is a federal requirement — all states must comply.
Additional states coming soon. For states not listed, consult your state DMV directly.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is compiled from publicly available government sources and is provided for general informational purposes only. TruckRadar is an independent search engine — we are not affiliated with any government agency and this content does not constitute legal or compliance advice. Regulations change frequently; always verify current requirements directly with the official source before making compliance decisions.
Official source: FMCSA — Commercial Driver's LicenseLast reviewed: 2026-01