Ohio CDL Requirements

CDL Classes in Ohio

      You must be at least 18 years old to operate a commercial motor vehicle within the state of Ohio (intrastate) and at least 21 years of age to drive a commercial motor vehicle outside the state of Ohio (interstate). You must also be at least 21 years old to transport materials that are deemed hazardous and to transport passengers using a commercial motor vehicle. You need an Ohio CDL in order to operate either commercial or non-commercial motor vehicles that fall into the following categories:

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Why risk failing your CDL written exams on the first try? Get the Complete CDL Cheat Sheet Study Package and be fully prepared for your CDL written exams. Best of all, there’s a 100% Money Back Guarantee if you fail your CDL written exams!

 

  • FREE Bonus CDL Pre-Trip Cheat Sheet
  • Available in English, Spanish, Korean, Japanese & More
  • Rated 4.6 Stars Out of Over 22,000 Customer Reviews
  • 100% REFUND If You Don’t Pass Your Written Tests

Class A
      Any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided that the gross vehicle weight rating of the towed vehicle is in excess of 10,000 pounds.  

Class B
      Any single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,001 or more pounds, as well as any vehicle towing another vehicle that does not exceed a weight of 10,000 pounds. 

Class C
      Any vehicle or combination of vehicles that does not meet the criteria of either Class A or Class B, but is designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver), or is used in transporting materials classified as hazardous in the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act. Each applicant must also have a passenger or hazardous materials endorsement in order to obtain a Class C commercial driver’s license. 

Applying for an Ohio Commercial Learner’s Permit

      You must already possess an Ohio commercial learner’s permit (CLP) before you can take the CDL Skill Test. Before applying for an Ohio commercial learner’s permit, you must already possess a valid Ohio State driver’s license. You will be issued an Ohio commercial driver’s license (CDL) when you pass both the written general knowledge test and the CDL Skill Test. 

      In order to obtain an Ohio commercial learner’s permit, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving (within the state of Ohio only).
  • Be at least 21 years of age for interstate driving (outside the state of Ohio).
  • Be at least 21 years of age to transport materials deemed hazardous.
  • Be at least 21 years of age to transport passengers in a CMV.
  • Possess a valid Ohio State driver’s license.
  • Provide your current out-of-state driver’s license or I.D. card (if you are not currently licensed in the state of Ohio).
  • Provide your original Social Security card.
  • Provide the necessary documents of identification (Spanish version can be found here).
  • Prove you are of legal U.S. status by providing the required documents (Spanish version can be found here).
  • Provide proof of your current Ohio residency that shows your name and address (i.e., a utility bill, vehicle registration, insurance card).
  • Provide your current Medical Examiner’s Certificate and completed Medical Examination Report.  
  • Certify that your privilege to drive any motor vehicle is not currently suspended, revoked, canceled, or disqualified anywhere.
  • Certify that you currently hold no more than one driver’s license.
  • Pass the physical exam (must be administered by a FMCSA certified physician).
  • Pass the vision exam (you must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye with or without glasses).
  • Pass the color blindness test (you must be able to recognize green, red, and amber colors).
  • Complete and sign the Commercial Driver’s License Application.
  • Pass the CDL written knowledge test.
  • Pay the $27 fee to cover the cost of the commercial learner’s permit.

      If you have any questions about which documents to bring to your nearest Ohio Driver Exam Station when you apply for your commercial learner’s permit,  you can either call your local Driver Exam Station, or you can speak to a customer service representative by calling the Ohio BMV Driver License Information Center at (614) 752-7600 Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm.

CDL Written Tests

      The CDL written tests are administered at all . All commercial driver’s license applicants must pass the general knowledge written test in order to be eligible to receive a CDL. The CDL general knowledge test consists of 50 questions. In order to receive a passing score, each applicant is required to answer at least 80% of the questions correctly in the time allotted for that test. 

      All written tests require a score of at least 80% to pass. Any applicant that exceeds the time limit or incorrectly answers too many questions on the general knowledge test will fail. All applicants should arrive at the Driver Exam Station at least one hour prior to closing when taking the written tests.

      Once you successfully pass the CDL general knowledge written test, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles will issue you a commercial learner’s permit so that you can practice operating a commercial motor vehicle. You may only operate a CMV under the supervision of a front seat passenger who is at least 21 years old and carries a valid CDL of the same class or greater than the class of vehicle you are operating. 

      The commercial learner’s permit will be valid for up to six months from the date it is issued. If you do not successfully pass the CDL Skill Test and obtain your commercial driver’s license before your commercial learner’s permit expires, you will be required to purchase a new commercial learner’s permit. You will also be required to retake the CDL general knowledge written test and the vision exam.

     Over 60% of first time CDL applicants fail the written test! Be sure to download the Complete CDL Practice Test Study Package, as it contains practice tests containing questions and answers specifically designed to help you pass the actual CDL written tests administered by the DMV. You may also want to download the Complete CDL Cheat Sheet Study Package as it includes a collection of study guides with key information designed to help you rapidly learn all the sections of the CDL manual you must know in order to pass the CDL written exams.

100% Money Back Guarantee!
Complete Ohio CDL Practice Test Study Package

Why risk failing your CDL written exams on the first try? Get the Complete CDL Practice Test Study Package and be fully prepared for your CDL written exams. Best of all, there’s a 100% Money Back Guarantee if you fail your CDL written exams!

 

  • FREE Bonus CDL Pre-Trip Cheat Sheet
  • FREE Bonus National Signs & Signals Test
  • Rated 4.6 Stars Out of Over 22,000 Customer Reviews
  • 100% REFUND If You Don’t Pass Your Written Tests

100% Money Back Guarantee!
Complete Ohio CDL Cheat Sheet Study Package

Why risk failing your CDL written exams on the first try? Get the Complete CDL Cheat Sheet Study Package and be fully prepared for your CDL written exams. Best of all, there’s a 100% Money Back Guarantee if you fail your CDL written exams!

 

  • FREE Bonus CDL Pre-Trip Cheat Sheet
  • Available in English, Spanish, Korean, Japanese & More
  • Rated 4.6 Stars Out of Over 22,000 Customer Reviews
  • 100% REFUND If You Don’t Pass Your Written Tests

      Our Free Practice Tests will help prepare you for the actual CDL knowledge tests administered by the DMV.

      Click here to see the map and clickable list of Ohio Driver Exam Stations that administer the CDL written tests.

Applying for an Ohio Commercial Driver’s License

      In order to obtain a commercial driver’s license in the state of Ohio, you must:

  • Possess a valid Ohio commercial learner’s permit (CLP).
  • Possess a valid Ohio State driver’s license.
  • Possess a current D.O.T. card (cannot be more than 2 years old).
  • Provide proof of vehicle insurance and vehicle registration (must be verified before you can take the test).
  • Provide a test vehicle of the same class as the CDL you are testing for (must display a valid inspection sticker). 
  • Provide a passenger that is 21 years of age or older with a valid Ohio CDL to ride with you in your test vehicle to the test location.
  • Schedule an appointment for the CDL Skill Test.
  • Pay any CDL Skill Test fees.
  • Pass the CDL Skill Test. 
  • Pay the $42 fee to cover the cost of the commercial driver’s license ($44.75 for CDL renewals).
  • Pay the $43 fee for each CDL endorsement.

The CDL Skill Test

      Once you obtain your commercial learner’s permit, you will be allowed to schedule an appointment to take the CDL Skill Test at either an Ohio Driver Exam Station that administers the CDL Skill Test, or at any Ohio state certified Third Party CDL Skill Test location

      The CDL Skill Test is a three part test that consists of a Pre-trip Inspection, a Basic Vehicle Controls Test, and an On-Road Driving Test. The Ohio Driver Exam Stations will not supply a vehicle for you to test in. You must bring your own test vehicle. Most Third Party CDL Skill Test locations do provide a test vehicle that you can rent for the test.

      You will be required to take the test in the same class and type of motor vehicle you plan to drive once you obtain your CDL.  If you take the CDL Skill Test in a commercial motor vehicle that is not equipped with air brakes, then you will have an air brakes restriction attached to your commercial driver’s license. 

  • Pre-trip Inspection: Before you can take the CDL driving tests, you will first be tested on your knowledge of the class of vehicle you plan on driving once you obtain your CDL. The Pre-trip inspection also determines if your commercial vehicle is safe enough to drive on public roads. If you fail the Pre-trip Inspection, you will not be allowed to take the Road Skills Test.
  • Basic Controls Test: Before you can take the Road Skills Test, you will first need to prove that you have the skills to operate a commercial motor vehicle on public roads. This test consists of various off-road maneuvers such as backing up your vehicle, moving your vehicle forward, and making turns within a defined area. 
  • Road Skills Test: Once you pass the first two tests, you will be required to drive your commercial vehicle on public roads in various traffic situations. You will be required to operate the same class of commercial vehicle you plan to drive once you obtain your CDL.

      The Basic Controls Test may include the following maneuvers:

  • 90 degree alley docking
  • Straight line backing
  • Parallel parking (driver side)
  • Parallel parking (conventional)
  • Offset back/right
  • Offset back/left

      The Road Skills Test will be administered on a route predetermined by the safety specialist. The test route will most likely include the following:

  • Starting
  • Stopping
  • Braking
  • Turning
  • Observing traffic signs 
  • Observing traffic signals
  • Observing other traffic
  • Using vehicle controls
  • Maintaining proper lane positions
  • Downgrades
  • Downgrade stopping
  • Upgrades
  • Upgrade stopping
  • Railroad crossings
  • Bridge clearance
  • Underpass clearance
  • General observance of traffic laws
  • General safe driving practices for trucks or buses

     On the day of your CDL Skill Test appointment you must:

  1. Arrive on time.
  2. Bring your validated commercial learner’s permit.
  3. Bring your valid D.O.T. medical card.
  4. Bring a passenger (age 21 or older) that is qualified to drive a CMV with the same class of CDL or greater than the test vehicle.
  5. Bring a test vehicle that is the same class of license that you are testing for and that has passed inspection.

      Failure to do any of the above may result in an immediate cancellation of your CDL Skill Test appointment! The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles advises applicants to schedule their Skill Test appointment a few weeks in advance and to arrive early for their test appointment. 

      If you decide to cancel your Skill Test appointment, you must cancel the appointment no less than 48 hours before your scheduled test date and time. If you fail any part of the CDL Skill Test, you will not be permitted to take the test again until the next day.

      The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles has the right to cancel any CDL Skill Test appointment due to bad weather, under sourced staffing, or any other unforseen circumstances. Be sure to call the Ohio Driver Exam Station on the day of your Skill Test to see if your appointment has been canceled due to bad weather.

      Be sure to download and study the Ohio Commercial Driver License Handbook, as it contains pertinent information that will help you pass the CDL Skill Test. 

     Click here to see the map and clickable list of Ohio Driver Exam Stations that administer the CDL Skill Test. Click here to see the map and clickable list of Ohio state certified Third Party CDL Skill Test locations.

Ohio Restricted Commercial Driver’s License

      Unlike most states, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles does not offer a CDL waiver to commercial drivers. They do, however, provide a restricted commercial driver’s license for seasonal CDL drivers. Download and read the Application for Restricted CDL for Farm Related Service Industries for more details.

Commercial Driver Self-Certification

      In the state of Ohio, all commercial driver’s license holders must self-certify as to what type of driving they will be doing (intrastate or interstate), and whether they meet or exceed the medical and physical standards put forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to legally and safely operate a commercial motor vehicle. All CDL applicants must self-certify once they obtain their commercial driver’s license.

      If you operate a commercial motor vehicle in either intrastate or interstate commerce solely for the following purposes, then you are under “excepted” status, and therefore do not need to provide a Medical Examiner’s Certificate:

  • Transporting school children and/or school staff members between home and school.
  • Operating any vehicle as an employee of either Federal, State, or Local government.
  • Operating fire and rescue vehicles for emergency purposes and other related events.
  • Transporting sick, injured, or deceased persons.
  • Primarily transporting propane heating fuel when responding to an emergency condition requiring an immediate response.
  • When custom harvesting on a farm or to haul farm machinery and supplies to and from a farm or when transporting crops between a farm and a market or storage facility.
  • When operating a farm vehicle that is not a combo vehicle (power unit and towed unit), and is used to haul agricultural products, farm supplies (cannot be materials deemed hazardous), or farm machinery to and from a farm and within 150 air miles of the farm.
  • Transporting bees as an apiarist during beekeeping season.
  • When transporting migrant workers.
  • As a private motor carrier of passengers for non-business activities.

      If you intend to operate a commercial motor vehicle for any other purpose than those listed above, then you operate in either “non-excepted” intrastate commerce, “non-excepted” interstate commerce, or both. “Non excepted” interstate drivers and “non-excepted” intrastate drivers must submit a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate along with a completed and signed copy of the CDL Self-Certification Authorization Form.

      If you have any questions regarding self-certification, you can call the Ohio BMV CDL Unit toll-free at 1-855-240-8844, or you can send them an email at cdl@dps.state.oh.us. For more information about the Medical Examiner’s Certificate, please continue reading below.

Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver’s License

      All CDL applicants must have the Medical Examiner’s Certificate and the Medical Examination Report completed by one of the following:

  • Licensed U.S. doctor of medicine (M.D.)
  • Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O)
  • Licensed physician assistant (P.A.)
  • Advanced practice registered nurse
  • Chiropractor

      The Medical Examiner’s Certificate must be attached to the Medical Examination Report and dated within the previous two years if you are renewing your commercial driver’s license. If you are a first time CDL applicant submitting your Medical Examiner’s Certificate, then the certificate must be dated within the previous 60 days of the date you submit your documents. 

      The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles will only accept your medical forms if they have been completed by a qualified physician who has been certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. You can search for a FMCSA certified physician by using the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

      The FMSCA requires you to have at least 20/40 vision in each eye and a field of vision of at least 140 degrees (70 degrees in each eye) in order to be certified to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Under certain conditions, you may be able to be waived from these and other medical requirements.     

      Once you have completed and signed the Medical Examiner’s Certificate, the Medical Examination Report, the CDL Self-Certification Authorization Form, and any applicable medical waivers, you can submit your documents by doing any of the following:

  • Bring your completed and signed documents in person to any Ohio Regional Reinstatement Office or Deputy Registrar.
  • Fax your completed and signed documents to (614) 308-5181.
  • Scan and email your completed and signed documents in PDF form (as an email attachment) to cdl@dps.state.oh.us.
  • Mail your completed and signed documents to:

                              Ohio BMV 
                              CDL/Out of State Processing 
                              P.O. Box 16784 
                              Columbus, OH 43216-6784                                      

      Please include your name, address, and contact number on all mailings, faxes, and emails. Be sure to double check and, if needed, correct any errors before you submit your documents. All CDL applicants are advised to keep copies of these documents for their own records. Failure to comply with state and federal self-certification regulations will result in a cancellation of your commercial driving privileges.

      If you have any questions regarding self-certification, you can call the Ohio BMV CDL Unit toll-free at 1-855-240-8844, or you can send them an email at cdl@dps.state.oh.us.

Hazmat Endorsement

      Any person that is applying for a Hazardous Materials CDL endorsement is required to undergo a federal background check and federal fingerprint check according to guidelines set by the Transportation Security Administration. All applicants must also provide the required documents to verify their identification and legal U.S. status. For more information, check out the Transportation Security Administration’s F.A.Q. page.

      You can apply for the security threat assessment on the TSA Hazardous Material Endorsement Enrollment Website. You must begin applying at least 30 days before the expiration of your CDL. You can start the application process on the HTAP Online Application Website. To apply by phone call (855) 347-8371. Use the TSA Enrollment Center Locator to find the nearest TSA approved fingerprint office.

Military Drivers

      In the state of Ohio, if you are currently serving in the military or have been honorably discharged within the last 90 days, and you have driven military vehicles that would require a CDL to operate as a civilian with a 2 year safe driving record, then you may qualify for the waiver of the CDL Skills Test and may be exempt from taking the commercial driver skills test. You will still be required to take the written tests. Certain restrictions apply. Download, print, and complete the Application for Military Skills Test Waiver Military Exception to start the process. 

      If you have any questions about the Application for Military Skills Test Waiver Military Exception, you can either call your local Driver Exam Station, or you can speak to a customer service representative by calling the Ohio BMV Driver License Information Center at (614) 752-7600 Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm.

Ohio CDL Endorsements

      H      Placarded Hazmat      Required to transport hazardous materials under DOT regulations. 

      N      Tank Vehicles      Required to transport liquids in bulk containers of 1,000 gallons or more.

      X      Tanker/Hazardous Materials Combination   Required to transport hazardous materials in tank vehicles   

      T      Double/Triple Trailers      Indicates CDL holder is certified to operate multiple trailer haulers. 

      P     Passengers      Indicates the CDL holder is certified to operate passenger vehicles.

      S     School Bus      Indicates the CDL holder is authorized to operate a school bus. 

Methods of Payment       

      The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles accepts the following methods of payment:

  • Cash
  • Personal Checks
  • Money Orders
  • Certified Cashier Checks
  • Traveler’s Checks
  • County Agency Vouchers
  • Intra-State Agency Vouchers

Important Ohio Commercial Driver’s License Resources 

Complete CDL Practice Test Study Package
Complete CDL Cheat Sheet Study Package

Ohio BMV Acceptable Documents List
Ohio BMV Lista De Documentos Aceptables
Ohio BMV Liiska Dokumentiyada La Aqbali Karo
Proof of Ohio Residency-Certified Statement
Application for Restricted CDL for Farm Related Service Industries
Application for Military Skills Test Waiver Military Exception
Application for Military Skills Test Waiver
CDL Self-Certification Authorization Form
Medical Examination Report Form 649-F
Medical Examiner’s Certificate
National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners

 

      Check out our list of truck driving schools in Ohio that will provide you with the necessary skills to obtain your commercial driver’s license and start your career in the exciting field of commercial truck driving! You may also want to check out our nationwide list of truck driving schools.

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Map of Ohio Driver Exam Stations 

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**The CDL Skill Test is available at this location.

Some CDL testing locations require you to set up an appointment. CDL testing hours may vary. Please call the testing location for more information.

 

Map of Ohio Third Party CDL Skills Test Locations

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**CDL Skill Test location offers vehicles for renting (no school buses available).

Some CDL testing locations require you to set up an appointment. CDL testing hours may vary. Please call the testing location for more information.

 

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