Louisiana CDL Requirements

Louisiana CDL Classes

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

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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 a Louisiana Commercial Learner’s Permit

You must already possess a Louisiana commercial learner’s permit (CLP) before you can take the CDL Skills Test. A commercial learner’s permit is obtained for the purpose of behind-the-wheel training in a commercial motor vehicle. You will be issued a Louisiana commercial driver’s license (CDL) when you pass both the written general knowledge test and the CDL Skills Test.

In order to obtain a Louisiana commercial learner’s permit, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be at least 21 years of age for interstate driving (outside Louisiana state lines) or to transport passengers.
• Have a valid Class “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “E” license issued by the same jurisdiction that will issue the CLP.
• Provide your Social Security card.
• Prove you are of legal U.S. status by providing the required documents .
• Provide proof of current Louisiana residency that shows your name and current address (i.e., a utility bill, vehicle registration, etc.).
• Have a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876).
• Complete the CDL Supplemental Form (DPSMV2211), initially and any time the type of commerce changes.
• Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) through an FMCSA-registered provider if required for your CDL class or endorsement.
• Pass the CDL general knowledge written test.
• Pay the $15 application fee for the commercial learner’s permit.

The CLP holder must be accompanied at all times by the holder of a valid CDL who has the proper class and endorsement for the vehicle being used for training; that CDL holder must occupy the front seat and directly supervise the permit holder. The CLP is not eligible to be used for the CDL skills test during the first 14 days after initial issuance. A CLP is issued for up to 180 days and may be extended once for an additional 180 days (not to exceed 360 days total) at no charge if more training time is needed.

If you have questions about which documents to bring to your local Office of Motor Vehicles when you apply for your commercial learner’s permit, you may call the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles at (225) 925-6146 and speak to a customer service representative. You can email any questions you may have to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles as well.

The CDL Written Tests

All commercial driver’s license applicants must pass the general knowledge written test in order to be eligible to receive a CDL. The test may be either a written test or an oral test. In order to receive a passing score, each applicant is required to answer at least 80% of the questions correctly. All written tests require a score of at least 80% to pass.

All CDL tests are given in English and translators are not allowed. All applicants must pay a $15 application fee and fill out the necessary forms prior to testing. You have six months from the day you pay the $15 application fee to pass all your CDL written tests, pass the CDL skills tests, and obtain your commercial driver’s license. If you fail to do all three within the six month period, your application fee will be relinquished and you will have to start the process all over again.

Over 60% of first time CDL applicants fail the written test! Be sure to buy 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 buy 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 Louisiana 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!

 

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

Click here to see a map and clickable list of Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicle locations that offer the CDL written tests.

Applying for a Louisiana Commercial Driver’s License

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

• Possess a valid Louisiana commercial learner’s permit.
• Possess a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876).
• Provide proof of vehicle insurance and vehicle registration (must be verified before you can take the test).
• Provide a passenger with a valid Louisiana CDL to ride with you in your commercial vehicle to the test site (if you can’t rent a test vehicle).
• Complete the CDL Supplemental Form (DPSMV2211) and complete the required application.
• Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) if required for your CDL class or endorsement.
• Pass the CDL general knowledge written test.
• Pass the CDL Skills Test, administered by a certified third-party tester or at an OMV location.
• Pay the skills test fee charged by the third-party tester (the amount is set by the tester), and the rental fee if you use the tester’s vehicle.
• Pay the $15 CDL application fee.
• Pay the $61.50 license fee for the commercial driver’s license ($76.50 if you reside in Orleans Parish).
• Pay the $7.50 fee for each additional CDL endorsement.

The CDL Skills Test consists of a Pre-trip inspection, a Basic Vehicle Control test, and an On-Road Driving test and must be taken in the same class and type of motor vehicle you plan to drive once you obtain your CDL. If you take the CDL Skills 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. A Louisiana commercial driver’s license is valid for six years from the date it is issued.

The CDL Skills Test

The CDL Skills Test is a three part test and consists of the following:

• 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.
• Basic Controls Test: Before you can take the CDL Road 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.
• 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.

Be sure to download and study the Louisiana Commercial Driver’s License Manual as it contains the information you need to pass the CDL Skills Test.

Click here to see a map and clickable list of Louisiana state approved third party CDL Skills Test sites.

Commercial Driver Self-Certification

In the state of Louisiana, all commercial driver’s license applicants must self-certify as to what type of driving they will be doing (intrastate or interstate), and whether they meet all the FMCSA medical requirements. You complete your self-certification on the CDL Supplemental Form (DPSMV2211), which must be submitted initially and any time the type of commerce changes. You can check your current self-certification status using the Louisiana CDL Self-Certification Inquiry.

Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver’s License

In order to apply for a commercial driver’s license, your DOT physical must be performed by a medical examiner who is certified on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. You can search for a certified examiner by using the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

The Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876) must be on file with the Office of Motor Vehicles. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles will only accept a medical certificate that has been completed by a medical examiner certified on the National Registry.

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

You can submit your completed and signed Medical Examiner’s Certificate by doing any of the following:

• Fax your completed and signed documents to: (225) 925-3901
• Scan and email your completed and signed documents to: OMV_CDL_Medical@dps.la.gov
• Bring your completed and signed documents to any Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles location.

You can check the status of your medical certification by using the Louisiana CDL Medical Inquiry Database or by calling the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles at (225) 925-6146.

Hazmat Endorsement

Any person that is applying for a Hazardous Materials CDL endorsement (new, renewal, or change of state of record) is required to undergo a federal security threat assessment, which includes a fingerprint-based background check, according to guidelines set by the Transportation Security Administration. You must also take and pass the hazardous materials knowledge test. If you have never held a verifiable hazardous materials endorsement before, you must complete ELDT HazMat training through an FMCSA-registered provider before you can take the written test. 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.

Integrated Biometric Technology (IBT/IDEMIA) is the TSA’s authorized agent that captures and submits fingerprints for Louisiana. The cost to be fingerprinted is $85.25, payable by credit/debit card, money order, certified check, or company check. To initiate your application, visit the TSA Hazardous Material Endorsement Enrollment Website or call 1-855-347-8371. The application must be completed online or through the Driver Service Center before you arrive at the fingerprint capture location. You must begin applying at least 30 days before the expiration of your CDL. Use the TSA Enrollment Center Locator to find the nearest TSA approved fingerprint office.

Military Drivers

In the state of Louisiana, 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 to start the process. You can contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles by email if you have any questions about the Military Skills Test Waiver program or give them a call at (225) 925-6146 and choose option 4.

Louisiana 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. The “P” endorsement is also required.

Louisiana CDL Restrictions

The following CDL restrictions are based on the driver passing the necessary commercial driver’s license written knowledge tests or driving skills tests. The restrictions may be added or removed from the commercial driver’s license:

• K – Intrastate driving only (may only drive a CMV within Louisiana state lines).
• L – May not drive CMV equipped with air brakes.
• V – Medical variance restriction (waiver for vision, diabetes, or Skill’s Performance Evaluation).
  

Important Louisiana Commercial Driver’s License Resources

Complete CDL Practice Test Study Package
Complete CDL Cheat Sheet Study Package
Louisiana CDL Waiver for Farm Related Services
Louisiana OMV Identification Requirements
Contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles by Email
Application for Military Skills Test Waiver
Louisiana CDL Self-Certification Inquiry
Louisiana CDL Medical Inquiry Database
National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners

Check out our list of truck driving schools in Louisiana 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 Louisiana CDL Written Test Locations

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 Louisiana CDL Skills Test Locations

**Testing vehicles are available for rent at this location. Certain fees may apply. Please contact the testing facility for more details.

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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