Pennsylvania CDL Requirements

PA CDL Classes

You must be at least 18 years old to operate a commercial motor vehicle within the state of Pennsylvania (intrastate) and at least 21 years of age to operate a commercial motor vehicle outside the state of Pennsylvania (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 a Pennsylvania (PA) 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 such 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 Pennsylvania Commercial Learner’s Permit

You must already possess a Pennsylvania commercial learner’s permit (CLP) before you can take the CDL Skills Test. Before applying for a Pennsylvania commercial learner’s permit, you must already possess a valid Pennsylvania Class C (non-commercial) driver’s license. You will be issued a Pennsylvania commercial driver’s license (CDL) when you pass both the written general knowledge test and the CDL Skills Test.

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

• Be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving (within the state of Pennsylvania only).
• Be at least 21 years of age for interstate driving (outside the state of Pennsylvania).
• 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.
• Have at least one year of driving experience.
• Possess a valid Pennsylvania Class C (non-commercial) 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 Pennsylvania).
• Provide original documented proof of your identification.
• Provide original documented proof of U.S. legal presence.
• Provide proof of your current Pennsylvania residency that shows your name and address.
• Provide your Social Security card.
• If you will be engaging in “Non-excepted” transportation, have a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT physical card) electronically on record with PennDOT, submitted by your medical examiner through the FMCSA National Registry.
• 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.
• Complete and sign the Self-Certification Form (DL-11CD) to certify the type of driving you intend to do: Non-excepted Interstate, Non-excepted Intrastate, Excepted Interstate, or Excepted Intrastate.
• Pass the physical exam when required (must be administered by a FMCSA certified medical examiner).
• 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 Learner’s Permit Application (DL-31CD).
• If you are seeking a Class A or B CDL for the first time, upgrading to a Class A or B CDL, or obtaining a passenger (P), school bus (S), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time, complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) through a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before testing.
• Pass the CDL written knowledge test.
• Pay the required fees. If you are upgrading from a non-commercial license to a commercial license, the fee (one permit, with the photo fee included) is $43.50 when applying 7 to 12 months prior to your license expiration, $65.50 when applying 13 to 24 months prior, $87.50 when applying 25 to 36 months prior, and $109.50 when applying 37 to 48 months prior. A federal fee of $60.00 applies if you are adding a Hazmat endorsement, and additional fees may apply for a Motorcycle endorsement or additional permits.

Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s License Fees

In addition to the fees noted above, a federal fee of $60.00 applies to anyone who requests a Hazmat endorsement on their driver’s license, and initial permit and licensing fees will vary depending on the specifics of the initial product for which you are applying. A four-year CDL renewal is $127.50, or $149.50 with Hazmat, $151.50 with Motorcycle, and $173.50 with both Hazmat and Motorcycle. Drivers age 65 and older may renew for a two-year period at $71.50, or $93.50 with Hazmat, $83.50 with Motorcycle, and $105.50 with both Hazmat and Motorcycle. A change (including a change of address) or replacement of a license is $42.50, or $48.50 with Motorcycle, while a duplicate camera card is $5.00, or $11.00 with Motorcycle.

Out-of-state drivers obtaining a new Pennsylvania commercial license pay $127.50 for a four-year license, or $133.50 with Motorcycle, $149.50 with Hazmat, and $155.50 with both Hazmat and Motorcycle. Out-of-state drivers age 65 and older pay $71.50 for a two-year license, or $77.50 with Motorcycle, $93.50 with Hazmat, and $99.50 with both Hazmat and Motorcycle.

If you are upgrading from a non-commercial license to a commercial license (one permit, with the photo fee included), the fee is $43.50 when applying 7 to 12 months prior to your license expiration, $65.50 when applying 13 to 24 months prior, $87.50 when applying 25 to 36 months prior, and $109.50 when applying 37 to 48 months prior; additional fees may apply for Hazmat, Motorcycle, or additional permits. For drivers upgrading existing CDL privileges, upgrading a commercial class or endorsement is $21.50, removing commercial restrictions is $21.50, and upgrading to transport hazardous materials (Hazmat) is $43.50.

If you have any questions about which documents to bring to your nearest PennDOT Driver License Center when you apply for your commercial learner’s permit, you can either call your local Driver License Center, or you can speak to a customer service representative at the PennDOT Customer Call Center by calling 717-412-5300 (TTY callers dial 711) Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, EST. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is closed on all statewide holidays.

CDL Written Tests

Once you submit the Commercial Learner’s Permit Application, PennDOT will issue a Knowledge Test Authorization (KTA) for each CDL class, endorsement, and restriction removal you request. The KTA is your authorization to appear at a Driver License Center for knowledge testing — it is not a driving permit and cannot be used to practice driving skills. The KTA is valid for one year, and you have one year from issuance to pass all required knowledge and skills tests in order to obtain your CDL. You first need to pass the general knowledge written test in order to be issued the actual commercial learner’s permit.

The CDL written tests are administered at all Driver License Centers. 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 License Center at least one hour prior to closing when taking the written tests.

Once you successfully pass the CDL general knowledge written test, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation 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. You may not operate any vehicle that is transporting materials deemed hazardous.

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.

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Complete Pennsylvania 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 CDL 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 PennDOT Driver License Centers that administer the CDL written tests.

Applying for a Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s License

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

• Possess a valid Pennsylvania commercial learner’s permit and have held it for at least 15 days before taking the skills test.
• If you are engaging in “Non-excepted” transportation, have a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT physical card) electronically on record with PennDOT (the certificate can be valid for no more than two years).
• Provide proof of vehicle insurance and vehicle registration (must be verified before you can take the test).
• Complete and sign the Self-Certification Form (DL-11CD) certifying your driving type: Non-excepted Interstate, Non-excepted Intrastate, Excepted Interstate, or Excepted Intrastate.
• Certify that your privilege to drive any motor vehicle is not currently suspended, revoked, canceled, or disqualified anywhere.
• Provide a test vehicle of the same class as the CDL you are testing for that has passed inspection.
• Provide a passenger that is 21 years of age or older with a valid Pennsylvania CDL to ride with you in your test vehicle to the test location.
• Schedule an appointment for the CDL Skills Test at a Driver License Center or CDL Third Party Tester.
• Pass the CDL Skills Test.
• Have your photo taken for the commercial driver’s license.

The CDL Skills Test

Once you obtain your commercial learner’s permit, you must wait at least 15 days before you will be allowed to schedule an appointment to take the CDL Skills Test. You may, however, contact PennDOT immediately after passing knowledge testing to schedule the skills test. You have three tries on that particular permit to pass the skills test(s). You can take the Skills Test at either a PennDOT Driver License Center or a state certified CDL Third Party Tester. The Skills Test is administered by appointment only. Walk-ins are not permitted. To schedule a test appointment, call any Driver License Center that administers the Skills Test, or call a CDL Third Party Tester.

On August 28, 2023, PennDOT began administering a modernized CDL Skills Test at all PennDOT Driver License Centers and third-party testing programs. The CDL Skills Test is a three part test that consists of a Vehicle Inspection (pre-trip inspection), a Basic Control Skills Test, and an On-Road Driving Test. The PennDOT Driver License Centers will not supply a vehicle for you to test in. You must bring your own test vehicle. Some CDL Third Party Testers may provide certain vehicles for you to test in, but you will most likely have to pay a rental fee.

You will be required to take the test in the same class and type of motor vehicle that 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.

• Vehicle Inspection: You will be tested on your knowledge of the class of vehicle you plan on driving once you obtain your CDL. Depending on the test vehicle, you may be asked to identify up to 90 different components and describe what you are checking to ensure the vehicle is safe and ready for use. A checklist is now authorized to be used as a memory aid for this segment. If you fail the Vehicle Inspection, you may not be allowed to take the Road Test.
• Basic Control Skills Test: You will need to demonstrate that you have the skills to control a commercial motor vehicle and judge its position in relation to other objects through a series of off-road maneuvers within a defined area.
• On-Road Driving Test: Once you pass the first two parts, 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 modernized Basic Control Skills Test requires applicants to demonstrate the following four maneuvers:

• Forward Stop – demonstrates your ability to judge the front of the vehicle.
• Straight-Line Backing – demonstrates your ability to back the vehicle in a straight line.
• Forward Offset Tracking – demonstrates your ability to maneuver the vehicle around other objects while moving forward.
• Reverse Offset Backing – demonstrates your ability to offset reverse and park the vehicle.

School bus driver applicants no longer need to take the portion of the test that identifies engine components “under the hood.” Under the current federal waiver implemented by PennDOT, the “under the hood” portion of the test may be waived for school bus driver applicants through November 28, 2026.

The On-Road Driving 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 Skills Test appointment you must:

1. Arrive on time.
2. Bring your validated commercial learner’s permit.
3. Have valid medical certification information on your PennDOT driver record (when required for your certification type).
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 Skills Test appointment! The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation advises applicants to schedule their Skills Test appointment a few weeks in advance and to arrive early for their test appointment.

If you decide to cancel your Skills Test appointment, you must cancel the appointment no less than 24 hours before your scheduled test date and time. PennDOT has the right to cancel any CDL Skills Test appointment due to bad weather, under sourced staffing, or any other unforeseen circumstances. Be sure to call the Driver License Center or CDL Third Party Tester on the day of your Skills Test to see if your appointment has been canceled due to bad weather.

Be sure to download and study the Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s Manual, as it contains pertinent information that will help you pass the CDL Skills Test. The HAZMAT Endorsement Manual is also available to download and study.

Click here to see the map and clickable list of PennDOT Driver License Centers and CDL Third Party Testers that administer the CDL Skills Test.

Commercial Driver Self-Certification

In the state of Pennsylvania, all commercial driver’s license and commercial learner’s permit applicants must self-certify as to the type of driving they will be doing, 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. You must self-certify when you apply for your commercial learner’s permit.

All commercial drivers who intend to operate a commercial motor vehicle for the following purposes only, do not require a commercial driver’s license and are considered “exempt”:

• Persons operating a Special Purpose Commercial vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 lbs. or less.
• Fire and emergency vehicles used to preserve life and property or to carry out governmental operations.
• Vehicles operated by non-civilian operators of military equipment.
• Recreational vehicles that are being used for personal recreational use only.
• Any farm vehicle used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery, or farm supplies within 150 air-miles of the owner’s farm and not used in the operation of a common or contract motor carrier.

When applying for a commercial driver’s license or commercial learner’s permit, you must certify your driving type as one of the following four categories:

• Non-excepted Interstate: You operate, or expect to operate, in interstate commerce, are subject to and meet the federal physical qualification requirements under 49 CFR part 391, and are required to have a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT physical card) on record with PennDOT. (Interstate commerce can apply even if your vehicle does not leave Pennsylvania.)
• Non-excepted Intrastate: You operate, or expect to operate, only in intrastate commerce, are subject to the Pennsylvania qualification requirements, and are required to have a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT physical card) on record with PennDOT.
• Excepted Interstate: You operate in interstate commerce but engage exclusively in operations excepted from the federal driver qualification requirements, and are therefore not required to have a Medical Examiner’s Certificate on record with PennDOT.
• Excepted Intrastate: You operate in intrastate commerce but engage exclusively in operations excepted from all or part of the federal and state driver qualification requirements, and are therefore not required to have a Medical Examiner’s Certificate on record with PennDOT.

Only commercial drivers who engage in “Non-excepted” transportation are required to have a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT physical card) on record with PennDOT. If you work in both excepted and non-excepted occupations, you should certify as Non-excepted and keep a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate on record. Failure to comply with state and federal self-certification regulations may result in the removal (downgrade) of your commercial driving privileges.

You can mail or fax the Self-Certification Form (DL-11CD). If you are submitting it at least 30 days before the due date, you may mail it to PennDOT, Bureau of Driver Licensing, P.O. Box 69008, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9008. If you are submitting it less than 30 days before the due date, you may fax it to (717) 783-5429, email it to CDLmedscert@pa.gov, or hand-deliver it to your local PennDOT Driver License Center for processing.

If you have any questions regarding self-certification, you can review the Self-Certification/Medical Examiner’s Certification FAQs and the Self-Certification Guide (Pub 726), or you can speak to a customer service representative at the PennDOT Customer Call Center by calling 717-412-5300 (TTY callers dial 711) Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, EST.

For more information about the Medical Examiner’s Certificate, please continue reading below.

Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver’s License

If your certification type requires medical certification, you must complete a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination performed by a medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Qualified examiners include:

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

Effective June 23, 2025, PennDOT accepts Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) information only electronically from the FMCSA National Registry. PennDOT no longer accepts MECs in person, by mail, or by email. Your medical examiner will electronically transmit your examination results (Form MCSA-5876) to the National Registry by midnight of the day after your examination, and the FMCSA will transmit the information directly to PennDOT, where it will be recorded on your driving record. You will no longer be issued a paper Medical Examiner’s Certificate unless you request a copy for your own records.

A Medical Examiner’s Certificate can be valid for no more than two years. You are responsible for knowing when your certificate will expire and for keeping valid medical certification information on your driving record. PennDOT will mail a reminder letter approximately 90 and 30 days before your certificate expires. If your medical certification expires or is rescinded, PennDOT will begin downgrade procedures, and your commercial driving designation will be removed if updated information is not received.

The FMCSA 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.

If you have any questions regarding medical certification, you can review the Self-Certification/Medical Examiner’s Certification FAQs, or you can speak to a customer service representative at the PennDOT Customer Call Center by calling 717-412-5300 (TTY callers dial 711) Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, EST.

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. If you are obtaining a hazardous materials endorsement for the first time, you must also complete Entry Level Driver Training through a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before taking the HAZMAT knowledge test. A federal fee of $60.00 applies when you add Hazmat to your driver’s license. All applicants must provide the required documents to verify their identification and legal U.S. status. For more information, review the Hazardous Materials Endorsement FAQs.

You must begin the TSA security threat assessment well before the expiration of your CDL, as the process can take 60 days or more. You can start the application online at the TSA Hazmat Endorsement website or by calling Universal Enrollment Services at (855) 347-8371. Use the TSA Enrollment Center Locator to find the nearest TSA approved fingerprint office.

Military Drivers

Under Act 133 of 2008 and Act 131 of 2020, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation may waive the CDL Knowledge and/or Skills Test for Pennsylvania residents who are on active or reserve military duty, or who are recently honorably discharged veterans, provided they have at least two years of experience operating a commercial motor vehicle as part of their military job requirements. The waiver applies to applicants who wish to operate vehicles similar to those they operated in the military. You will still be required to take any required written tests. Certain restrictions apply. To apply, download and complete the Military Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Testing Waiver Fact Sheet for instructions, or apply online through PennDOT’s Military CDL Test Waiver service.

If you have any questions about the Military CDL Testing Waiver, you can visit the Military CDL Waiver page, call your local Driver License Center, or speak to a customer service representative at the PennDOT Customer Call Center by calling 717-412-5300 (TTY callers dial 711) Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, EST. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is closed on all statewide holidays.

Pennsylvania CDL Endorsements

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

N Tank Vehicles Required to operate vehicles designed to haul liquids or gases in bulk.

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

T Double/Triple Trailers Indicates the 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.

Pennsylvania CDL Restrictions

A Restricts the driver to driving within an exempt intracity zone

B/M Allows the driver to operate a Class B or Class C bus

C/N Limits the driver to operating only a Class C bus

G Indicates the driver is qualified medically by operation of 49 CFR §391.64

L Restricts the driver to vehicles not equipped with air brakes

Q Requires the driver to wear corrective lenses

V Indicates the driver has been issued a medical variance

Y Requires the driver to wear a hearing aid

E Restricts the driver from driving manual transmission commercial vehicles

K Limits the driver to operating only in intrastate commerce

O Restricts the driver from driving a tractor trailer

Z Prohibits driving a commercial motor vehicle with full air brakes

Methods of Payment

All PennDOT Driver License Centers accept the following methods of payment:

• Debit cards
• Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover)
• Checks (payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania)
• Money Orders (payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania)

PennDOT Driver License Centers do not accept cash. The Riverfront Office Center Customer Counter in Harrisburg also accepts cash in addition to the payment methods listed above.

Important Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s License Resources

Complete CDL Practice Test Study Package
Complete CDL Cheat Sheet Study Package
Commercial Driver’s License Fact Sheet
Commercial Driver’s License: Learner’s Permit Procedures Fact Sheet
Commercial Learner’s Permit Application (DL-31CD)
Commercial Driver’s License Application to Replace/Correct (DL-80CD)
Transfer a Commercial Driver’s License from Another State
Documentation for CDL Drivers (Identity & Residency Requirements)
USA Patriot Act Requirements Fact Sheet (Pub 513)
Military Commercial Driver’s License Testing Waiver Fact Sheet
Self-Certification/Medical Examiner’s Certification FAQs
Self-Certification Form (DL-11CD)
Self-Certification Guide (Pub 726)
Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s Manual (Pub 223)
HAZMAT Endorsement Manual (Pub 288)
National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners

Check out our list of truck driving schools in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania CDL Skills 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.

 

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