Oregon CDL Requirements

CDL Classes in Oregon

You must be at least 18 years old to operate a commercial motor vehicle within the state of Oregon (intrastate) and at least 21 years of age to operate a commercial motor vehicle outside the state of Oregon (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 Oregon CDL in order to operate either commercial or non-commercial motor vehicles that fall into the following categories:

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Class A
A combination of vehicles with a total gross vehicle weight rating (or actual gross weight) of 26,001 pounds or more, where the trailer or trailers being towed have a gross vehicle weight rating (or actual gross weight) of more than 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 an Oregon Commercial Learner’s Permit

You must have or get a valid Oregon commercial learner’s permit (CLP) before you can take the CDL Skills Test. Before applying for an Oregon commercial learner’s permit, you must already possess a valid Oregon Class C (non-commercial) driver’s license. You will be issued an Oregon commercial driver’s license (CDL) when you pass the written general knowledge test, complete any required Entry Level Driver Training, and pass the CDL Skills Test.

Effective March 16, 2026, Oregon DMV no longer issues or reinstates limited-term (non-domiciled) CDLs and CLPs. You also may not be issued a CDL or CLP if you have a “prohibited” status in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.

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

• Be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving (within the state of Oregon only).
• Be at least 21 years of age for interstate driving (outside the state of Oregon).
• 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 or meet the qualifications for a valid Oregon 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 OR).
• Present proof of your full legal name, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence, identity, date of birth, and residence address.
• Provide proof of your current Oregon residency that shows your name and address (i.e., a utility bill, vehicle registration, insurance card).
• Provide your Social Security number (on the CDL application).
• Complete a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination, when required, with an examiner listed in the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, and have valid medical certification information on your DMV driver record.
• 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.
• Certify the type of driving you intend to do: Non-excepted Interstate, Excepted Interstate, or Non-excepted Intrastate.
• Pass a vision screening (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).
• Pass the CDL General Knowledge Test (administered in English only).
• Pass the combination vehicle knowledge test (Class A commercial learner permit only) and the air brake knowledge test (air brake equipped vehicles only).
• Pay the $10 CDL knowledge test fee (there is a $10 fee for each commercial knowledge test).
• Pay the $40 fee to cover the cost of the commercial learner’s permit.

Anyone obtaining a Class A or B CDL for the first time, upgrading a Class B CDL to a Class A, or obtaining a passenger, school bus, or hazardous materials endorsement for the first time must complete federal Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) through a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. You must complete ELDT before scheduling your CDL Skills Test or taking a hazardous materials endorsement knowledge test. ELDT is not required if you have held the applicable CDL or endorsement in the past, or if you have received a military CDL skills test waiver.

If you have any questions about which documents to bring to your nearest Oregon DMV Office when you apply for your commercial learner’s permit, you can either call your local DMV Office, or you can speak to a customer service representative at the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles Central Support Staff by calling any of the DMV General Information Phone Numbers Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm PST. The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles is closed on all statewide holidays.

CDL Written Tests

The CDL written tests are administered at all DMV Offices. All written tests are administered in the English language only. Translators are not permitted. 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 DMV Office at least one hour prior to closing when taking the written tests. Most DMV Offices require your customer number to be called by a certain time (usually one hour prior to closing) in order to be eligible to take the written test that day.

Knowledge test results are valid for six months from the date the test is passed. You must complete all application requirements within those six months to be issued a CLP, or you will be required to take and pass the knowledge test(s) again. Once you successfully pass the required tests, the Oregon Department 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. You may not operate any vehicle that is transporting materials deemed hazardous.

The commercial learner’s permit will be valid for up to one year from the date it is issued and cannot be renewed. You must hold the commercial learner’s permit for at least 14 days before you are eligible to take the CDL Skills Test. If your commercial learner’s permit expires before you obtain your CDL, you will be required to meet all application requirements, including passing the knowledge test and vision screening again and paying all applicable fees, before a new permit will be issued to you.

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 Oregon 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 Oregon DMV Offices that administer the CDL written tests.

Applying for an Oregon Commercial Driver’s License

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

• Have or get a valid Oregon commercial learner’s permit (CLP) and hold it for at least 14 days before taking the CDL Skills Test.
• Have or meet the qualifications for a valid Oregon Class C (non-commercial) driver’s license.
• Have valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT card) information on your DMV driver record when required for your certification type.
• Provide proof of vehicle insurance and vehicle registration (must be verified before you can take the test).
• Complete and sign the Commercial Driver License Application (you must indicate at least 1 year of non-commercial driving experience).
• Certify the type of driving you intend to do: Non-excepted Interstate, Excepted Interstate, or Non-excepted Intrastate.
• Certify that your privilege to drive any motor vehicle is not currently suspended, revoked, canceled, or disqualified anywhere.
• Complete any required Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) through a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.
• Provide a test vehicle of the same class as the CDL you are testing for that has passed inspection (if applicable).
• Provide a passenger that is 21 years of age or older with a valid Oregon CDL to ride with you in your test vehicle to the test location.
• Schedule an appointment for the CDL Skills Test with a state certified CDL Third Party Tester.
• Pass the CDL Skills Test (administered in English only).
• Pay the $145 CDL Skills Test fee if the test is administered by the DMV.
• Pay the $40 Certificate of Test Completion fee (plus the DMV issuance fee) if the test is administered by a CDL Third Party Tester.
• Pay the $160 original commercial driver’s license fee.
• Surrender any Oregon or out-of-state driver license or permit or Oregon ID Card.

The CDL Skills Test

Once you obtain your commercial learner’s permit and have held it for at least 14 days, you will be allowed to schedule an appointment to take the CDL Skills Test with a state certified CDL Third Party Tester. The CDL Skills Test is administered by appointment only. Walk-ins are not permitted.

Make sure you complete and sign the Commercial Driver License Application and submit it to the DMV Office. If you take the CDL Skills Test with a CDL Third Party Tester, you will be required to pay the tester’s fee in addition to the Certificate of Test Completion and DMV issuance fees charged by the DMV.

The CDL Skills Test is a three part test that consists of a Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection, a Basic Control Skills Test, and an On-Road Driving Test. The DMV will not supply a vehicle for you to test in. You must bring your own test vehicle. Some CDL Third Party Testers do 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. The CDL Skills Test is administered in English only. Tests cannot be conducted in a vehicle that is transporting any load, is placarded for hazardous materials, has more than one trailer, pulls a trailer with no brakes or surge brakes, or is clearly illegal or unsafe.

• Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection: You will be asked to complete a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle and explain to the examiner what you should inspect and why. Section 11 of the Oregon Commercial Driver Manual tells you what to inspect and how to inspect it. You may use the CDL Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Memory Aid during the test.
• Basic Control Skills: You will be asked to demonstrate basic skills in controlling a commercial vehicle and judging its position in relation to other objects. Section 12 of the Oregon Commercial Driver Manual has more information about this portion of the skills test.
• On-Road Driving Test: Once you pass the first two parts, you will be required to drive your commercial vehicle on public roads in a variety of traffic situations. You will be required to operate the same class of commercial vehicle you plan to drive once you obtain your CDL.

During the Basic Control Skills Test, you will demonstrate basic skills in controlling a commercial vehicle and judging its position in relation to other objects. Examiners use the standard scoring matrix from Section 12 of the Oregon Commercial Driver Manual to score pull-ups, encroachments (touching or crossing boundary lines or cones), looks, and your final position. The test includes the following exercises:

• Forward Stop – drive forward through the alley and stop with the front of your vehicle inside the box without going past it.
• Straight-Line Backing – back your vehicle in a straight line through the alley without touching the boundary lines or cones.
• Forward Offset Tracking – move forward and steer into the opposite lane, keeping the rear tire between the cone and the line without stopping.
• Reverse Offset Backing – offset back into the alley and park with the rear of your vehicle within the box at the end of the alley.

Check out the Class A, B, and C Commercial Skills Test Pamphlet to get an idea of what you will be tested on during each phase of the CDL Skills Test. Please note the “Grounds for Immediate Failure” list on the lower left corner of the pamphlet.

The On-Road Driving Test will be administered on a route predetermined by the examiner. 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

Check out the CDL Skills Test Examiner’s Checklist to give you an idea of what you will be tested on during each phase of the Skills Test. There is a checklist for each class of commercial vehicle:

• Class A Vehicles CDL Skills Test Checklist
• Class B & C Non-Passenger Vehicles CDL Skills Test Checklist
• Class B & C Passenger Vehicles CDL Skills Test Checklist

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 DMV driver record (when required).
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 (if applicable).

Failure to do any of the above may result in an immediate cancellation of your CDL Skills Test appointment! The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles 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.

If you fail the CDL Skills Test, you must wait until the next business day before retaking the test.

CDL skills test results are valid for six months from the date the test is passed. You must complete all application requirements within those six months, or you will need to satisfy any prerequisites again, up to and including retaking the knowledge tests and obtaining a new CLP.

The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles 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 DMV Office on the day of your Skills Test to see if your appointment has been canceled due to bad weather.

Once you pass the CDL Skills Test and have your photo taken at the DMV Office, you will be issued a temporary interim card until you receive your photo commercial driver’s license in the mail.

Be sure to download and study the Oregon Commercial Driver Manual, as it contains pertinent information that will help you pass the CDL Skills Test. Also, don’t forget to download, print, and bring along the CDL Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Memory Aid with you to the CDL Skills Test to help you pass the Pre-Trip Inspection.

Click here to see the map and clickable list of Oregon DMV Offices that administer the CDL Skills Test. Click here to see the map and clickable list of state certified CDL Third Party Testers.

Commercial Driver Self-Certification

In the state of Oregon, all commercial driver’s license and permit applicants must certify the type of driving they intend to do, 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 certify your driving type when you apply for your commercial driver’s license or commercial learner 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 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 license or commercial learner permit, you must certify your driving type as one of the following Oregon options:

• Non-excepted Interstate: You operate, or expect to operate, a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce and must meet the federal physical qualification requirements. Valid medical certification information is required on your DMV driver record. (Interstate commerce can apply even if your vehicle does not leave Oregon.)
• Excepted Interstate: You operate in interstate commerce but engage only in activities to which certain federal rules do not apply, such as school bus operations, transport by government entities, some farm equipment operation, or seasonal transport of bees.
• Non-excepted Intrastate: You operate a commercial motor vehicle only within Oregon and are regulated under Oregon statute.

DMV strongly recommends that you certify as Non-excepted Interstate if you meet the federal qualifications and might operate a commercial motor vehicle in non-excepted interstate commerce; otherwise, your commercial driver license or commercial learner permit will be restricted.

If you have any questions regarding self-certification, you can speak to a customer service representative at the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles by calling (503) 945-5000.

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) medical 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

A Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) can be valid for no more than two years. You are responsible for knowing when your certificate will expire, and you must have valid MEC information on your DMV driver record before the previous certificate information expires.

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.

You do not mail, fax, or email your medical documents to DMV. Instead, your medical examiner will upload your Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876) information to the FMCSA National Registry by midnight of the day after your examination. The FMCSA will then electronically transmit the information to DMV, and DMV will record it on your driver record. Keep a copy of your Medical Examiner’s Certificate for your own records.

If you certify that you drive a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce and do not meet the federal physical qualifications, you may qualify for a federal exemption (for hearing or seizure disorder) or a Skills Performance Evaluation (for loss or impairment of limbs). For federal exemption or SPE information, visit the FMCSA Exemption Programs website or call the Oregon office of the FMCSA at 503-399-5775. If you cannot meet the federal medical qualifications, you may qualify for an Oregon Waiver of Physical Disqualification, which permits operation only in Oregon intrastate commerce or excepted interstate commerce; for state waiver information call Oregon DMV at 503-945-5083.

If you have any questions regarding self-certification or medical certification, you can speak to a customer service representative at the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles by calling (503) 945-5000.

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. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, and if you are obtaining a hazardous materials endorsement for the first time, you must complete Entry Level Driver Training before taking the HAZMAT endorsement knowledge test. You must also pass the HAZMAT Knowledge Test every time you renew your license. All applicants must provide the required documents to verify their identification and legal U.S. status.

You must pass a TSA security check every five years to keep this endorsement, and the security check can take 60 days or more to complete, so you should begin well before your CDL or endorsement expires. You can start a TSA security check online at the TSA 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, and check the status of your case to see if you passed.

Military Drivers

Oregon DMV may waive the Class A or B CDL Skills Test for qualified military commercial motor vehicle operators. DMV will not waive the Passenger or School Bus Endorsement Skills Tests, and you will still be required to pass the written knowledge tests. To apply for a military skills test waiver you must hold or be eligible for an Oregon Class C driver license; be currently employed, or have been employed within the last 12 months, in a military specialty where one of the primary duties is or was the operation of a commercial motor vehicle (e.g., Army MOS 88M, 14T, 92F or 12N, Marine MOS 3531, Navy MOS EO, and Air Force AFSC 2T1X1 or 3E2X1); complete the Oregon Application for Military Skills Test Waiver signed by you and your commanding officer; provide a copy of your DD 214 (or Military Identification Card if currently serving); provide a copy of your military vehicle operator’s permit; provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence; and otherwise meet the requirements of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation 383.77.

Military skills test waiver applications must be approved before you arrive at a DMV field office to get your CDL. Applications and supporting materials may be submitted electronically or by mail. To submit documents electronically, contact CDL Programs at 971-493-8241 for instructions on how to do so securely. Do not email your application or supporting documents. Alternatively, the application and supporting materials may be mailed to: Oregon DMV, CDL Policy Unit, 1905 Lana Ave NE, Salem, OR 97314. If DMV determines that you qualify, a copy of your approval letter with instructions will be sent to you.

If you have any questions about the Oregon Application for Military Skills Test Waiver, you can either call your local DMV Office, or you can speak to a customer service representative at the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles Central Support Staff by calling any of the DMV General Information Phone Numbers Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm PST. The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles is closed on all statewide holidays.

Oregon CDL Endorsements

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

N Tank Vehicles Required to haul liquids or gas in bulk.

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

T Double/Triple Trailers Required to pull double or triple trailers.

P Passengers Required to drive vehicles designed to transport passengers in commerce.

S School Bus Required to transport students to and from school or school-sponsored events.

Methods of Payment

All Oregon DMV Offices accept the following methods of payment:

• Cash
• Personal Checks (payable to Oregon DMV)
• Money Orders (exact amount only, payable to Oregon DMV)
• Debit Cards
• Mobile Payments
• Discover, MasterCard, and Visa

Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles Phone Numbers

You may call the following phone numbers for general information:

• Bend…………………………………(541) 388-6322
• Eugene………………………………(541) 686-7855
• Medford………………………………(541) 776-6025
• Portland Metro Area……………….(503) 299-9999
• Roseburg……………………………(541) 440-3395
• Salem Metro Area…………………..(503) 945-5000
• Statewide Relay…………………….7-1-1

The Oregon DMV Central Support Staff is available to take your calls Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm PST. The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles is closed on all statewide holidays.

Important Oregon Commercial Driver’s License Resources

Complete CDL Practice Test Study Package
Complete CDL Cheat Sheet Study Package
Commercial Driver License Application
CDL Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Memory Aid
Class A, B, and C Commercial Skills Test Pamphlet
Class A Vehicles CDL Skills Test Checklist
Class B & C Non-Passenger Vehicles CDL Skills Test Examiner’s Checklist
Class B & C Passenger Vehicles CDL Skills Test Examiner’s Checklist
Oregon Application for Military Skills Test Waiver
Getting a CDL or CLP
CDL/CLP Medical Examination & Physical Qualifications
Commercial Driver License Fees
National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners

Check out our list of truck driving schools in Oregon 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 Oregon DMV Offices

**The CDL Skills Test is available at this location (by appointment only).

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 CDL Third Party Testers

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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