If you want drive a commercial vehicle in Ohio (truck, bus, etc.) you must have a commercial drivers license (CDL). Here's how to get one.

Difficulty: Hard
Time Required: weeks

Here's How:

1. You will need a commercial drivers license (CDL) to operate any vehicle weighing 26,000 pounds or more or any vehicle that is not a class a or class b vehicle designed to transport sixteen or more passengers including the driver.
2. Any school bus, any vehicle placarded for hazardous materials, or any vehicle where a CDL is required by federal law must also be driven by a CDL holder.
3. Farm trucks, fire equipment, public safety vehicles used for emergency medical service, recreational vehicles, or commercial vehicles owned by local government to be operated in a snow or public emergency are exempt.
4. To get a CDL or CDL instruction permit (CDIP) you are required to be at least 18 years old and have a valid Ohio driver's license. (In some cases employers will impose higher age requirements.)
5. A CDIP can be issued by any Ohio CDL testing office. A CDIP holder may drive a commercial motor vehicle on a highway only when accompanied by the holder of a CDL, valid for the type of vehicle driven, seated beside the practicing driver.
6. The CDIP costs $10, is valid for six months, and can be renewed only once. The testing office will require a completed physical examination form from a licensed medical examiner no more than two years old, and your Social Security card.
7. Both a written and driving skill test (pre-trip inspection and road test) are required. A written test is required for the class of vehicle, each endorsement, and removing the air brake restriction.
8. Fees: $10 for the pre-trip inspection portion of the test; $10 for the off-road maneuvering portion; $30 for the on-road portion; $50 at the time you schedule a test appointment with the highway patrol.
9. Visit the Web sites below for further information and for a list of state-operated and private testing sites. When taking a driving test you must provide a vehicle appropriate to the class of CDL you apply for.
10. In certain cases, if you do not meed medical requirements you can receive a CDL license valid only in the state of Ohio. Contact the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio at (614) 466-3191 for details about an intrastate medical waiver.
11. Interstate waivers are processed by the Federal Highway Administratin. Drivers who are missing a foot, leg, hand, or arm or who have impaired use may qualify. Contact the Columbus office of the highway administration at (614) 469-5647.
12. When applying for a CDL renewal or upgrade, an applicant must provide a current physical examination card; update personal information; pass a written hazardous materials test; and possibly complete additional testing requirements.
13. You are required to notify your employer if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled or if you are disqualified from operating a commercial vehicle before the end of the business day in which you were notified of the above action.
14. You must notify your employer, in writing, of all traffic convictions--with your private vehicle or commercial vehicle--within 30 days. You must also notify the CDL/Out of State Processing Unit of the State of Ohio.
15. Send written notification of all out-of-state traffic convictions and any medical condition changes to Ohio BMV, P.O. Box 16784, Columbus, OH 43266.

Tips:

1. Visit your local public library--they may have a book that will help you study for the CDL test.

What You Need:

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