GSTA - CDL Requirements

VEHICLE CLASSIFICATIONS THAT REQUIRE A COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE

Commercial Driver License (CDL)
There are three classes of commercial license, A, B, and C. However, no one can apply for these licenses until they satisfy all requirements for a basic Class D automobile license.

The Class A license is necessary for the operation of tractor trailers or any truck or trailer with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is more than 10,000 pounds. The Class A license also allows the driver to operate all vehicles in the class B, C and D categories, provided the driver has qualified for all the proper extra endorsements.

The Class B license is necessary for the operation of any vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds; or

• a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds towing a trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 10,000 pounds; or

• a bus with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

A Class B license allows the driver to operate all vehicles in the Class C and D categories, provided the driver has qualified for all the proper extra endorsements.

The Class C license is necessary for any vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds used and placarded to transport hazardous material; or

• any bus, including school buses, designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver, and with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds and all school vehicles designed for 15 or less passengers, including the driver; or
• any bus or other vehicle designed to transport 8 to 15 passengers, including the driver, which is used for hire.

Commercial driver exemptions
Taxi drivers, ridesharing van drivers, firefighters, operators of rescue or first aid squad vehicles, farmers hauling their own products and equipment within 150 miles of their farms, non-civilian operators of military equipment and operators of construction equipment not designed for operation on public roads are exempt and need not apply for a commercial driver license. Operators of recreational vehicles are also exempt, provided the vehicle is being operated only for personal use.

Commercial license endorsements
Most commercial drivers will need to obtain at least one special endorsement.
The endorsements are:

• Double and Triple Trailer. For operators of vehicles pulling two or three trailers. A Class A license is required to operate this type of vehicle.
• Passenger. For operators of all buses or similar vehicles used to transport passengers.
• Tank Vehicle. For operators of vehicles that transport liquids or gas in bulk.
• Hazardous Materials. For operators of vehicles transporting hazardous materials.

Commercial license restrictions
Numbered restrictions, such as corrective lenses "1" are noted on all noncommercial and commercial licenses. An example of a special restriction on a commercial license is "L" for air brakes. This means you cannot operate vehicles equipped with air brakes.

Commercial Driver Manual
For more information on commercial motor vehicle licensing, visit any agency or regional service center and pick up a copy of the New Jersey Commercial Driver Manual. All CDL tests are based on information contained in the manual.

All applicants must be a New Jersey resident, 21 years of age, medically fit and in possession of a completed Federal DOT medical form attesting to their medical fitness.  They must also have 20/40 vision in each eye (with or without glasses).  Medical forms must be updated every two years.