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| Appendix B2 |
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| Commercial Driver's License (CDL) |
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This appendix is a brief synopsis of some of the federal regulations concerning the commercial driver's license (CDL) standards applicable to drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMV). For further details, you are encouraged to refer to Title 49 CFR Part 383 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) and your state's version of the Department of Transportation for state specific details.
Class of License
Group A - For a driver to drive a combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) (i.e. the total weight of any vehicle plus the load and any trailer combined) of 26,001 pounds (11,794 kilograms) or more.
Group B - A heavy straight vehicle of 26,001 pounds (11,794 kilograms) gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or more and any trailer or any such vehicle towing a vehicle or trailer not to exceed 10,000 pounds (4536 kilograms).
Group C - Any size vehicle or combination of vehicles that meet neither the definition of Group A nor Group B but are either designed to transport sixteen (16) or more passengers including the driver or are used in the transportation of hazardous material, as defined by the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49 CFR part 172, subpart F).
Additional endorsements to the CDL required for operation of:
• Double/triple trailers
• Passenger vehicles
• Tank vehicles
• Hazardous materials
Here are some of the exceptions concerning drivers who are not required to maintain a CDL:
• Certain military drivers
• Farmers
• Firefighters
• Emergency response vehicle drivers
• Drivers removing snow and ice
Driver Responsibility
• No one who operates a CMV shall at any time have more than one driver's license.
• To be eligible for a CDL, the driver must pass a written test and a performance test.
• If convicted of a traffic violation (other than a parking violation), the driver must notify their
employer and the state from which the license was issued within 30 days after the
conviction.
• A driver can only drive a vehicle with air brakes if the driver has passed the air brake
component of the skills test and the knowledge test.
General Driver Requirements
• Must be at least 21 years old
• Must be able to read and speak English sufficiently
• Submit to and pass a drug test:
- Pre-Employment
- Post-Accident testing
- Random Testing*
- Reasonable suspicion testing
- Return to duty testing
- Follow up testing
• No more than 10 hours of driving following eight (8) consecutive hours off duty
• No more than 60 hours of duty during any seven (7) consecutive days
• No more than 70 hours on duty during any eight (8) consecutive days if the employing
motor carrier operates CMV everyday of the week
• There are more specific regulations in Part 391 subpart B
* Each year, the FHWA Administrator will publish in the Federal Register the minimum annual percentage rate
for random alcohol testing of drivers.
Driver Disqualification
Per the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT), a driver with a CDL is subject to specific penalties for violations. For the four violations listed below, the driver is subject to a one-year suspension for the first violation and suspension for life for the second violation.
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Commission of a felony involving the use of CMV
- Driver convicted of illegally transporting hazardous material
• Refer to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, Part 383, Subpart D for more
specific information.
• Drivers and employers who violate the rules may be subject to civil or criminal penalties.
(49 U.S.C. 521(b)
• The company is required to do at least an annual inquiry and review of each driver's
driving record.
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