Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Program

CDL Renewals – Currently, DMV locations are open. ITD strongly encourages CDL holders to renew their licenses by rights .
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Who Must Obtain a CDL
Idaho ’ s Commercial Driver ’ randomness License ( CDL ) Program is designed to improve safety on our highways while meeting federal requirements for testing and license of all commercial drivers. You must have a CDL to operate any of the pursue commercial motive vehicles ( CMV ) :

  • Combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided that the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the towed unit is greater than 10,000 pounds
  • Single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds
  • Vehicle designed to transport 16 or more persons (including the driver)
  • School bus (Yellow and black bus of any size transporting children to school or school events)
  • Any size vehicle that requires hazardous material placards

Gross vehicle weight rat ( GVWR ) is the manufacturer ’ randomness assigned burden evaluation for the fomite ( hand truck, bus topology, or dawdler ), not the vehicle registered weight. On trucks, the GVWR is normally found on a plate or spine inside the driver ’ sulfur door. On trailers, it may be found anywhere but is normally found on the front of the dawdler on the preview tongue or frame of reference. For Idaho, in the absence of a GVWR, the actual weight of the vehicle plus its heaviest load is considered to be the GVWR. The union of the GVWR of the tires can besides be used to determine approximate GVWR. other states may use other definitions.

Reading: DMV

Gross combined system of weights rat ( GCWR ), is figured by adding the GVWR of each unit of a combination vehicle .
Exemptions from CDL Requirements
even if your fomite is a commercial fomite according to the definition above, you may qualify for one of the CDL exemptions. There are four categories of CDL exemptions .
Recreational vehicle exemption – applies to drivers of vehicles used entirely to transport personal possessions or syndicate members for non-business or amateur purposes .
Military vehicle exemption – applies to military fomite operators who are considered active-duty military personnel and to civilians who are required to wear uniforms and are subject to the Code of Military Justice .
Emergency vehicle exemption – applies to drivers of firefighting or other emergency equipment used in reception to emergencies involving the preservation of life or place .
Farm vehicle exemption – applies to drivers of grow vehicles, including family members and grow hands, under certain conditions only. The farm exemption applies to drivers of farm vehicles which are :

  • Controlled and operated by the farmer,
  • Used to transport agricultural products, supplies, and machinery to or from a farm,
  • Not used in common or contract carrier operations, and
  • Not driven more than 150 miles (“as the crow flies”) from the farm.

The farm exemption is intended for small farm-to-market operations merely. Unless Idaho is involved in a reciprocity agreement with the other express ( second ), the farm exemption does not extend beyond the boundaries of Idaho. It does not include farmers who are transporting other farmers ’ products if they are receiving any compensation for the services .
CDL License Classes
There are three classes of commercial driver ’ second licenses : class A, B and C. Drivers of vehicles that do not fall in Classes A, B, or C will be issued Class D ( non-commercial ) licenses .
Class A – Combination vehicles with a gross combination burden rating ( GCWR ) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the GVWR of the vehicle ( second ) being towed is greater than 10,000 pounds. Drivers with a class A license may, with the proper endorsements, operate vehicles requiring a class B, C or D license .
Class B – Single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle 10,000 pounds GVWR or less. A driver with a class B license may, with the proper endorsements, operate vehicles requiring a class C or D license .
Class C – Vehicles with a GVWR or GCWR less than 26,001 pounds. Class C is rigorously for vehicles designed to carry 16 or more people ( including the driver ), or carrying hazardous materials requiring the vehicle to display placards. A driver with a Class C license may besides operate vehicles requiring a class D license .
Endorsements
You must have the appropriate endorsement on your CDL if you haul hazardous materials, pull double or triple trailers, or drive tank or passenger vehicles .
Double/Triple (T) – Required for drivers of vehicles pulling two or three trailers. ( A doll or load divider, sometimes referred to as a “ jeep, ” is considered to be one preview. )
Hazardous materials (H) – Required for drivers of vehicles transporting hazardous materials requiring placards per the hazardous Materials Transportation Act. A written test and Transportation Security Administration threat assessment headroom ( background control ) are required to obtain the hazmat endorsement, and at each driver license renewal .
Passenger (P) – Required for drivers of vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver. Both written and skills tests are required to obtain this endorsement .
School Bus (S) – Required for drivers of vehicles used to transport preprimary, elementary or junior-grade school students from home to school, from school to dwelling, or to and from school-sponsored events. Drivers of school buses must have both the passenger and School Bus endorsements. Both written and skills test are required to obtain this endorsement .
Tank vehicles (N) – Required for drivers of any commercial motor vehicle that is designed to transport any liquid or gaseous materials within a cooler or tanks having an individual rated capability of more than 119 gallons and an aggregate rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more that is either permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or the chassis. A commercial centrifugal vehicle transporting an empty memory container tank, not designed for department of transportation, with a rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more that is temporarily attached to a flatbed preview is not considered a tank fomite .
Tank Vehicles/Hazardous Materials (X) – The X sanction represents the combination of both the tank vehicles ( N ) and hazardous materials ( H ) endorsements. A CDL may show either an ten or an N and H on the sanction cable of the license .
Restrictions
K Restriction – Intrastate Operation only. If a driver plans to operate commercial vehicles lone in Idaho, the ( K ) restriction will be placed on their drive record. This restriction will besides be placed on all 18, 19, and 20 year old CDL holders .
L Restriction – Prohibits driving of vehicles with air brakes. The CDL will carry this restriction unless you pass an tune brakes knowledge test and a skills quiz in a vehicle equipped with breeze brakes .
M Restriction – Except Class A Bus – The ( M ) restriction prohibits a driver with a passenger second from operating a class A bus topology if a class A bus was not used for the skills examination. A driver with a class A CDL who besides has a ( P ) endorsement will typically have the ( M ) restriction. class A busses are not normally found in the United States .
N Restriction – Prohibits the driver from operating class A or B passenger vehicles ( buses ). A class angstrom or B CDL with the passenger second will carry this limitation unless the driver obtains a passenger endorsement by successfully completing a skill test in a class B passenger vehicle ( bus ) .
O Restriction – Prohibits the driver from operating a tractor-trailer combination connected by a fifth roulette wheel. If a driver performs the skills test in a combination vehicle for a Group A CDL with the ability unit and towed unit of measurement connected with a pintle hook or early non-fifth wheel joining, the O restriction will be added to the CDL. A skill test in a tractor-trailer combination connected by a one-fifth wheel will be required to remove the O limitation .
P Restriction – A CDL education license holder with a P or P and S endorsement is prohibited from operating a CMV stock passengers, other than Federal/State auditors and inspectors, test examiners, other trainees, and the CDL holder accompanying the license holder .
V Restriction – If the State is notified by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or a register doctor that the driver has been issued a aesculapian variation, the State must indicate the being of such a medical variability on the CDL document .
X Restriction – A CDL instruction allow holder with an N endorsement may entirely operate an empty tank vehicle and is prohibited from operating any tank vehicle that previously contained hazardous materials that has not been purged of any residue .
Z Restriction – The driver is restricted from operating a CMV equipped with any braking system operating amply on the air out brake principle. If an applicant performs the skills test in a fomite equipped with vent over hydraulic brakes, the Z restriction must be placed on the CDL. For the purposes of the skills test and the limitation, air over hydraulic brakes includes any braking system operating partially on the air bracken and partially on the hydraulic brake principle. A full skills test is required to remove the Z limitation .
Seasonal CDL
A Seasonal CDL is available to qualify seasonal worker drivers for certain farm-related serve industries such as customs harvesters, farm retail outlets and suppliers, agri-chemical businesses, and livestock feeders. The Seasonal CDL is entirely valid within 150 miles of the business or farm being serviced. The Seasonal CDL is valid ( with a Class D license ) for 180 days in a 12 calendar month period, and can alone be obtained twice in a life. The Seasonal CDL is not valid for driving class A ( combination ) vehicles or passenger vehicles designed to carry 16 or more people including the driver. The Seasonal CDL is not valid for driving vehicles carrying hazardous materials requiring placards except for diesel fuel in quantities of 1,000 gallons or less, liquid fertilizers in vehicles or implements of farming with entire capacities of 3,000 gallons or less, or solid fertilizers that are not interracial or transported with any organic substance .
If you are concerned in this type of license, contact us for extra information .
CDL Fees

  • CDL license (4-year) $40.00
  • Commercial Learner’s Permit $29.00
  • Duplicate CDL or permit $20.00
  • License upgrade $30.00
  • Endorsement addition (after issuance of a CDL) $20.00
  • Written tests (each) $ 5.00
  • Skills Test $10 fee to Driver’s License Office. Up to $190 fee to Skills Tester.
    • Total combined Skills Test/Tester fees not to exceed $200.
    • Cost of rental vehicles a tester may provide are not included in the above costs, and are not regulated by ITD

How to Obtain an Idaho CDL
To apply for a CDL, you must be at least 18 years honest-to-god and either have a valid Idaho non-commercial license ( Class D ) or have passed all tests required to obtain one. You may be able to take your Class D license tests and your CDL tests at the same time. however, you must have one year of accredited driving experience in order to obtain a CDL .
If you want to obtain a CDL, study Idaho ’ s “ Commercial Driver ’ south License Manual ” which may be obtained from a county driver ’ randomness license Office. The manual is besides available on-line in PDF format here : hypertext transfer protocol : //itd.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/cdl_manual.pdf. This manual provides you with the information necessary to pass all CDL written tests. information regarding the skills screen requirements is besides included .
To apply for your CDL, go to your county driver ’ mho license function. Take your current driver ’ s license, Social Security calling card, proof of Idaho mansion and money to pay your fees. ALL applicants will be required to provide proof of true bearing in the United States ; for most applicants a state certified birth security or a U.S. Passport will work. If the mention on your parturition certificate is unlike than the name on your driver ’ mho license, you will need to provide extra documentation .
You will be asked if you are subject to and in submission with the requirements of Part 391 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations ( Qualifications of Drivers ). You will be asked to declare ( self-certify ) what type of driving you intend to do : Interstate or Intrastate ( within Idaho only ) and whether the type of driving you plan to do will require a DOT Medical card or not. When applying for your CDL, your force record will be checked, fees will be collected, and you are required to pass the vision and cognition tests .
After passing the compulsory written tests for the class of license you wish to obtain, you must purchase a Commercial Learner ’ s Permit. You must wait 14 days from the date you obtain your CLP before you can take a skills screen. During that time, practice and discipline for your skills test .
You must make an appointment with a CDL Skills Tester to take the skills test. A list of Examiners is available at the County DMV and on-line by clicking on the “ Skills Testers ” check. Some testers have vehicles that you can rent. When you go to the skills examiner, you will need to take your Driver ’ s License, your commercial Learner ’ second Permit, and proof of insurance and registration for your test vehicle. Your vehicle must be in good sour condition for the test .
The skills examination has three parts : the vehicle inspection, the basic manipulate skills test, and the road test. The skills trial will take two to three hours to complete and must be taken in a fomite that is representative of the license class you wish to obtain. If the vehicle used for the test is not equipped with atmosphere brakes, your CDL will show a restriction stating that you are not licensed to operate vehicles equipped with atmosphere brakes .
After you have passed all required written and skills tests, you do not have the authority to operate a commercial fomite until you obtain your CDL from the County DMV. You will be issued a temp license from your county driver ’ sulfur license agency and your permanent wave license will be sent to you by US Mail. It is very important your mail address is stream and accurate. If you move after your CDL is issued, you must notify Idaho Transportation Department of your new address .
All screen results remain valid for one year. If the appropriate license is not issued within the annual menstruation, the tests must be re-taken. If you do not pass a examination, you must wait three ( 3 ) days before retaking the test. test fees must be paid again .
CDL tests are not required at reclamation prison term, with the exception of the Hazardous Materials test which must be passed prior to each renewal .
Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
A commercial Learner ’ south Permit is required to obtain a CDL by federal law. The license allows you to exercise driving a large commercial vehicle on public roads. This license is obtained by taking the ask written tests for the type of vehicle you will operate. A CLP is valid for 180 days, and may be renewed one time prior to expiration without re-testing. You must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid Idaho Class D driver ’ south license, have at least one year of driving experience to obtain a CLP. To use the allow, you MUST be accompanied by a driver by rights licensed to operate the vehicle you are driving, and this person MUST occupy the seat beside the driver or the row behind the driver in a bus .
Other Laws Affecting CDL Drivers
Most drivers subject to CDL requirements are besides required to participate in a control means and alcohol random testing platform and be enrolled in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. These requirements include random, reasonable intuition, post accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up test for control substances and alcohol. Pre-employment controlled means testing is besides required .
CDL holders are topic to the laws affecting all drivers. In addition, there are federal and state laws that specifically affect CDL drivers. Violations of these laws can result in both civil and criminal penalties or may disqualify you from driving commercial vehicles. Following are some authoritative laws :

  • You cannot have more than one license, and the license you do have must be issued from the state in which you reside. If you move to a new state, you must obtain a CDL from that state within thirty (30) days.
  • It is your responsibility as an Idaho driver to keep a current address on file with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). If you move, you must notify ITD Driver Services in writing of the old and new address within 30 days.
  • You are required to declare (self-certify) the type of type of driving you intend to do: Interstate or Intrastate (within Idaho only) and whether the type of driving you plan to do requires a DOT Medical card or not.
  • You are required to submit a copy of your DOT medical card if you are required to have one for the type of driving done in either interstate or intrastate operations.
  • You must notify the ITD Driver Services within 30 days if you are convicted in any other state of any traffic violation (except parking). This is true no matter what type of vehicle you were driving at the time of the violation.
  • You must notify your employer within 30 days of a conviction for any traffic violation (except parking). This is true no matter what type of vehicle you were driving.
  • You must notify your employer if your license is suspended, revoked, or canceled, or if you are disqualified from driving.
  • When you apply for a commercial driving job, you must give your potential employer information on all driving jobs you have held for the past 10 years.
  • No one can drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) without a valid CDL. A court may fine you up to $5000 or put you in jail for breaking this rule.
  • Your employer may not let you drive a CMV if you have more than one license or if your CDL is suspended, revoked or disqualified. A court may fine the employer up to $5000 or put him/her in jail for breaking this rule.

Commercial Drivers Self-Certification Reporting
CDL Drivers not Actively Working, Please Note: If a driver holds a valid Idaho CDL, but is not actively driving a commercial vehicle, the driver is not required to maintain a DOT Medical and may certify the driving category as “ Excepted Intrastate. ” however, should a driver decide to operate a commercial fomite again in one of the “ non-excepted ” categories, the driver must obtain a stream DOT Medical and update their certificate to “ actively working ” before operating a commercial vehicle in a non-excepted category .
Exemption Chart: Under certain circumstances, drivers in the keep up categories may be excuse from the medical poster prerequisite but NOT from commercial license requirements according to FMCSA regulations. This list is a general lead : transportation by federal, department of state, and local governments ; fire trucks, apiarian industries, intrastate ( Idaho ) vehicles used to transport farm products, equipment, and supplies ; Ag products, livestock, feed, forest products, sandpaper & gravel, wrecker/tow hand truck, airline shuttle, family goods movers, casual transport of personal property, ambulance, hearse, cab operations .
CDL Disqualifications
In summation to the above laws affecting CDL drivers, you are besides capable to CDL disqualification rules and laws. Your CDL privileges may be withdrawn for varying periods of time based on the character of offense committed. The follow information identifies the offenses and disqualification periods .
Serious Traffic Violations – You will lose your CDL privileges for 60 days if you are convicted of two good traffic violations while operating a CMV, or 120 days if convicted of three serious traffic violations while operating a CMV in a three year period. The term “ conviction ” includes forfeit of bail or bond and withhold judgments. The following are serious traffic violations :

  • Excessive speed (15 or more miles above the posted speed limit)
  • Reckless driving
  • Improper or erratic lane changes
  • Following the vehicle ahead too closely
  • Texting or talking on a hand-held mobile telephone while driving a commercial motor vehicle
  • Violation of any other motor vehicle traffic control laws which result in a fatal traffic accident.
  • Driving a commercial motor vehicle without obtaining a CDL,
  • Driving a commercial motor vehicle without a CDL in the driver’s possession,
  • Driving a commercial motor vehicle without the proper class of CDL and/or endorsements for the specific vehicle group being operated or for the passengers or type of cargo being transported.

Violation of an Out-of-Service Order – An out-of-service order issued by an authorize enforcement officeholder is defined as a irregular prohibition against operating a commercial motive fomite. The order is issued in reply to a trespass of federal regulations, compatible laws, or to the north american english consistent out-of-service criteria ( CVSA ). A person who is convicted for a irreverence of an out-of-service order is disqualified for :

  • 90 days for a first conviction,
  • One year for a second conviction in 10 years, and
  • Three years for subsequent convictions in 10 years.

If transporting hazardous materials or driving a bus ( designed to carry 16 or more people ) at the time, the driver is disqualified for :

  • 180 days for a first conviction, and
  • Three years for subsequent convictions in 10 years.

Disqualification for Conviction of a Railroad-Grade Crossing Violation – If you are convicted for a railroad grade crossing rape as specified in 49 CFR part 383 or applicable express laws while driving a commercial motor vehicle, your commercial force privileges will be disqualified for :

  • 60 days for a first conviction
  • 120 days for a second conviction during any three year period
  • One year for a third or subsequent conviction during any three year period.

Disqualification for Controlled Substance or Alcohol Violations, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and Felonies (Major Offenses) – You will lose your CDL for at least one year for a first base time crime :

  • If you are a CDL holder or are operating a CMV and are convicted of a DUI, refuse to submit to testing or submit to and fail and evidentiary test for BAC or drugs, you will be disqualified from operating a CMV for one (1) year for the 1st offense. The BAC threshold while operating a non CMV is .08 and is .04 if operating a CMV.
  • if you leave the scene of an accident involving a motor vehicle you were driving,
  • if you use a motor vehicle to commit a felony,
  • if you drive a CMV when, as a result of prior violations committed operating a commercial vehicle, your CDL is revoked, suspended, or cancelled or you are disqualified from operating a commercial vehicle,
  • if you cause a fatality through the negligent operation of a commercial vehicle, including but not limited to the crimes of motor vehicle manslaughter, homicide by motor vehicle, or negligent homicide.

You will lose your CDL for at least three years for a first crime if any of the above offenses occur while you are operating a commercial vehicle that is transporting hazardous materials that are required to be placarded by the hazardous Materials Transportation Act .
You will lose your CDL for life if you are convicted for any of these disqualifying offenses, or any combination of these offenses, for a irregular time .
You will lose your CDL for liveliness if you use a drive vehicle to commit a felony involving the industry, distribution, or dispense of a control kernel .

Implied Consent

Any person who drives or is in physical operate of a motor vehicle has given their accept to take a BAC or drug test if they are suspected of driving under the charm, under the provisions of Section 18-8002, Idaho Code. If you refuse to take the quiz when requested to do sol by a law enforcement officer or resign to and fail a quiz for alcohol or drugs your CDL privileges are subject to disqualification under the provisions of Section 49-335, Idaho Code .
Your driving privileges will be suspended under Section 18-8002A, Idaho Code, if you fail an evidentiary test for any of the postdate reasons :

  • Having a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or greater while operating or being in actual physical control of any motor vehicle.
  • Having a blood alcohol concentration of .04% or greater while operating or being in actual physical control of a commercial motor vehicle.
  • Having test results indicating the presence of drugs or other intoxicating substances.

The suspension will become effective 30 days from the go steady the Notice of Suspension is issued upon failure of an evidentiary test .
Penalties:
First crime in a motor fomite ( BAC .08 % or greater ) or a CMV* ( BAC .04 or greater ) :

  • CDL driving privileges: one year absolute disqualification of CMV driving privileges.
  • Class D driving privileges: 90-day suspension with absolutely no driving privileges for the first 30 days. Restricted driving privileges that allow for the operation of a non-commercial vehicle may be requested for the remaining 60 days of the suspension.

second crime in a non-commercial fomite ( BAC .08 % or greater ) or a CMV* ( BAC .04 or greater ) :

  • CDL driving privileges: lifetime disqualification.
  • Class D driving privileges: one year suspension with absolutely no driving privileges of any kind.

* If the failure ( mho ) occurred in a CMV ( BAC .04 to less than .08 % ), Class D driving privileges will remain valid. These suspensions are separate from any extra penalties or suspensions imposed by the court as a leave of being convicted of the umbrage. extra information on this police may be found in the Idaho Driver ’ s Manual .
USA Patriot Act Hazardous Materials Regulations

Need More Information?
Contact the CDL Help Desk of the Idaho Transportation Department at ( 208 ) 334-8294 or CDLHelpDesk @ itd.idaho.gov

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