Federal law requires each state to establish minimum
requirements for the licensing of commercial drivers. Anyone
interested in getting a commercial drivers license can download
a copy of his or her state’s Commercial Driver’s License Manual
(also known as a CDL Manual), or visit the local satellite
office of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and ask for a
print copy of the commercial driver handbook. When You Need a
CDL You must obtain a CDL in order to operate: - A vehicle
weighing over 26,000 pounds. - Any combination of vehicles with
a total weight of 26,000 pounds or more. - Any vehicle designed
to transport more than fifteen passengers, including the driver.
- A school bus. - Any size vehicle transporting hazardous
materials. Additionally, all CDL holders must have medical
certification in order to drive one of these vehicles.
Information in the CDL Manual Within the commercial drivers
manual, you’ll find information about: - Driver’s Safety: The
basics of vehicle inspection and control, shifting g