Important CDL Updates
Entry-Level Driver Training Requirement (February 7, 2022)
Beginning February 7, 2022, entry-level drivers will be subject to the requirements in the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations. This includes drivers applying to:
- Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time;
- Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL; or
- Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.
The ELDT regulations establish a Federal standard for training CDL applicants. Applicants must successfully complete this training before they will be permitted to take the CDL skills test or, in the case of the H endorsement, the knowledge test. Drivers will search for a training provider using the upcoming Training Provider Registry. For more information, please visit the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) webpage.
Human Trafficking Awareness Training Requirement (July 12, 2021)
Effective July 12, 2021 District law (DCMR Title 18, Section 1303) will require all new drivers seeking a Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) and those looking to convert an out-of-state Commercial Driver License (CDL), to complete mandatory Human Trafficking Awareness training before being issued a CLP or converting an out-of-state CDL.
The training involves watching a brief educational film and takes about 15 minutes to complete. The required training can be completed online, and a printed certificate of completion will be issued upon successful completion of the online training.
Eligibility
DC DMV ensures the safety of commercial drivers through certain requirements for a CDL. To get a DC DMV CDL:
- You must be at least 21 years old and have a valid NCDL.
- Note: To obtain an Intrastate CDL, you must be at least 18 years old. For information about the Intrastate CDL, please see: Intrastate CDL
- You must be a US citizen or non-US citizen with a valid permanent resident card.
- You must provide proof of US citizenship or lawful permanent residency.
- You must provide a 10-year driver history report. You will have to request this report from the department of motor vehicles in any state that has issued you a license in the past 10 years. DC DMV checks driving history in all 50 states.
- You must have your current Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certification card.
Note: CDL learner permits may only have the following endorsements (with additional restrictions): S - School Bus, N - Tank and P - Passenger.
You are not eligible to apply for a DC DMV CDL if you:
- Have a revoked or suspended NCDL
- Have certain medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes
- Have a certain criminal felony conviction within the last 3 years (if you would like to work as a school bus driver)
- Have a scheduled hearing on moving violation ticket(s)
- Have an unresolved citation (such as tickets or judgment) in another jurisdiction
- Are a non-US citizen who does not possess a valid permanent resident card
Note: If you do not have proof of lawful permanent residency in the US, but you are legally in the country under a program approved by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), then in accordance with federal law, DC DMV will issue you a CDL that is marked as non-domiciled. You must provide proof of your legal USCIS status.
Documentation
To obtain a DC DMV CDL or first a CDL learner permit, you will have to bring the following documents when you take the CDL knowledge test(s):
- Valid DC DMV NCDL
Note: If your current valid DC DMV NCDL is not a REAL ID license, with a star in the upper right hand corner, you must also have proof of your social security number and two proofs of your residency in the District.
Information on the proof of Social Security number is available at: REAL ID Proof of Social Security Number
Information on proofs of residency is available at: Proof of Current District of Columbia Residency
- Valid, unexpired US passport or certified birth certificate filed with a State Office of Vital Statistics or a Certificate of Naturalization or a Certificate of Citizenship—for US citizens
- Valid, unexpired permanent resident card—for non-US citizens
- Completed US Department of Transportation Medical Examination Report and Medical Examiner’s Certificate Card. Download and have a physician complete these documents, which are available at the links below:
- Medical Examiner’s Certificate Card [PDF]
- FAQs New Driver Examination Forms
Note: Your driver record will contain medical information and DC DMV will send you a notification any time your medical information is updated.
Federal law requires CDL holders to submit a medical certification every 2 years. You must be examined by a medical professional listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. The list of certified medical examiners including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and chiropractors is available on the US Department of Transportation National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners’ website at the link below:
The online portal for submitting medical certification is available at the link below: