Important CDL Updates
Human Trafficking Awareness Training Requirement
Effective July 12, 2021 District law (DCMR Title 18, Section 1303) requires all new drivers seeking a commercial learner permit (CLP) and those looking to convert an out-of-state 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.
Clearinghouse Status and CDL Downgrades
As established in the first Clearinghouse final rule, drivers with a “prohibited” Clearinghouse status are prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) on public roads. The second Clearinghouse final rule (Clearinghouse-II) further supports this by ensuring that drivers with a “prohibited” Clearinghouse status do not continue to hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or commercial learner’s permit (CLP).
Beginning November 18, 2024, State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) will be required to remove the commercial driving privileges from the driver license of an individual subject to the CMV driving prohibition. This would result in a downgrade of the license until the driver completes the return-to-duty (RTD) process.
Note: SDLAs with legislative authority currently have the option to voluntarily query the Clearinghouse and downgrade CDLs for prohibited drivers and may do so before the November 18, 2024 compliance date.
Learn more about the second Clearinghouse final rule.
The Clearinghouse is a secure online database that gives employers, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) and State law enforcement personnel real-time information about CDL and CLP holders’ drug and alcohol program violations.
The Clearinghouse contains records of violations of drug and alcohol prohibitions in 49 CFR Part 382, Subpart B, including positive drug or alcohol test results and test refusals. When a driver completes the RTD process and follow-up testing plan, this information is also recorded in the Clearinghouse.
For more information, please visit the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse website.
The ABC's of Commercial Driving
Select an image below to view more information:
Next Steps
If you are an active duty service member who is currently licensed and who is or was employed within the last 90 calendar days in a military position requiring the operation of a military motor vehicle equivalent to a CMV, you do not have to take the road skills tests to obtain a Class A or B DC DMV CDL. You do have to take and pass all knowledge tests.
If you want School Bus (S) and Passenger (P) endorsements, you must be prepared to pass all requirements for air brakes as well—which means you must take both the air brakes knowledge test and the air brakes portion of the road skills test.
To get a DC DMV CDL using the road skills test waiver for military personnel, you must follow all the requirements and steps for obtaining a CDL:
In addition, you must meet the following specific requirements to use the military personnel waiver:
- Be at least 21 years old and have a valid DC NCDL.
- Be a US citizen or non-US citizen with a valid permanent resident card.
- Provide proof of US citizenship or lawful permanent residency. If you do not have proof of lawful permanent residency, but you are legally in the US 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.
- Have two years of commercial vehicle driving experience while in the military.
- Have a minimum of two years of good driving history on your driver record during the two-year period immediately preceding your CDL application date.
- Have your commanding officer certify your years of operating the vehicle, as well as the type of vehicle operated, to determine appropriate CDL classification.
- Provide active military orders or US Department of Defense Form DD214.
- Provide the Military Skills Test Waiver form.