Important CDL Updates

Entry-Level Driver Training Requirement

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

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.

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The ABC's of Commercial Driving

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To get a DC DMV CDL, you must first take and pass all required knowledge tests to get a CDL learner permit with the class designation and endorsements that you need. All knowledge tests are in English only.

You must download and study the DC DMV CDL Manual to learn what you will need to know for each test you must take.

To take the knowledge test, you must go to the Deanwood Road Test/CDL Services Office with all of the required documentation.

You will have to pay the appropriate fee to take the knowledge tests, whether you pass or fail.

If you fail…

If you fail the CDL knowledge test, you must wait three calendar days before you are eligible to take it again on the fourth day.

For example, if you take and fail the knowledge test on Tuesday, you will not be able to retake the test until Saturday. If you fail the CDL knowledge test six times within a 12-month period, you will not be allowed to take the seventh test until 12 months after you fail the first test. Please be sure you have studied the CDL Manual before you take the test(s).

If you exceed the time limit for the test you are taking, you will fail the test.

Testing Time Limits

• CDL General Knowledge – 90 minutes
• CDL Endorsements – 60 minutes

Listed below are the required knowledge tests for each CDL CMV class and endorsement.

Required Knowledge Tests for Class A

• General Commercial
• Combination
• Airbrakes

Required Knowledge Tests for Class A Endorsements

• T – Double/Triple Trailers
• P – Passenger
• S – School Bus
• H – Hazardous Material
• N – Tank

Required Knowledge Tests for Class B

• General Commercial
• Airbrakes

Required Knowledge Tests for Class B Endorsements

• P – Passenger
• S – School Bus
• H – Hazardous Material
• N – Tank

Required Knowledge Tests for Class C

• General Commercial

Required Knowledge Tests for Class C Endorsements

• P – Passenger
• S – School Bus
• H – Hazardous Material

Endorsements for Double/Triple Trailers (T), Hazardous Materials (H) and Tank (N) do not require a road skills test.

Endorsements for H (Hazardous Materials) and N (Tank) may not be obtained prior to the issuance of the appropriate DC DMV REAL ID CDL (Class A, B or C).