DC DMV offers a commercial driver license (CDL) to professional drivers who reside in the District. The DC DMV CDL is a credential that complies with federal identification guidelines and can be used as a federal-level ID. It is valid for 8 years and can be renewed.
Driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) requires a higher level of knowledge, experience, skills, and physical abilities than driving a car or other non-commercial vehicle. To get a DC DMV CDL, you must pass both skills and knowledge testing geared to these higher standards. Additionally, as a DC DMV CDL holder, you will be held to a higher standard when you operate ANY type of motor vehicle on public roads.
DC DMV groups types of CMVs and provides a DC DMV CDL for these classes of CMV with additional endorsements and restrictions for specific types of vehicles. Information on CMV groups and the corresponding CDL class and endorsements is available at the link below:
To get a DC DMV CDL, you must:
- Have a valid non-commercial driver license (NCDL)
- Meet identity, residency, and good driving history eligibility qualifications
- Take the applicable CDL knowledge tests
- Get a CDL learner permit
- Pass the CDL road skills test
More information on each of the steps and requirements is available at the links below:
CDL Eligibility and Documentation
CMV Group and CDL Class and Endorsements