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Section 1 – Introduction
2022– 2023 Commercial Driver License Manual
1.1 – Commercial Driver License Types
Oregon issues three classes of licenses and ve endorsement types
to drivers of CMV’s. Each class of license grants driving privileges
for that class and all lower classes. However, no license class grants
driving privileges which require an endorsement. For example, a
Class B CDL does not permit you to operate a tank vehicle unless
you also have a tank endorsement.
1.1.1 – License classications
Remember, along with the license class, you must also obtain the
proper endorsements to be eligible to operate specic types of
commercial vehicles. For example, a Class A CDL does not allow
you to pull double and triple trailers unless you have a double and
triple trailer endorsement (see section 1.2).
• A Class A CDL authorizes a person to operate any vehicle or
combination of vehicles except that the person may not operate
any vehicle for which an endorsement is required unless the
person obtains the endorsement.
• A Class B CDL authorizes a person to operate any single
vehicle regardless of weight. You may tow a trailer if the
trailer’s GVWR or GVW, whichever is greater, does not
exceed 10,000 pounds. If the trailer you are towing has a
GVWR or GVW, whichever is greater, of more than 10,000
pounds, and the GCWR or GCW, whichever is greater, of all
vehicles combined is more than 26,000 pounds, you will need
a Class A CDL. The person may not operate any vehicle for
which an endorsement is required unless the person obtains
the endorsement.
• A Class C CDL authorizes a person to operate.
— Any vehicle that is designed to transport 16 or more
persons, including the driver, if the gross vehicle weight
rating or gross vehicle weight, whichever is greater, of
the vehicle is less than 26,001 pounds and the person has
the proper endorsement to operate a vehicle described in
this paragraph;
— Any vehicle that is used in the transportation of hazardous
materials if the gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle
weight, whichever is greater, of the vehicle is less than
26,001 pounds and the person has the proper endorsement.
A CDL authorizes a person to operate any vehicle that may be
operated by the holder of a Class C non-commercial license.
1.2 – Obtaining Your Commercial Driving
Privilege
1.2.1 – Commercial Driver License
To obtain an Oregon CDL you must:
• Have or meet the qualications for an Oregon Driver License
(non-commercial Class C).
• Be at least 18 years of age, you must be at least 21 years old
to drive commercial vehicles in interstate commerce. (Note:
“Interstate commerce” includes vehicle operation within
Oregon, if the trade, trac or transportation originates or
terminates outside Oregon.);
• Present proof of your full legal name, legal presence in the
United States, identity, date of birth and residence address;
Please visit www.oregondmv.com for a list of acceptable
documents;
• Provide your Social Security Number on the application;
• Have at least one year driving experience in a non-commercial
Class C vehicle;
• Complete requirements for any CDL endorsements you may
need (Note: Beginning February7, 2022, you will need to
complete Entry Level Driver Training before taking a hazardous
materials endorsement knowledge test for the rst time.);
• Pass a vision screening;
• Submit a copy of a valid Medical Examiner’s Certicate and,
when required, a State medical waiver or federal exemption
or Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) Certicate;
• Get and hold a valid Oregon commercial learner permit for at
least 14 days before you take the Commercial Skills Test;
• Beginning February 7, 2022, complete entry level driver
training before taking a CDL Skills test for a Class A or B CDL,
or a passenger or school bus endorsement for the rst time;
• Pass the CDL Skills Test;
• Pay the applicable fees;
• Not be suspended or otherwise disqualied from holding a
commercial driver license in any state; and
• Certify the type of driving you expect to do while holding a
CDL.
Beginning on February 7, 2022, you will need to complete entry
level driver training before taking a skills test if you are applying to:
• Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the rst time;
• Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL; or
• Obtain a passenger (P) or school bus (S), endorsement for the
rst time.
You will also need to complete entry level driver training before
talking a hazardous materials endorsement knowledge test for the
rst time.
You will not need to take ELDT if you are issued a CLP before
February 7, 2022, and obtain your CDL before your CLP expires.
You will not be required to take ELDT if you are applying for a
Class A or B CDL and have a military skills test waiver.
You must take entry level driver training from a training provider
listed on the Training Provider Registry. Only training providers
that are registered with FMCSA through the Training Provider
Registry can provide entry level driver training.
Most drivers will want to certify a driving type of non-excepted
interstate. If there is any chance that you may operate a vehicle
in non-excepted interstate commerce and you qualify, you should
certify that driving type. Otherwise, your CDL and/or CLP may
be needlessly restricted to use in Oregon only.
Your options in Oregon are:
• Non-excepted interstate – You operate or expect to operate in
interstate commerce that is not excepted by federal regulations.
You meet and will continue to meet all federal requirements,
including medical qualications for operation of a CMV in
interstate commerce while holding a CDL or CLP. You may
also operate a CMV in excepted interstate commerce and
intrastate commerce.