​​

      In order to obtain a commercial driver’s license in the state of Louisiana, you must:

• Possess a valid Louisiana commercial learner’s permit.

• Possess a current Department of Transportation medical card (Medical Examiner’s Certificate).

• Provide proof of vehicle insurance and vehicle registration (must be verified before you can take the test).

• Provide a passenger with a valid Louisiana CDL to ride with you in your commercial vehicle to the test site (if you can’t rent a test vehicle).

• Complete and submit the Louisiana Commercial Driver’s License Application.

• Pass the CDL general knowledge written test.

• Pass the CDL Skills Test.

• Pay the $100 CDL Skills Test fee if you use your own vehicle.

• Pay the rental fee if you use the test facility’s vehicle (fee amount is determined by the CDL tester).

• Pay the $41 license fee for the commercial driver’s license ($51 if you reside in Orleans Parish).

• Pay the $5 fee for each additional CDL endorsement.

     

The CDL Skills Test consists of a Pre-trip inspection, a Basic Vehicle Control test, and an On-Road Driving test and must be taken in the same class and type of motor vehicle you plan to drive once you obtain your CDL.  If you take the CDL Skills Test in a commercial motor vehicle that is not equipped with air brakes, then you will have an air brakes restriction attached to your commercial driver’s license. 

​

​

The CDL Skills Test

​

      The CDL Skills Test is a three part test and consists of the following:

​

• Pre-trip Inspection:  Before you can take the CDL driving tests, you will first be tested on your knowledge of the class of vehicle you plan on driving once you obtain your CDL. The Pre-trip inspection also determines if your commercial vehicle is safe enough to drive on public roads.

​

• Basic Controls Test:  Before you can take the CDL Road Test, you will first need to prove that you have the skills to operate a commercial motor vehicle on public roads. This test consists of various off-road maneuvers such as backing up your vehicle. 

​

• Road Skills Test:  Once you pass the first two tests, you will be required to drive your commercial vehicle on public roads in various traffic situations. You will be required to operate the same class of commercial vehicle you plan to drive once you obtain your CDL.

​

​

Commercial Driver Self-Certification

​

​In the state of Louisiana, all commercial driver’s license applicants must self-certify as to what type of driving they will be doing (intrastate or interstate), and if they have met all the FMCSA medical requirements. Download, print the Louisiana OMV Supplemental Form for CDL Application and read more about self-certification in the state of Louisiana here.​

​

Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver’s License

​

In order to apply for a commercial driver’s license, you must have the Medical Examiner’s Certificate and the Medical

​

Examination Report completed by one of the following:

• Licensed U.S. doctor of medicine (M.D.)

• Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O)

• Licensed physician assistant (P.A.)

• Advanced practice registered nurse

• Chiropractor

​

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles will only accept either medical form if it has been completed by a qualified physician who has been certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. You can search for a FMCSA certified physician by using the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

 

The FMSCA requires you to have at least 20/40 vision in each eye and a field of vision of at least 140 degrees in order to be certified to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Under certain conditions, you may be able to be waived from these requirements.      

 

You can submit your completed and signed Medical Examiner’s Certificate and Medical Examination Report (Form 649-F), or the Louisiana OMV CDL Physical Examination Form (includes both forms), and the Louisiana OMV Supplemental Form for CDL Application by doing any of the following:

​

• Fax your completed and signed documents to: (225) 925-3901

• Scan and email your completed and signed documents to: OMV_CDL_Medical@dps.la.gov

• Bring your completed and signed documents to any Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles location.

      

Hazmat Endorsement

​

Any person that is applying for a Hazardous Materials CDL endorsement is required to undergo a federal background check and federal fingerprint check according to guidelines set by the Transportation Security Administration. All applicants must also provide the required documents to verify their identification and legal U.S. status. For more information, check out the Transportation Security Administration’s F.A.Q. page.

​

You can apply for the security threat assessment on the TSA Hazardous Material Endorsement Enrollment Website. You must begin applying at least 30 days before the expiration of your CDL. You can start the application process on the HTAP Online Application Website. To apply by phone call (855) 347-8371. Use the TSA Enrollment Center Locator to find the nearest TSA approved fingerprint office.

​

Military Drivers

​

In the state of Louisiana, if you are currently serving in the military or have been honorably discharged within the last 90 days, and you have driven military vehicles that would require a CDL to operate as a civilian with a 2 year safe driving record, then you may qualify for the waiver of the CDL Skills Test and may be exempt from taking the commercial driver skills test. You will still be required to take the written tests. Certain restrictions apply. 

​

Download, print, and complete the Application for Military Skills Test Waiver to start the process. You can contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles by email if you have any questions about the Military Skills Test Waiver program or give them a call at (225) 925-6146 and choose option 4.

​

Louisiana CDL Endorsements

​

      H      Placarded Hazmat      Required to transport hazardous materials under DOT regulations. 

      N      Tank Vehicles      Required to transport liquids in bulk containers of 1,000 gallons or more.

      X      Tanker/Hazardous Materials Combination   Required to transport hazardous materials in tank vehicles   

      T      Double/Triple Trailers      Indicates CDL holder is certified to operate multiple trailer haulers. 

      P      Passengers      Indicates the CDL holder is certified to operate passenger vehicles.

      S      School Bus      Indicates the CDL holder is authorized to operate a school bus. The “P” endorsement also required.

 

Louisiana CDL Restrictions

​

The following CDL restrictions are based on the driver passing the necessary commercial driver’s license written knowledge tests or driving skills tests. The restrictions may be added or removed from the commercial driver’s license: 

​

• K – Intrastate driving only (may only drive a CMV within Louisiana state lines).

• L – May not drive CMV equipped with air brakes.

• V – Medical variance restriction (waiver for vision, diabetes, or Skill’s Performance Evaluation).

​​