Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

There is a Delaware Commercial Driver's manual that covers the CDL requirements, CDL procedures, testing requirements, and the basic knowledge required to obtain a CDL license. The manual is available at no cost at any Division facility. CDLs may only be renewed within 30 days prior to their expiration.

CDL Class A License

This license is required when the vehicle's combination registered, actual or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is over 26,000 pounds, and the vehicle is towing a vehicle with a registered, actual or GVWR over 10,000 pounds.

CDL Class B License

This license is required when the vehicle's registered, actual or rated weight (GVWR) is over 26,000 pounds, and it is not towing another vehicle over 10,000 pounds GVWR.

CDL Class C License

This license is required for vehicles under 26,000 pounds when vehicles are designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver, or for vehicles required to be placarded for carrying hazardous materials (HAZMAT).

CDL Endorsements

NON - CDL Class A License

Required for the same CMV vehicles as the CDL Class A license, but only when operating farm, firefighting, and other authorized emergency vehicles under a CDL waiver.

NON - CDL Class B License

Required for the same CMV vehicles as the CDL Class B license, but only when operating farm, firefighting, and other authorized emergency vehicles under a CDL waiver.

Waivers for CDL Provisions

Non-commercial driver licenses are issued to those drivers who operate farm, firefighting, and other emergency equipment under this waiver. To obtain a non-CDL an applicant must pass a knowledge test and road test in the class of vehicle for which they are applying, either Class A or B. The skills and pre-trip tests are waived for this type of license. No special licenses are required when operating personal recreation vehicles, commercial motor vehicles for military purposes, and emergency vehicles used in the preservation of life or property. The following defines this waived class of vehicles:

1. Farm Vehicles which are:

1. Controlled and operated by a farmer
2. Used to transport either agricultural products, farm machinery, farm supplies or both to or from a farm
3. Not used in the operations of a common or contract motor carrier
4. Used within 150 miles of the person's farm and
5. Not used for hire.

2. Firefighting equipment which is:

1. Used by any fire company in this State for the preservation of life or property or the execution of emergency governmental functions.
2. Being operated under the authorization of a fire company for parades, special events, repair service, delivery or other such authorized movements.

3. Military equipment owned by the Department of Defense, including the National Guard, when operated by persons on active military duty or members of the reserves and National Guard on active full-time or part-time duty.
4. Recreational vehicles or trailers defined in Title 21 which provide temporary living quarters and are used solely for recreational purposes.
5. Emergency Mobile Communication Units operated in relation to a County Emergency Communication Center, the State Police or any Municipality.
6. Any other emergency vehicle, as defined by Title 21, used in the preservation of life or property or in the execution of emergency governmental functions and is equipped with audible and visual signals, and is not subject to normal traffic regulation.

Information for those Applying for a Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) and CDL License

Those drivers holding a CDL learner's permit must be accompanied by a licensed CDL driver when operating a commercial motor vehicle that the driver is being trained to operate.

Permit expiration and extensions:

A CDL learner’s permit is valid for one (1) year. The CDL learner’s permit may not be issued or extended for a period exceeding one (1) year from the issuance date of the original permit. A $5.00 fee is required upon issuance.

CDL Knowledge Test:

All CDL knowledge tests are by walk-in only and can be completed at any division facility. At a minimum an applicant will complete the General Knowledge test. Depending on the class of license or endorsements you are applying for, there may be additional testing.

CDL Skills Test:

The DMV will be implementing a new, modernized CDL skills test at all locations beginning on February 26, 2025.

Over the last decade, vehicle technologies and components (such as braking, steering, and suspension systems, etc.) have continued to evolve at a fast pace.

The goal is to create a simpler and more effective testing process that best assesses an applicant’s readiness to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safely. The CDL Skills Test Modernization initiative will deliver:

• Modernized protocols for CMV pre-trip vehicle inspection and basic control skills testing.
• A checklist for a pre-trip vehicle inspection test as an aide to applicants
• An updated CDL Driver’s Manual.

The actual skill sets evaluated by the modernized test remain unchanged. By successfully completing the federally required Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT)  for new CDL applicants, applicants will be ready for the updated Modernized CDL skills test.

For more information, please review the CDL Skills Test Modernization FAQ page.

All CDL skills tests are by appointment only and can only be made once you have held your CLP for minimum of 14 days. Road tests are given every weekday except, Wednesday. DMV offers two easy and convenient options for you to schedule your road test when you feel you are ready. You may call your local DMV office to speak with a DMV Associate or visit MyDMV Account Services - Division of Motor Vehicles and schedule your appointment by selecting “My Road Test” and following the online instructions.

• Delaware City - 302-832-5176
• Dover - 302-744-2515
• Georgetown - 302-853-1003
• Wilmington - 302-434-3220

Upon arriving for your ROAD TEST, you must have the following in your possession:

• Valid learner's permit
• Valid driver license of the accompanying driver who is at least 21 years of age (excludes motorcycle skills test and 'international driver license' holders)
• Valid registration card for the vehicle you will be using (and trailer if applicable)
• Valid insurance card (original or electronic) for the vehicle you will be using

Important Regulatory Changes for Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) Holders

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has implemented significant changes to the medical certification process for Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers. These changes are designed to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of medical qualification reporting. For additional information, see https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/home

What does this mean for you, as a CMV driver? You no longer have to visit or notify the DMV, in order to submit your medical certification!

Key Changes and Deadlines:

• Mandatory Electronic Submission of Medical Examination Results:
• Effective June 23, 2025, Certified Medical Examiners (MEs) are required to electronically submit all CMV driver medical examination results directly to the FMCSA and State Driver's Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) through the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
• This applies to all CMV drivers requiring medical certification for interstate commerce, including those holding or applying for CDLs and CLPs and those operating under applicable state variances for intrastate operations.
• MEs must transmit the examination result by midnight (local time) of the next calendar day following the examination.
• National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners:
• The FMCSA has established the National Registry to ensure all MEs meet standardized training and testing requirements.
• Beginning June 23, 2025, CDL/CLP holders must obtain their medical certificates from MEs listed on the National Registry.
• Electronic Data Transmission to SDLAs:
• The FMCSA will electronically transmit driver identification, examination results, restriction information, and medical variance information to SDLAs.
• This will streamline the process and reduce errors.
• Delaware Implementation:
• Delaware implemented these requirements on April 14, 2025.
• From April 14, 2025, to June 23, 2025, Delaware will accept both paper medical certificates and electronic submissions through the National Registry.
• After June 23, 2025, Delaware will only accept medical certificates submitted electronically through the National Registry.
• Validity of Existing Medical Certificates:
• Medical certificates issued before June 23, 2025, will remain valid until their expiration date.

Physical Qualifications for Commercial Driver License (CDL) Holders

A CDL driver must be physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established medical certification guidelines that apply to all commercial learner permit (CLP) and commercial driver license holders and applicants.

• All CLP/CDL holders must self-certify their driving status as outlined in the Self-Certification Category Guide.
• Please review the Self-Certification Category Guide to assist you in determining your self-certification status.

You may also email, mail, or fax your self-certification affidavit to:

You may also visit our Medical Certification FAQ to answer some questions. For any additional concerns, please call the DMV Help Desk at 1-877-477-7117 during regular business hours.

CMV AND CDL Holder Disqualifying Violations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 (MCSIA) requires a commercial driver license (CDL) holder to be disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) when convicted of certain types of moving violations in a private passenger vehicle or in a CMV.  No CDL driving authority is permitted when any driving privileges are suspended, revoked, disqualified, denied, or canceled. This document provides an overview of the MCSIA disqualifying violations and is meant to only cover major elements of Federal and Delaware law and is subject to change.

MAJOR VIOLATIONS

• Administrative per se (probable cause) for operating a CMV with a blood alcohol concentration at or above .04.
• Administrative per se (probable cause) for operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration at or above .08.
• Operating a CMV while your blood alcohol concentration is .04 or higher.
• Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
• Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance.
• Refusal to take an alcohol test.
• Leaving the scene of an accident.
• Using a motor vehicle to commit a felony (not a traffic offense).
• Causing a fatality through negligent operation of a CMV.
• Driving a CMV when as a result of prior violations committed while operating a CMV, the driver's license is revoked, suspended, disqualified, canceled, denied, barred, or withdrawn.
• Using a vehicle in the commission of a felony involving controlled substances. (Automatic Lifetime Disqualification)

If convicted of a major violation in a private passenger vehicle or in a CMV, your CDL will be disqualified for one year for the first offense or three years if carrying hazardous materials. If convicted of a second major violation in a private vehicle or in a CMV, your CDL will be disqualified for life.

SERIOUS TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS

• Excessive speeding (15 mph or more above the posted limit).
• Reckless driving.
• Improper or erratic lane changes.
• Following a vehicle too closely.
• Violating state or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control arising in connection with fatal accident.
• Driving a CMV without obtaining a CDL.
• Driving a CMV without a CDL in the driver's possession.
• Driving a CMV without the proper class of CDL and/or endorsements.
• Texting OR using a hand held mobile telephone while operating a CMV.

If convicted of two serious traffic violations in a CMV within any three-year period, your CDL will be disqualified for 60 days or 120 days if convicted of three or more serious traffic violations in a CMV within any three-year period. Additionally, if convicted of a serious traffic violation in a private passenger vehicle and your private passenger vehicle driving privileges are suspended as a result thereof, your CDL may also be disqualified accordingly.

FRAUD VIOLATIONS

• Misrepresentation of identity.
• Fraudulently obtaining a CDL

If a State determines, in its check of a license status and record prior to issuing a CDL, or at any time after the CDL is issued, that the applicant has falsified information contained in subpart J of 383.73, or in any of the certifications required in 383.71(b) or (g), or in any of the documents required to be submitted by 383.71(h), the State must at a minimum disqualify the person's CLP or CDL or his/her pending application, or disqualify the person from operating a commercial motor vehicle for a period of at least 60 consecutive days.

VIOLATING OUT-OF-SERVICE ORDERS

If convicted of violating an Out-Of-Service Order in a CMV, your CDL will be disqualified for no less than 90 days nor more than 1 year for a first offense. If convicted of violating an Out-Of-Service Order while transporting hazardous materials in a CMV, your CDL will be disqualified for no less than 180 days nor more than 2 years for a first offense. Your CDL will be disqualified for no less than one year nor more than 5 years for a second offense within any ten-year period. Your CDL will be disqualified for no less than 3 years nor more than 5 years for a second offense while transporting hazardous materials within any ten-year period. Your CDL will be disqualified for no less than 3 years nor more than 5 years for three or more offenses within any ten-year period. Disqualification periods for violating an Out-of-Service Order will be determined by the court.

RAILROAD-HIGHWAY GRADE CROSSING VIOLATIONS

Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing violations include violation of a federal, state or local law or regulation pertaining to the following six offenses:

• For drivers who are not required to always stop, failing to stop before reaching the crossing if the tracks are not clear.
• For drivers who are not required to always stop, failing to slow down and check that the tracks are clear of an approaching train.
• For drivers who are always required to stop, failing to stop before driving onto the crossing.
• For all drivers failing to have sufficient space to drive completely through the crossing without stopping.
• For all drivers failing to obey a traffic control device or the directions of an enforcement official at the crossing.
• For all drivers failing to negotiate a crossing because of insufficient undercarriage clearance.

If convicted of a Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing violation in a CMV, your CDL will be disqualified for no less than 60 days for the first offense. Your CDL will be disqualified for no less than 120 days for a second offense within any three-year period. Your CDL will be disqualified for no less than 1 year for a third offense within any three-year period.

Important Information for CDL Holders

• CMV and CDL Holder MCSIA Disqualifying Violations
• Fed Medical Certification (DOT Physical) Exam Form
• Medical Certification Affidavit and Self Certification Category Guide
• Medical Certification FAQ