Can I Drive a Truck With a CDL Permit?

Are you in the process of getting your commercial license? You probably wonder, "Can I drive a truck with a CDL permit?" 

At FMCA Filings, you'll find the answer to this question and more. Whether you want an FMCSA compliance checklist or need to file your forms, you can do it all from our easy-to-use website. We make the administrative aspects of trucking easy and stress-free.

What Is a CDL License and Permit?

A commercial driver's license allows you to operate a variety of commercial vehicles depending on the type of license you obtain. The three types of CDLs include:

• Class A: This license allows you to operate any vehicle with a weight over 26,000 pounds or tow a vehicle over 10,000 pounds.
• Class B: A class B license allows you to drive vehicles over 26,000 pounds where the towed portion remains below 10,000 pounds.
• Class C: This license allows driving a vehicle weighing 26,000 pounds or less, including trailers under 10,000 pounds. With the right endorsements, you can also operate any tank vehicle with labeled hazardous materials or commercial passenger vehicles like school buses or taxis.

A commercial learner permit (CLP) is essentially the training stage before you obtain your CDL. Much like a normal driver's permit, it allows qualifying individuals to drive a commercial vehicle under the supervision of an appropriately licensed driver.

Obtaining Your CLP

If you're at least 18 years old, you can obtain your commercial learner permit with the following process:

• Obtain your Class D license (your "normal" driver's license) or hold your junior operator's license for at least two years.
• Pass a vision test.
• Meet the physical requirements.
• Demonstrate proficient knowledge of the commercial driving permit test.

Each state has slightly different requirements for obtaining your permit or license, so ask an FMCA Filings agent for details. Your permit remains valid for six months, and you can renew it once within a two-year period. If you renew it twice within four years, you must start the process over.

Driving With a Commercial Permit

If you wonder, "Can I drive a truck with a CDL permit," the answer is yes, provided you follow certain conditions. You must drive the vehicle under the supervision of someone who already has a license. They must have a license that matches the type of vehicle and must sit directly next to you.

For example, if you drive a Class A vehicle, your supervisor cannot have just a Class B license. If you drive a taxi, the supervisor cannot sit in the back seat.

A higher-class license allows you to drive lower-rated vehicles, provided you have the right endorsements. Therefore, if your supervisor has a Class A license, they can train you to drive a Class C automobile like an empty tank vehicle.

Obtaining Your Permit

When you schedule your permit exam, try to arrive early in the day to give you enough time. Bring your Class D driver's license as proof you have it and that you're at least 18 years old. You'll take a medical and vision test to prove you can drive safely without any physical risks.

The authorities will also check your driving record for the last 10 years in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Your state may require additional documentation like proof of residency.

The knowledge test can vary between states, but in general, you'll answer around 35 questions and must correctly answer 28 (80%) to pass. If you pass all your qualifications, the inspectors, test examiners, and federal or state auditors will grant you your learner's permit.

Upgrading to your CDL

You can apply for your commercial driver's license once you've possessed your permit for at least 14 days. Many states also require you to take a specific training class, which often consists of half or full-day classes, five days a week, for at least two weeks.

Each state also has different requirements for behind-the-wheel experience. For example, in California, you must spend at least 15 hours driving with your permit.

You can also apply for various endorsements that expand your driving options, such as:

• Tank vehicle
• Hazardous materials
• Passenger transport
• School bus
• Tanker and HazMat combination
• Double and triple-trailer

Training for this endorsement may prolong how long it takes to obtain your license, but many drivers find it worth it.

Learn More With FMCA Filings

Now you know the answer to "Can I drive a truck with a CDL permit?" From helping you understand whether you can put your trucking authority on hold to renewing your MC or DOT number, FMCA Filings makes every commercial driving administrative task easy and stress-free. You can check out our website for answers or use our intuitive user portal to file all your documents.

Reach out to us using our online form to learn more or check out our live chat feature to speak with a team member.