Requirements:
To apply for a commercial driver’s license, you must be at least 18 years old and either have a valid Idaho non-commercial license (Class D) or have passed all tests required to obtain one. You may be able to take your Class D license tests and your CDL tests at the same time. However, you must have one year of driving experience in order to obtain a CDL.
Application Process:
To apply for your CDL, go to your county driver’s license office. Take your current driver’s license, Social Security card, and money to pay your fees. You will be asked if you are subject to and in compliance with the requirements of Part 391 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (Qualifications of Drivers). These include the DOT medical card requirements. When applying for your CDL, your driving record will be checked, fees will be collected, and you will take the necessary knowledge tests.
After passing the written tests, you must make an appointment with a CDL skills tester to take the skills test. Some testers have vehicles that you can rent. When you go to the skills tester, you will need to take proof of identification, proof of insurance, and your receipt showing you have passed the written tests and paid the skills test receipt fee.
A CDL will be issued only after you have passed all required written and skills tests. The license will be issued at your county driver’s license office. Even after passing all of the required tests, you do not have the authority to operate a commercial vehicle until you obtain your CDL.
All test results remain valid for one year. If the appropriate license is not issued within the one-year period, the tests must be re-taken. If you do not pass a test, you must wait three (3) days before retaking the test. Test fees must be paid again.
CDL tests are not required at renewal time, with the exception of the Hazardous Materials test which must be passed prior to each renewal.
A Seasonal Commercial Driver’s License is available to qualified seasonal drivers for certain farm-related service industries such as custom harvesters, farm retail outlets and suppliers, agri-chemical businesses, and livestock feeders.
The Seasonal CDL is only valid within 150 miles of the business or farm being serviced.
The Seasonal CDL is valid (with a Class D license) for 180 days in a 12 month period, and can only be obtained twice in a lifetime. The Seasonal CDL is not valid for driving Class A (combination) vehicles or passenger vehicles designed to carry 16 or more people including the driver. The Seasonal CDL is not valid for driving vehicles carrying hazardous materials requiring placards except for diesel fuel in quantities of 1,000 gallons or less, liquid fertilizers in vehicles or implements of husbandry with total capacities of 3,000 gallons or less, or solid fertilizers that are not mixed or transported with any organic substance.
Knowledge Tests:
A CDL instruction permit is available by taking the appropriate written tests for the type of vehicle you will operate. An instruction permit is valid for up to 180 days. You must be accompanied by a driver properly licensed to operate the vehicle you are driving. This person must occupy the seat beside the driver.
Driving/Skills Tests:
The skills test has three parts: the vehicle inspection, the basic control skills test, and the road test. The skills test will take two to three hours to complete and must be taken in a vehicle that is representative of the class of vehicle you wish to operate. If the vehicle used for the test is not equipped with air brakes, your CDL will show a restriction stating that you are not licensed to operate vehicles equipped with air brakes.
Fees:
- CDL license (4-year), $40.00
- CDL instruction permit, $29.00
- Duplicate CDL or permit, $15.00
- License upgrade, $25.00
- Endorsement addition (after issuance of a CDL), $15.00
- Written tests (each), $ 3.00
- Skills test ($10 to Driver’s License Office, $60 to Skills Tester), $70.00
Idaho Transportation Department, http://www.itd.idaho.gov/dmv/DriverServices/CDL.htm
