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CDL Approved Documents

509cdl@gmail.com (Jason Boudreau) — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 19:37:32 GMT

What Are CDL Approved Documents?

All Commercial Drivers Must Provide Proof Of:

Your State residency you are applying for
Lawful permanent residency, U.S. citizenship, or non-domicile document

Proof of State Residency

If you are transferring your CDL, or transferring and getting a CLP added, you only have to show 1 document. If you already have an enhanced document, you have already satisfied this requirement.

Acceptable Documents Must:

Show your current residence address (unless noted below).
Show your first and last name
If you’re married, you can use documents in your spouse's name. You'll need to show your marriage certificate.
If you are under 26 years old you may use documents in your parent or guardian's name.
If you're 18 to 25, you’ll need to show proof of relationship but your parent or guardian doesn’t need to be present. Examples of proof of relationship include:
Birth certificate.
Adoption decree
Court issued custody decree
If you are 18 years old or over and have a court-assigned guardian due to mental or physical limitations, you may use documents in your guardian's name.
You must show the court decree assigning guardianship.
Your assigned guardian must be with you and have a valid proof of their identity.

Show One Of The Following

State vehicle registration or title (a quick title isn't acceptable)
Cell phone bill or statement
Home utility or service document for address such as:
Bill.
Statement.
Hook-up order.

Bank or credit card document (statement, card mailer, etc.)
State voter card
State school transcript or report card.
Tribal ID
Proof of homeownership (mortgage documents, property tax documents, deed, title, etc.).
Selective Service Card
Concealed weapons permit from your county (license to carry a concealed pistol)
Homeowner's or renter's insurance policy
Auto insurance policy, declarations page, or binder
Consulate ID card or Mexican Federal Electoral card
Pay check or pay stub with the employer's name and phone number or address
State professional license (nursing, physician, engineer, pilot, etc.)
W-2 form from an employer or form 1099
Moorage document
Letter attesting residence in alternate housing. The letter must be on company letterhead with a phone number for use in verification of the facility. Alternate housing includes:
Assisted living.
College campus.
Mission.
Senior housing
Shelter.
Retirement home.
US military document
Certified State marriage certificate
Form DS-2019

Proof of Lawful Permanent Residency, U.S. Citizenship, or Non-domicile Document

All commercial drivers must provide proof of lawful permanent residency, U.S. citizenship, or non-domicile document when applying for or renewing their commercial driver license (CDL) or commercial learner permit (CLP). If you can't provide these documents, you'll need to surrender your CDL.

For Current CDL and CLP Holders This Means:

You're only required to present this proof at your next renewal or other change to your record. This includes name, address, and endorsement changes. You can renew or make changes to your personal driver license. It's not affected by these requirements.
Proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or non-domicile document is not required to replace a lost, damaged or stolen card. You can buy a duplicate CDL and CLP online or at any driver license office.
You must provide 1 of 8 federally approved, government-issued documents. Photocopies aren't accepted. Obtaining duplicate documents can take several weeks. Begin the process immediately if you don't currently have at least 1 in your possession. If your name on an approved document doesn't match what's on record, you'll also need proof of your name change. This may consist of 1 or more of the following documents:
Marriage Certificate.
Divorce Decree.
Court Order Name Change.
Valid U.S. passport that shows the name change.
Driver License, ID card, or photo Instruction Permit on file in the previous name and a document in the current name.
Make an appointment at a driver licensing office location to complete your transaction.

Non-Domicile CDL

You are now ready to schedule your final state exam. Your school will be the one to set up your test for you. Ask them what the time and location of the exam is.

The Following Documents are Acceptable To Prove

Non-domiciled:

The following documents are acceptable to prove non-domiciled:

Unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Unexpired foreign passport with an approved unexpired I-94 form (electronic or document)

CDL & Drug Testing

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 19:00:21 GMT

Is it legal, is it not legal to smoke weed? Its legal in my state so it must be OK right?

The commercial trucking industry mixed with state to state drug regulations can be quite confusing. "Can I smoke pot as a commercial driver because it's legal in my state? If the feds could make anything more confusing they've done a great job in the CDL world of doing just that. With more regulations then anyone can keep up with drug testing is one that can not be overlooked or misunderstood.

Legal in your state or not marijuana, weed, ganja, edibles, the sticky stuff "Is not legal federally" and you can " loose your CDL or Permit" for up to a year if your drug test pops positive.

Even worse if your drug test comes back positive your CDL School or employer is required to submit your results to the FMCSA Clearing House within 3 business days. Once its submitted you will than have to start a SAP program and go through drug classes before you can reinstate your CDL. Your record will stay on file with FMCSA for 5 years from date it was reported.

Its a real messed up situation you could say. Lose your job, your pay, your house.

Below I will provide some Questions & Answers provided by FMCSA to help you get a full upstanding of the implications of doing drugs and having a Commercial Drivers License.

- Jason Boudreau

Q: When did drug and alcohol testing become a law?

A: On October 28, 1991, President Bush signed the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act. It became effective for U.S. companies in 1996 and foreign companies in 1997.

Q: I own my own truck. Does this apply to me?

A: Yes. The law applies to everyone who is required to have a CDL to drive a particular vehicle, even if you only drive it once. If you are an owner-operator, you are required to join a consortium to meet the testing requirements.

Q: What is a consortium? How do I find one?

A: A consortium is a customer-oriented business that places people in “pools” with other people. For instance, all CDL drivers would be placed in a pool with other CDL drivers and all non-CDL people would be placed in a pool with other non-CDL people. The consortium selects drivers at given times for random testing requirements. Currently the regulations require that 50% of the average annual number of CDL drivers in a pool be tested for drugs and 10% be tested for alcohol. Consortiums also supply information, drug and alcohol policies, and educational classes for employers and employees. Consortiums can be found by looking in the yellow pages of the phone directory under “Drug Testing.” drivers and all non-CDL people would be placed in a pool with other non-CDL people. The consortium selects drivers at given times for random testing requirements. Currently the regulations require that 50% of the average annual number of CDL drivers in a pool be tested for drugs and 10% be tested for alcohol. Consortiums also supply information, drug and alcohol policies, and educational classes for employers and employees. Consortiums can be found by looking in the yellow pages of the phone directory under “Drug Testing.”

Q: What if I borrow a friend’s truck?

A: If you are required to have a CDL, then you are required to obtain a pre-employment test and be in a random testing program.

Q: I don’t have a business; I just have a truck that requires that I have a CDL. Do I have to comply with this law?

A: Yes. This law applies to everyone that is required to have a CDL.

Q: What if I have a CDL but don’t use it?

A: The rules don’t apply if you are not driving a vehicle that requires a CDL. The moment you perform a safety-sensitive function, which includes driving, the requirements apply.

Q: I drive for a company and sometimes drive for myself. What do I have to do to comply with both?

A: You are required to be in a random pool for each one.

Q: I have a CDL so I can help my church by driving their bus. Do I have to comply with these requirements?

A: Yes. Whether you’re compensated or not, the church is still considered your employer and should have you enrolled in a drug and alcohol testing program.

Q: Doesn’t the medical card drug test take the place of this?

A: A drug test is not mandatory to receive a medical certificate. Urine samples are taken; however, it’s usually for other tests. The same specimen cannot be used for both. If a Department of Transportation test was given during a medical card exam, this test could be used as a pre-employment test; however, it does not meet the random requirements.

Q: How do I know if the test I was given is a DOT test?

A: You would have received a copy that is entitled federal drug custody form.

Q: Why won’t my non-DOT test meet the requirements?

A: When conducting non-DOT tests, many different substances can be tested and to varying levels. DOT-regulated tests are all tested for the same substances so each driver is tested fairly and equally across the nation. Each DOT test is only allowed to be tested at a federally certified lab. Again, this ensures that all CDL drivers are treated equally.

Q: What if I’m hiring a new driver?

A: You are required to have a negative drug test result on your new driver PRIOR to allowing them to perform a safety sensitive function, which includes driving. Allowing a driver to perform a safety- sensitive function prior to receiving negative test results could result in penalties. There are also requirements to contact previous employers to ask about the possibility of positive or refused tests. You must also ask the driver if they have tested positive for drugs or alcohol or refused a test in the past two years. This will help ensure that you do not hire a driver that is attempting to “run away” from positive test results.

Q: What about farm drivers?

A: If you are exempt from having a CDL, you would be exempt from drug and alcohol testing.

Q: What if a driver leaves and comes back?

A: If a driver has been removed from the random pool for more than 30 days, you are required to start over with a pre-employment test. If it has been less than 30 days, you can put the driver back in the random pool and continue on as if the driver was never removed. The key issue is that every driver should have an equal chance of being selected each time a random selection is made.

Q: I have mechanics or other employees that have CDL’s and are sometimes used to test drive a truck or be a driver for a short time. How do I handle them?

A: Decide which employees you must have as extras. Obtain pre-employment tests on them if they were employed during the past 365 days and place them in the random pool. If their name is called for a random test, ensure that the driver obtains a test.

Q: How many times do I have to be tested?

A: There is no limit to the number of times you or your drivers can be tested.

Q: What happens if I or one of my drivers tests positive for a drug or for alcohol?

A: There are regulations that require a specific procedure to take place for the company and/or driver. First, the driver must be removed from safety-sensitive functions, which among other things, includes driving. The driver is required to obtain an evaluation by a substance abuse professional. (Your consortium can assist you with this.) This evaluation can take several weeks to complete. During this time, the driver cannot perform a safety-sensitive function.

After the evaluation has been completed, the employer is required to obtain the results. The minimum number of tests that can be required is 6 in the following 12 months.

Tests can take place for up to 5 years. The driver must also obtain a negative DOT test result along with the completion of the evaluation. Keep in mind that the company or owner-operator is responsible to ensure that all random follow-up tests are completed within the given time frame. These tests are over and above the random tests given to meet the 50% and 10% testing requirements. If you hire a driver that is in the process of follow-up tests after a positive result, you are responsible for completing the tests. Drivers who quit or are terminated after a positive result carry this result with them for the next two years. Just because they leave that company does not mean the test result disappears. As of June 13, 2002, positive results will be released to the Dept. of Licensing.

Q: If one of my drivers tests positive, can I terminate him/her?

A: There are no requirements to employ a positive driver. Any decision to terminate a driver, however, will potentially be governed by company policy, union contracts, and employment law, among other sources.

Q: Are tests required after an accident?

A: Drug and alcohol tests are always required after a fatality accident. Tests are also required if the CDL driver is cited for a moving violation and a vehicle was towed from the scene or there were injuries treated immediately afterwards. There are certain time limits in which these tests must be concluded.

Q: What will happen if I don’t comply?

A: You may be subject to penalties.

Q: How would these violations become evident?

A: The Washington State Patrol and the Federal Department of Transportation conduct compliance safety reviews on owner-operators and companies that operate trucks or combinations over 10,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight rating. Violations are noted during these reviews.

Q: Where do I start?

A: If you are an owner-operator, you are required to join a consortium. If you started your business during the past 365 days, you should obtain a pre-employment test. Make sure your name is placed in the random CDL pool. When you are contacted by the consortium to submit a test, you should immediately proceed to the collection site. Failure to submit a test once notified is considered a refusal, and refusals are considered a positive test result.

If you are a company with two or more drivers, you can join a consortium or conduct your own random selections; however, there are certain requirements that must be met.(Regulations require that selections be made by a scientifically valid method.) If your drivers are currently driving and were hired during the past 365 days, a pre-employment test should be obtained. Add all your drivers to the random pool. Delete drivers that are no longer employed. It is important to keep your driver list up to date. Once a driver has been notified to report for a test, his/her actions must be immediate. Postponing, stalling, or refusing are all considered a positive result. If the owner or company contact person is also a driver, he/she must report immediately once notified or this will be considered a refusal.

Q: Where can I find more information?

A: Drug and alcohol testing requirements can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Parts 40 and 382.

Information can also be found on: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – www.fmcsa.dot.gov

FMCSA Rollover Prevention

509cdl@gmail.com (Jason Boudreau) — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 19:51:40 GMT

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in association with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and industry partners, created this tool as a training aid for commercial drivers of cargo tank motor vehicles transporting hazardous materials. (Credit to FMCSA)

This training video covers the four approaches to reducing cargo tank truck rollovers:

Vehicle design and performance
Load effects
Highway factors
Driver factors

Over 78% of rollovers involve driver error. As a driver, YOU are the key component for preventing rollovers. The preview above highlights what you’ll see in the full 17-minute video.

So why do rollovers happen, and what can you do to prevent them? This Cargo Tank Truck Rollover Prevention video answers those questions and more.

You’ll see how rollovers happen, why they happen, and what you can do to avoid them.
You’ll hear how vehicle design and loads affect rollover potential.
You’ll learn the warning signs of unsafe behaviors and conditions contributing to rollovers.
And you’ll watch survivors of rollovers tell their stories.

This video will show you how to:

Avoid sudden movements that may lead to rollovers
Control your load in turns and on straight roadways
Identify high-risk areas on roads
Remain alert and attentive behind the wheel
Control speed and maintain proper “speed cushions.”

These 17 minutes can save your life—and the lives of others!

How To Get A CDL In 2022

509cdl@gmail.com (Jason Boudreau) — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 18:44:34 GMT

Picking The Right School For You.

When choosing a CDL school, you only get one shot at a great or not so great experience, to learn a lot or a little. Some schools will teach you to pass the test exam, and others will teach you beyond the required test material. When choosing the right school for you, start with a locally owned CDL school with a solid reputation in the community and high Google reviews. Why do Google reviews matter? Google reviews will help you learn about the schools before setting foot into them. You will learn about students' frustrations, school shortcomings, and the great schools that ensure you are taken care of. Take a Tour of the school, talk with other students and ask them about their experience.

Not all schools are built the same. Some are called CDL Mills, which means they grab your tuition and push you out the door, safe or unsafe. Most local schools allow recruiters from across America to talk with students about job opportunities, local and regional. Some of the larger schools across America are contacted by big companies that don't allow local or OTR recruiters to speak to students during class. Unless you are ready to sign a contract with a large carrier, your chances of someone coming into the school and offering you a local job are about ZERO.

Make sure to ask your school if they allow outside companies to come in and recruit students. Your goal is to get a job, not just a CDL. If you know where you want to work, reach out to that company and ask if they hire students from the school you would like to attend. Some companies only hire from schools they trust to train students properly.

How Do I Pay For CDL School?

You've found a CDL school you like and are ready to sign up, and you just found out you can't afford it. Before you think you can't afford CDL School, ask where you're going if they offer any assistance inside the school or have outside connections. Schools that are saturated in the community have funding options available for their students.

Ask your school if they offer any of the following assistance:

Local WorkSource
School accepts GI-Bill funding
Local Tribes for available people
Woman in Trucking Grants
Local Department of Labor
Department of Social Health Services
Worker Retraining Program
Carrier Contracts
Personal Loan Backed By Low-Interest Rates

In conclusion, Find a locally owned CDL school with a solid reputation in the community and high Google reviews. You will have a local job before you graduate and plenty of offers along the way.

What Are The Steps I Can Expect When Getting My CDL?

Step 1 - What to Study?

Your funding is set, and now time to start the process. Study time! Depending on what order your school of choice likes, you can get your permit before class starts and take your online Entry-Level Driver Training Theory Course. But, what do I study for the permit? Good question!

Class A

General Knowledge
Airbrakes
Combination

Class B

General Knowledge
Airbrakes

Check your State Website for a digital copy of the CDL Drivers Manual or a local office for a hard copy.

Step 2 - Commercial Learner's Permit

Once you have studied for the Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), it's time to take your CLP test. When you take your test, you will need to bring some documents to prove your residency.

Bring your driver's license along with one of the following:

Birth Certificate or Passport
If you are married and your last name has changed bring your marriage certificate.

Don't have any of those check the list below for approved documents.

Step 3 - DOT Medical Card

Find a local registered provider that can assist you. Check your doctor and see if he offers DOT medical cards as a service. You might be able to get your insurance to pay for it.

When you receive your medical card, you will get a long-form copy and a certificate. The certificate is the one you can keep on you. Your employer will want a copy of your long-form and your certificate, so don't lose it. Make sure in the bottom right corner of your Med Card the examiner marked YES.

Example

CLP/CDL Applicant/Holder*: (X) Yes ( )No

Step 4 - DOT Drug Test

Anyone doing Safety-sensitive work must take a DOT drug test before operating a commercial motor vehicle. Now that you have your permit and medical card, you can take a DOT drug test.

Please Note:

You do not want to fail a DOT drug test. You will be required to take a drug recovery program. Do not show up for a DOT drug test and then leave. If you leave the testing facility before the test has been conducted, it is considered a positive test. All your DOT drug tests results are stored online with the FMCSA Clearing House and visible to future employers.

If you don't think you will pass a drug test, be honest with your school.

Step 5 - Time To Start School

You should now have your:

Funding ready
Permit (CLP)
Medical Card
DOT Drug Test Completed (sent to school)
Taken Online Theory Course

What To Bring On The First Day Of School:

Permit (CLP)
Medical Card
Funding if needed
Safety vest so you don't get run over
Wear clothing that is not loose, loose clothing can get caught in engine belts and moving parts.
Light boots or hiking shoes, Don't wear new boots that are heavy. You need to protect your feet but also be able to feel the pedals when learning to shift. The larger and harder your boots are, the less you will be able to feel the pedals touching your feet.

Super Important

Step 6 - Test Day Is Coming

You need to have completed all three FMCSA ELDT Training Requirements.

Theory
Backing Maneuvers
Behind the Wheel (BTW)

Your school will be able to submit your scores to FMCSA. Make sure you have also met all local and state training requirements.

You are now ready to schedule your final state exam. Your school will be the one to set up your test for you. Ask them what the time and location of the exam is.

Important

Don't forget to read your State CDL Manual chapters 12 and 13 to learn about the backing and driving test on your exam.

Helpful Tool:

You can use the link below to see if your training provider has submitted your results.

Step 7 - Test Day

Your skills are now ready for the final exam and its test day.

What To Bring

Most important, a positive attitude
Commercial Learner's Permit
Medical Card
Money/funds to pay examiner if needed

Make Sure The Truck Has:

Current insurance card
Current Registration
Make sure the vehicle GVRW labels are legible

Final Step - Congratulations!

Your skills are now ready for the final exam and its test day. You've passed your final state exam, and you're as happy as can be. Give your state examiner 24 hours to submit your results.

Head to your local DMV/DOL and finish getting your CDL. This is also a great time to take your Tank, Hazmat, and Doubles and Triples endorsement before finalizing your CDL.

Entry-Level Driver Training Requirements

509cdl@gmail.com (Jason Boudreau) — Sun, 06 Feb 2022 08:19:32 GMT

This article will do its best to break down and simplify training requirements and steps needed to obtain a CDL under the new ELDT standards.

A little history about Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) to start us off

On July 6, 2012, President Obama signed into law a new two year transportation
reauthorization bill, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act ("MAP-

21"; P.L. 112-141) . This new law includes many important provisions intended to
help the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in its important
mission to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities involving large trucks and buses.
Many of the provisions in MAP-21 track the Agency's strategic framework to improve
commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safety by supporting its three core principles

Raise the bar to enter the industry and operate on our roads.
Hold motor carriers and drivers to the highest safety standards to continue operations; and
Remove the highest risk drivers, vehicles, and carriers from our roads and prevent them from operating

Final Ruling

The final ruling was published on 12/8/2016 (Final Ruling)

The ruling was supposed to be implemented 2/7/2020 but was later pushed out to 2/7/2022. Since this article will have a lot of acronyms we will create a quick reference for your reading to help keep it simple

CLP = Commercial Learner's Permit

CDL = Commercial Drivers License

ELDT = Entry Level Driver Training

FMCSA = Federal Motor Carrier Association

TPR = Training Provider Registry

BTW = Behind the wheel training

P = Passenger S = School Bus

H = Hazardous Material

E = No manual transmission

DOL = Department of License

DMV = Department of Motor Vehicle

What Does ELDT Mean For You?

The final ruling created new training standards for individuals trying to obtain a CDL for the first time. It also applies to anyone wanting to upgrade from a class B to A, hazardous materials, passenger, and school bus for the first time.

If you want to get a CDL after 2-07-2022, you will want to make sure the training provider you would like to attend is listed on the FMCSA ELDT Registry. The FMCSA Registry can be located on the FMCSA website. Currently, the list is not available until later this year.

Important note: If you obtain your permit before 2-07-2022, you are not subject to ELDT standards. But if you don't obtain your CDL before the CLP expires and you have to renew your CLP, you will be then required to meet all the ELDT standards and be trained by a training provider. CLPs are good for six months from the date it's issued, so make sure you know your expiration date.

Steps to getting a CDL after 2-07-2022

Step 1 - Locate your local DOL/DMV and ask them if your state will be using the EDLT new standards or if your state requires a higher standard of CDL training. The State Education Board also governs CDL training in some states. Knowing your state's requirements help make sure the training provider you choose also meets those standards.

Step 2 – Finding the right training provider for you. A good place to start is to ask your place of employment if they are registered with the FMCSA TPR. Some businesses do in-house training. If your employer isn't registered or you don't have an employer google your local area for a training provider that fits what you're looking for. Ensure they are listed on the TPR and meet all local and state training requirements. Most states will have a list of approved CDL training providers.

Step 3 - You’ve picked a school, or your employer can help! Time to get your CLP. You can pick up your state CDL Drivers guide at any local DOL or DMV for study

material.

Step 4 - So now you have your CLP (permit) Time to start your training

The CDL Class A, B, and endorsements are divided into three sections of learning: theory (Knowledge), behind-the-wheel (Public roads), and range (Backing).

To complete a Certified course, the training provider must provide instruction in all three areas. The training provider must also keep a record of all assessments given in either written or electronic form. The CLP holder must score at least an 80% on assessments to pass the course. Scores must be kept on file (Hard Copy or Electronic) for auditing.

The behind the wheel training for Class A/B CDL or Passenger or School buys endorsement is comprised of range and public road training. All maneuvers must be performed proficiently and demonstrated to the satisfaction of the training provider.

The FMCSA ruling does not mandate the minimum number of hours that a driver-trainee must spend on the behind-the-wheel training of Class A, Class B, passenger, or school buses. If your state training requirements exceed those of FMCSA ELDT, you are still required to meet all local and state requirements.

For a trainee behind the wheel, Instructors must cover all required topics, determine, and document that each driver-trainee has demonstrated proficiency in all elements

of the BTW curriculum.

Once all training requirements are met, the trainee's information is then submitted to their local state agencies and the FMCSA TPR Portal. Trainees are now allowed to schedule their CDL exam with a state or third-party tester.