| Getting a Commercial Driver License (CDL) |
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| Overview |
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Generally, you must have a CDL to operate a motor vehicle on highways or premises open to the public in Oregon if the gross vehicle weight or gross vehicle weight rating is greater than 26,000 lbs, the vehicle is used to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or the vehicle is used to transport hazardous materials. Exceptions exist for recreational vehicles operated solely for personal use, certain farm vehicles when the driver is operating within the limitations of a farm endorsement, emergency fire vehicles operated by firefighters as defined in ORS 652.050, and emergency vehicles operated by emergency service workers as defined in ORS 401.025.
If you cannot meet all federal qualifications, your CDL will be restricted to use in intrastate commerce only. Intrastate commerce is defined as any trade, traffic, or transportation in any state which is not described in the term interstate commerce. Interstate commerce means trade, traffic or transportation:
- Between a place in a state and a place outside such state;
- Between two places in a state through another state or a place outside of the United States; or
- Between two places in a state as part of trade, traffic or transportation originating or terminating outside the state of the United States.
Use the links below to go directly to any section:
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| Commercial Driver License |
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To Qualify/Apply
In order to qualify and apply, you must:
After you meet all requirements, you will be issued an interim card to use until you receive your license in the mail.
If you surrendered a previous driver license, permit or identification card, it will be hole-punched and returned to you. The hole-punched card is not valid by itself, but may be used as additional proof of identity with the interim card.
Training
If you need to practice or train for the Commercial Drive Test you must obtain a CDL Instruction Permit (see section below). You may take the Commercial Drive Test at a DMV office without a CDL Instruction Permit. However, you must have a CDL Instruction Permit or CDL in order to take the Commercial Drive Test with a CDL Third Party Tester.
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| CDL Instruction Permit |
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A CDL Instruction Permit authorizes the operation of any vehicle, except a motorcycle or a vehicle carrying hazardous materials, when accompanied by a person who:
- Is at least 21 years of age;
- Has a valid license for the class of vehicle being driven by the permit holder;
- Has the proper endorsements for the vehicle being operated; and
- Is sitting in the front seat next to the permit holder.
CDL instruction permits are valid for one year from the date of issuance. If you need more practice driving with your instruction permit, you may renew it prior to the expiration of your current one. Renewing an instruction permit does not extend the validity of the current permit. The renewed permit will be valid for one year after the date of issuance. If your permit has been expired for more than one year you will be required to successfully complete the knowledge and vision test and pay all applicable fees.
Qualify/Apply
In order to qualify and apply, you must:
After you meet all requirements, you will be issued an interim card to use until you receive your license in the mail.
If you surrendered a previous driver license, permit or identification card, it will be hole-punched and returned to you. The hole-punched card is not valid by itself, but may be used as additional proof of identity with the interim card.
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| Related Information |
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Additional information that may be relevant includes:
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