Connecticut CDL Requirements

View Connecticut CDL Handbook

What is Required by the State of Connecticut to Obtain a Commercial Driver's License?

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles abides by federal mandates and requires proof of U.S. Citizenship, lawful permanent residence or temporary legal presence, along with proof of Connecticut residency for holders of commercial driver licenses and permits. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is mandating this requirement.

In general, this additional paperwork requirement includes:

  • Proof of identity.
  • Proof of Social Security number.
  • Proof of legal presence in the United States. Undocumented individuals will not be issued a CDL or CLP.
  • Proof of Connecticut residence. Proof must be from two sources.
  • Name change documents (if applicable).

Non-U.S. citizens must show proof of legal presence in the United States to be eligible for a CDL or CLP. If you are not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (i.e. temporary visitor), your CLP or CDL document will have the words “Non-Domicile” on it and you will not be eligible for a hazmat endorsement.

How to Get Started in Obtaining a Connecticut Commercial Driver's License

Required Documentation (must be presented when appearing for CDL knowledge testing):

  • Your valid Connecticut Driver’s License. Be sure you meet CDL age requirements of being 18 years old to drive within Connecticut, and 21 years old to drive interstate (outside of Connecticut)
  • You will be required to provide additional identity documents.
  • Your Social Security card (laminated or metal cards not accepted) or most recent W-2 form.
  • You must have a current, legible, unexpired medical certificate completed by aCertified Medical Examiner  on file with the DMV prior to renewal. Please fax your current card to: (860) 263-5568 or email your current card to [email protected]
  • Printed confirmation notice of self-certification with DMV. Applicants must self-certify through the DMV website and print confirmation notice.
  • You will be required to complete the Application for Commercial Driver’s License (DMV Form R-229a). Request the form to be mailed to you.
  • Military Personnel: See special instructions and exemptions.

Once the above documentation is presented and accepted by a DMV representative you will be required to take and pass a general knowledge test and endorsement tests depending on the type of commercial motor vehicle you intend to operate.

Then once you have passed the required knowledge test(s), you will be required to pay a $10 fee for the issuance of the Commercial Learner Permit (CLP).

Obtaining a Commercial Driver License After Commercial Driving Instruction Permit (CDIP) has been issued

Once you have passed the required knowledge/endorsement tests and obtained a CDIP a skills test may be scheduled. Skills tests are scheduled by appointment only through the DMV Phone Center or at a DMV Hub or Limited Service office.

What to bring to the Skills Test:

  • The representative test vehicle for the class of license for which you are applying. See chart above.
  • Be accompanied by a driver who holds a valid CDL which authorizes operation of the test vehicle to and from the test
  • Your VALID Connecticut driver’s license
  • Commercial Driver Instruction Permit (CDIP)
  • Validated goldenrod (GOLD COPY) of the Application for Commercial Driver’s License (DMV Form R-229a). The $30 validation for the test fee must be displayed on copy. NOTE: If you lose your goldenrod copy you will be required to complete a new R-229a and repay the $30 skills test fee at a DMV branch prior to testing. Request a new form to be mailed to you.
  • You must have a current, legible, unexpired medical certificate completed by a Certified Medical Examiner on file with the DMV prior to renewal. Please fax your current card to: (860) 263-5568 or email your current card to: [email protected]

Call the DMV Testing Unit at 860-263-5096 to schedule a CDL skills test.

You will be evaluated on the following items:

  • Pre-trip inspection
  • Static course
  • On-the-road/skills test

What Classes of Licenses are Issued by the State of Connecticut?

Connecticut follows federal guidelines in the classification of their CDLs.

  • Class A CDL: Holders are authorized to drive any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of twenty-six thousand one (26,001) pounds or more, provided the GVWR of the vehicle being towed is in excess of ten thousand (10,000) pounds.
  • Class B CDL: Holders are authorized to drive any single vehicle with a GVWR of twenty-six thousand one (26,001) pounds or more, and any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of ten thousand (10,000) pounds.
  • Class C CDL: Holders are authorized to drive any single vehicle with a GVWR of less than twenty-six thousand one (26,001) pounds or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not in excess of ten thousand (10,000) pounds comprising vehicles designed to transport sixteen or more passengers, including the driver, or designed to transport more than ten passengers, including the driver, and used to transport students under the age of twenty-one years to and from school; (additional endorsement required). And vehicles used to transport hazardous materials which are required to be placarded in accordance with 49 CFR 172, Subpart F, as amended. (additional endorsement required).