First-time Applicants
Commercial Driver's License
Oklahoma requires a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) if you plan to operate certain specialized types of vehicles such as buses, heavy oversized vehicles, or vehicles that carry multiple passengers.
Study today by downloading the Commercial Driver Manual below.
Vehicles Requiring a CDL
A CDL is required to operate the following vehicles:
Any-size vehicle that requires hazardous material placards or is carrying material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR part 73. Federal regulations through the Department of Homeland Security require a background check and fingerprinting. Click here for the Hazardous Materials Endorsement.
A combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
A vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver).
Determine the Class of CDL Required
Class A
A combination of vehicles where the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle and the GVWR of the trailer combine to equal 26,001 pounds or more, AND the trailer's GVWR is 10,001 pounds or more.
Class B
A single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more. These vehicles can pull a trailer as long as the GVWR of the trailer is less than 10,001 pounds.
Class C
A single vehicle with a GVWR less than 26,001 pounds that requires a hazardous materials or passenger endorsement.
Note: A passenger endorsement is needed for any vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver).
Take Entry-Level Driver Training
The new Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations require that all entry-level drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) receive training from a provider listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry.
You can complete ELDT at any time before your skills test, but it is recommended to complete it before your written test.
Note
If you have previously held or currently hold a CDL or CLP, or qualify in other respects, exceptions may apply; see here for a more details on specific scenarios and requirements.
Determine if a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT Medical Card) is Required
You must determine whether you operate in the excepted or non-excepted category, and are in interstate or intrastate commerce from either the Federal or State Requirements.
Rules for Excepted and Non-Excepted
Excepted (E)
If you answer “YES” to any of the questions as your only driving activity below, your commercial driver status is Excepted (E):
Excepted (E)
If you answer “YES” to any of the questions as your only driving activity below, your commercial driver status is Excepted (E):
- Drive a School Bus?
- Transport for a federal government, state, or political subdivision?
- Occasionally transport personal property (Personal use)?
- Drive a fire truck or rescue vehicle?
- Drive for custom farm harvesting operations?
- Transport human corpses, sick or injured persons?
- Drive a 9-15 passenger van (<26,001 pounds)?
- Drive a non-combination vehicle controlled and operated by a farmer (no hazardous materials)?
- Provide emergency delivery of propane?
- Transport migrant workers?
- Transport bees seasonally as a Beekeeper?
Non-Excepted (N)
If you drive for any other reason than those listed above, your commercial driver's status is Non-Excepted (N).
Rules for Interstate vs. Intrastate
Interstate (I)
- You drive from the state of OK to any other State or Foreign Country
- You move cargo in the state of OK that came from another state
- Your cargo will be moved to another State or Foreign Country
Intrastate (A)
Self-Certification Selections
Based on your answers above you will certify as one of the four (4) following categories during your application process. The category determines if a Medical Examiner Certificate (DOT Medical Card) is required.
Non-Except Interstate (NI)
I will operate in interstate commerce and am required to maintain federal medical certification (most common).
Medical Examiner Certificate required for licensing
You will need to receive this certification, also known as a DOT Medical Card, from a Certified Medical Examiner.
Excepted Interstate (EI)
I will operate in interstate commerce, but engage exclusively in operations that qualify me for exception from the requirement to maintain federal medical certification.
DOT Medical card not required for licensing
Non-Excepted Intrastate (NA)
I will only operate in intrastate commerce and am required to meet FMCSA driver qualification requirements.
DOT Medical card not required for licensing
Excepted Intrastate (EA)
I will operate in a city, county, state or federal vehicle only, and I am exempt from the FMCSA driver qualification requirements.
DOT Medical card not required for licensing
Note
For Excepted Interstate, Excepted Intrastate, and Non-Excepted Intrastate, a DOT Medical Card is not required for licensing, but may still need to be presented upon law enforcement request and may be required by your employer.
Prepare For Your Service Oklahoma Licensing Office Visit
Prepare for the written test
Study the CDL Driver Manual. The manual covers information for the general knowledge test, relevant to all CDL applicants. It also contains specific information on the classes and endorsements tests that are separate from the general knowledge test and require additional study as guide-lined in the manual.
Prepare and bring the following to your appointment:
- Primary ID — View the list of all acceptable primary identification documents
- Valid Oklahoma Class D driver license
- Social Security number - Physical card is not required.
- Proof of Oklahoma residency — View the list of all acceptable residency documents
- or 2 valid Proofs of Oklahoma residency — Required for REAL ID
- A DOT Medical Card — if previously determined through your Self Certification above
- Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) Completion Certificate — Required only for HAZMAT or prior to taking your skills test
Note
Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) may be exempt if you have previously held a CDL. ELDT is also not required to remove air brake restriction or auto transmission.
Take the vision and written test
Start your application by taking the CDL vision and written test in person at a Service Oklahoma Licensing Office.
Get your Commercial Learner Permit (CLP)
Once you have successfully completed and passed the necessary written tests for the type of license you are trying to obtain, you will be issued paperwork to take to a Licensed Operator of your choice that will print a CLP for you. You must hold this permit for 14 full days before taking the drive test. You can take the skills test on the 15th day after holding your permit.
The CLP may include CDL endorsements and/or restrictions.
Take the CDL Drive Test
To make a CDL drive test appointment after holding your permit for 14 days, click the "Save Your Spot" button below. This will take you to Service Oklahoma's online check-in page. Select "Get started" and then the "Drive test - Commercial Driver License" service to select a location near you.
Have your driver license number and your availability ready when you call to schedule an appointment. A complete drive test usually takes about two hours.
You may also schedule a CDL drive test with a third-party examiner. Third-party examiners can administer drive tests to most applicants applying for a Class A, B, or C commercial driver license (some restrictions may apply).
During Your Test
During the CDL drive test, you will be required to complete:
- A pre-trip inspection
- The basic control skills tests (backing maneuvers)
- A road test
More information on the drive test can be found in chapter 12 of the CDL Manual.
Additional CDL Drive Test Notes
Service Oklahoma does not supply vehicles for the CDL Drive Test.
There are three sections to the CDL drive test. If you pass a specific section, but fail another, you will receive credit for the section that you passed and will not have to retest on that section when you retake the drive test.
After the Test
Once you have successfully completed all the requirements of the CDL drive test, the Examiner will stamp your DL18 certificate (the certificate you received after passing the written portion of your CDL test). You will need to bring this certificate to a Service Oklahoma Licensing Office or a Licensed Operator to be issued your CDL.
Fees
4-Year Credential Option
Class A
- Application Fee: $25.00
- Credential Fee: $56.50
- Total: $81.50
Class B
- Application Fee: $15.00
- Credential Fee: $56.50
- Total: $71.50
Class C
- Application Fee: $15.00
- Credential Fee: $46.50
- Total: $61.50
8-Year Credential Option
Class A
- Application Fee: $25.00
- Credential Fee: $113.00
- Total: $138.00
Class B
- Application Fee: $15.00
- Credential Fee: $113.00
- Total: $128.00
Class C
- Application Fee: $15.00
- Credential Fee: $93.00
- Total: $108.00
Frequently Asked Questions
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations require that all entry-level drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) receive training from a provider listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry. Learn more on ELDT’s website.
You can search for a Certified Medical Examiner near you on the FMCSA website.
To receive a hazardous material endorsement, please visit the TSA Hazmat Endorsement page.
The vision and written tests are administered together at the same appointment. There is no need to schedule a separate vision appointment.
You are required to hold a Medical Examiner Certificate (DOT Medical Card) if you operate, and have self-certified as, Non-Exempted Interstate commerce (NI). If you are not sure what your self-certification status is, you can learn more about them here.
Service Oklahoma
P.O. Box 11415
Oklahoma City, OK 73136
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