Ohio commercial drivers license

The Ohio CDL test is designed to prove you are capable of safely driving a commercial vehicle. To do so, you will need to exhibit safe driving habits, such as when driving:. Note that if a common driving situation does not occur during your CDL driving test, your test proctor will ask you to verbally explain how you would handle a given situation.

The Ohio CDL for veterans and active service members allows some military personnel to waive their road tests. In order to get this waiver, one of the following needs to apply:. You cannot get a military CDL waiver if you will be driving a bus or another vehicle that transports 16 more passengers.

In addition, the knowledge test is required, no matter your level of experience. The Ohio CDL physical checks to ensure that you do not have any medical conditions that would negatively impact your ability to drive a commercial vehicle safely.

The three license classes are defined as:. CDL endorsements in Ohio allow you to drive vehicles that require extra testing. The list of endorsements for which you can test includes:. Since the CDL renewal process can only be completed at an in-person appointment, the wait time for appointments may be lengthy.

Note that drivers who know they must retake any knowledge or skills exams must schedule their appointments at the correct facility.

Not all locations offer testing; drivers must call ahead or reference the BMV. The Ohio CDL permit renewal is different from the license renewal. They must hold this permit for at least 14 days before applying for the CDL license or taking the road test. They are restricted to certain driving activities and must stick to public roads. Furthermore, motorists may only drive while accompanied by a CDL holder who is allowed to drive the same class of vehicle.

Motorists in Ohio may renew a CDL permit once after it initially expires. Once the CDL permit expiration date passes, drivers must either renew it or convert it to a CDL by beginning the road skills tests. Drivers who renew their permits must obtain a CDL no more than six months after the renewal date. The Ohio CDL license renewal process may vary depending on whether drivers add or renew endorsements to their credentials. The hazardous material hazmat endorsement allows drivers to operate motor vehicles that are carrying hazardous materials.

All CDL holders must pass certain minimum physical requirements to be eligible for the license. However, in some cases you may be able to obtain a medical waiver. With a waiver, you will be able to obtain a restricted license to drive within the state of Ohio. All waivers are administered and granted by the Ohio Public Utilities Commission. Send a letter of application, a copy of your current physical exam, and a medical evaluation from a board-certified physician to:.

Your request will be processed and you should receive a waiver packet in the mail with applications and complete instructions. Please call PUCO at if you don't receive a packet, or if you have further questions. As a CDL holder, you are subject to stiffer penalties than other drivers if you misuse the license or drive dangerously. Here are some possible violations, and the penalties associated with them:. After a CDL is issued, adding a passenger endorsement, upgrading the license, or removing a restriction require both knowledge and skills tests.

You must pass a vision test. If you have a K restriction, you must obtain a vision waiver from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to drive for a company regulated by the Public Commission Utilities of Ohio. Testing is available to individuals with a hearing exemption waiver from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The waiver must be obtained prior to getting your CLP. A knowledge test is required for each class of vehicle, for each endorsement, and to remove the air brake restriction.

You must provide a vehicle appropriate for the class of license you are applying for, including a bus designed to carry 16 or more persons including the driver if applying for a passenger endorsement. Third-party testing sites may have vehicles available for rent. You must provide any updated information, complete any testing, and provide proof of U. At a state-owned testing facility , a CDL Test Receipt first must be purchased at any deputy registrar license agency in Ohio.

Out-of-state applicants may take the Ohio CDL skills test with an out-of-state CLP as long as the driver presents a current out-of-state driver license and a certificate from an Ohio truck driving school. Ohio Administrative Code: E 1 4. CDL holders who drive across state lines or transport freight that has or will cross state lines and must meet federal medical requirements subject to 49 CFR part