CDL MANUAL - Ch1-5, 11-13

Sep 18, 2026

Louisiana Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) study manual content explains licensing requirements for initial issuance and renewals, including application documents, physical examination options, liability insurance proof, Social Security number verification, and cash-only fee rules. It outlines what it takes to obtain a CDL by passing CDL knowledge and skills tests. Section 1 introduces commercial driver license tests, covering knowledge tests by class and endorsement, plus skills test categories such as pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages105

Reading Time4 h 25 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Commercial Driver License Tests

Knowledge Tests

Skills Tests

LOUISIANA COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE MANUAL CDL Study Manual COPYRIGHT AAMVA All Rights Reserved Revised Version 2005 CDL REQUIREMENTS INITIAL ISSUANCE: Valid picture driver’s license Supplemental Application Form (DPSMV 2211)– Enclosure A Current, complete Physical Examination (DPSMV 2219) or it’s equivalent Proof of liability insurance on personally owned vehicle/s Proof of Social Security number Application fee is $15 (cash only) due at the time of application Upon passing required test/s , applicant will be issued a 60 day learner’spermit. Applicant is required to make an appointment with a CDL Third Party Examiner for administration of the skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic controls and road driving) . A list of CDL Third Party Examiner’s is available at any Office of Motor Vehicles location. Upon successful completion of the skills test, the Examiner will issue a Certificate of Successful Completion and place it in a sealed envelope tobe presented to the CDL office for issuance. Tampering with this envelope may result in invalidation of your test. CDL RENEWALS: CDL driver’s license Current, complete Physical Examination (DPSMV 2219) or it’s equivalent Proof of liability insurance on personally owned vehicle/s Testing is required for renewal of Hazardous Materials endorsement. Hazmat testing is only conducted at a full-service CDL issuing office. Fingerprint background check must be within most recent 180 days. Fees (Cash only): Application fee (initial and renewal) $15.00 CDL driver’s license fee - $41.00 ($51 .00 for Orleans parish) Endorsements - $ 5.00 each Parish fee (if applicable) - up to $3.00 Questions: [1-225-925-6146 or www.expresslane.org](1-225-925-6146 or www.expresslane.org) Section 1 INTRODUCTION This Section Covers Commercial Driver License Tests Driver Disqualifications Other Safety Rules There is a federal requirement that each state have minimum standards for the licensing of commercial drivers. This manual provides driver license testing information for drivers who wish to have a commercial driver license (CDL) . This manual does NOT provide information on all the federal and state requirements needed before you can drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) . You may have to contact your state driver licensing authority for additional information. You must have a CDL to operate: Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. A combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, if the trailer(s) has a GVWR of 10,001 or more pounds. A vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) . Any size vehicle which requires hazardous material placards or is carrying material listed asa select agent or toxin in 42 CFR part 73. Federal regulations through the Department of Homeland Security require a background check and fingerprinting for the Hazardous Materials endorsement. Contact your local department of driver licensing for more information. (Your state may have additional definitions of CMVs.) To get a CDL, you must pass knowledge and skills tests. This manual will help you pass the tests. This manual is not a substitute for a truck driver training class or program. Formal training is the most reliable way to learn the many special skills required for safely driving a large commercial vehicle and becoming a professional driver in the trucking industry. Figure 1.1 helps you determine if you need a CDL Do You Need a CDL? NOTE: A bus may be Class A, B, or C depending on whether the GVWR is over 26,001 pounds or is a combination vehicle. Figure 1.1 1.1 – Commercial Driver License Tests 1.1.1 – Knowledge Tests You will have to take one or more knowledge tests, depending on what class of license and what endorsements you need. The CDL knowledge tests include: The general knowledge test, taken by all applicants.

FAQs

What are the key requirements for initial CDL issuance mentioned in the manual?

Initial issuance requires a valid picture driver’s license, specific supplemental and physical examination documents, proof of liability insurance, proof of Social Security number, and a cash-only application fee of $15. After passing required tests, the applicant receives a 60-day learner’s permit.

What knowledge tests are included for applicants, according to Section 1?

Applicants may take general knowledge tests plus additional tests based on license class and endorsements, including passenger transport, air brakes, combination vehicles, hazardous materials, tanker, doubles/triples, and School Bus tests.

What skills test categories are used for CDL testing?

Skills testing includes three general categories: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. The examiner evaluates your ability to perform each task using the vehicle type you want to be licensed for.

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Ava Thompson