Getting your CDL can feel like a complicated process—but it's a necessary one. Commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) come in all shapes and sizes, each with specific safety considerations and skills needed to operate them. CDL endorsements and restrictions determine what you're allowed to drive and under what conditions.
(Just getting started? Check out these posts to learn more about how to get your CDL and how to pay for it!)
Endorsements are special permissions added to your CDL that allow you to
operate specific types of vehicles or haul certain loads. Some endorsements
require ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training), while others just require a
written test at the DMV.
The chart below breaks down the different endorsements, what’s required
to get them, and what they allow you to do:
|
Endorsement Name
|
Code
|
ELDT Required
|
Test Type
|
Available On
|
What It Allows
|
|
Doubles/Triples
|
T
|
No
|
Written
|
CDLs
|
Drive trucks pulling two or three
trailers
|
|
Passenger
|
P
|
Yes (Theory + BTW)
|
Written + Driving
|
CDLs and CLPs
|
Transport passengers (must be paired
with "S" for school buses)
|
|
Tanker
|
N
|
No
|
Written
|
CDLs
|
Haul liquid or gas tank trailers
|
|
HAZMAT
|
H
|
Yes (Theory)
|
Written
|
CDLs
|
Haul hazardous materials
|
|
HAZMAT + Tanker
|
X
|
Yes (Theory)
|
Written
|
CDLs
|
Combination of H and N endorsements
|
|
School Bus
|
S
|
Yes (Theory + BTW)
|
Written + Driving
|
CDLs and CLPs
|
Drive school buses (must be paired
with Passenger endorsement)
|
We offer ELDT theory courses
for the Passenger, HAZMAT,
and School Bus endorsements, plus study guides
for the Doubles/Triples and Tanker
endorsements.
You can find approved behind-the-wheel trainers for Passenger and School Bus
endorsements using the FMCSA Training Provider
Registry.
What Are Restrictions?
Restrictions limit what kinds of vehicles you can operate based on the
vehicle you tested in or other conditions (like medical limitations). The good
news? Most restrictions can be removed by retaking the proper written or
skills test in the appropriate vehicle.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
|
Restriction Code
|
What It Means
|
|
L
|
You didn’t pass the air brakes
test or didn’t take the skills test in a vehicle with full air brakes. You
can’t drive CMVs with full air brake systems.
|
|
Z
|
You tested in a vehicle with an air-over-hydraulic
brake system. You’re not authorized to drive CMVs with full air brakes.
|
|
E
|
You tested in a vehicle with an automatic
transmission. You’re restricted from driving CMVs with a manual
transmission.
|
|
O
|
You tested in a Class A vehicle with
a pintle hook or non-fifth wheel connection. You can’t operate Class A
vehicles with a fifth wheel connection.
|
|
M
|
You have a Class A CDL but
earned your Passenger or School Bus endorsement in a Class B vehicle.
You're restricted to operating Class B and C passenger vehicles or school
buses.
|
|
N
|
You have a Class B CDL but
earned your Passenger or School Bus endorsement in a Class C vehicle.
You're restricted to Class C passenger vehicles or school buses.
|
|
V
|
You have a medical variance
on file with FMCSA (e.g., vision or insulin use). This must be noted on your
CDL and driving record.
|
Why This Matters
The right endorsements can open doors to better routes, higher-paying
jobs, or new specialties. Removing restrictions can help you qualify for more
positions and operate a broader range of vehicles. Whether you're just starting
out or looking to level up, understanding endorsements and restrictions is key
to getting the most from your CDL.
Final Note
Always
check with your state DMV or licensing authority—requirements may vary slightly
by location.
Check back in to Tuesday's Blog to learn about getting your Class A CDL!
