Obtaining a CDL Permit and License
Any person who is at least 21 years of age and has not had a driver's license or right to operate taken away by the Registrar may apply for an interstate transport (all states) CDL permit at any RMV full service office. Any person who is at least 18 years of age and has not had a driver's license or right to operate taken away by the Registrar may apply for an intrastate transport (Massachusetts only) CDL permit at any RMV full service office.
Documentation Requirements
If you do not have an existing license at the time of the test and you are 18 years of age or older:
You must present the following:
SSN Card or valid, current U.S. or non-U.S. Passport
Document proving date of birth
Document proving signature
Document proving Massachusetts residency
Note: One of the documents, other than a SSN card or passport, must be a Primary document.
A valid Social Security Number that verifies with the Social Security Administration or an acceptable written denial notice from the Social Security Administration.
Note: The Social Security Administration does not include any Visa information on written denial notices, therefore, if you do not have a valid Social Security Number, you will have to provide evidence of an acceptable Visa code in addition to the written denial notice from the Social Security Administration.
All documents must be originals. Photocopies will not be accepted. You must also clear a check through the National Driver Register and pay the required fees.
D.O.T. Medical Certificate
Drivers of commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs., transporting 15 or more passengers or carrying placarded hazardous materials, regardless of vehicle size, must carry a valid D.O.T. approved medical certificate. The only exception from this certification is state or municipal employees using a state or municipal vehicle. Contact the D.O.T. for information on this medical certificate.
To Obtain your CDL Permit
Complete the permit application. This form is available at any RMV service office. You may also download it from the Forms and Files section on our web site.
You must present the application, the required identification documentation, and the $30.00 written test fee plus the fee for any endorsements, in person, to any RMV full service office to take the written test. The test is given on an automated testing system on a walk-in basis during posted branch hours. The CDL written test is available up to two (2) hours before closing.
The general knowledge written test consists of fifty (50) questions. You must answer forty (40) questions correctly to pass.
At the time of your written test, you must also pass an eye screening for field vision and basic colors.
If you fail the written permit exam and you do not currently have a Massachusetts license in another class, you must present the required sources of identification documentation the next time you apply for a permit. Please refer to the list of identification requirements to ensure that you bring the necessary documents with you.
Operation of a Vehicle with a CDL Permit
You may only operate a vehicle for the same class permit that you hold. You must be accompanied by a licensed operator who holds a valid license with the correct class and endorsements for the vehicle you are operating. Your permit MUST be with you while you are operating the vehicle.
Renewing a CDL Permit
Permits Expire two (2) years from the date of issue. If you need a new permit, you'll need to present the required sources of identification, take and pass the written test and pay the $30 fee.
Obtaining a CDL License
You may apply for a CDL interstate transport (all states) license if you are 21 years old. You may only apply for a CDL intrastate transport (Massachusetts only) license if you are 18 years old.
Fees
The fee for the CDL general knowledge written test is $30.00. The fee for each CDL endorsement test you take at the same time as the general knowledge test is $10.00.
If you take a CDL endorsement test after the CDL permit or license has been issued, the fee will be $30.00. Each additional endorsement test you take during this same transaction will be an additional $10.00.
Scheduling a Road Test
Once you have passed the written permit test, you must call the RMV Telephone Center to schedule your road test. All road tests must be scheduled by the phone center. You may NOT make a road test appointment in person.
A road test is always required when applying for a CDL license with any selected endorsement. If you already have a Class D license and are applying for a Class C license, a road test is required only if you selected passenger and/or air brakes endorsements.
Vehicle Requirements for Road Tests
For all road tests, you are required to supply a properly equipped, legally registered and insured vehicle that has a valid inspection sticker. It also must be of the proper type and manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating for the class license you are applying for. It must be acceptable and be able to pass a safety check by the examiner.
If the vehicle is rented, you must provide the rental agreement and written permission on the rental company's letterhead authorizing use of the vehicle for a road test.
Sponsor Requirements
To take the road test, you must bring a sponsor who has a valid CDL license with the proper endorsements for the vehicle class you are using. Your sponsor must also have a current D.O.T. Medical Certificate.
To Obtain your CDL License
Bring the following to the road test: a completed application for your license, your valid CDL permit, your current driver's license (if applicable), a valid D.O.T. medical certificate or medical waiver, your sponsor, and a properly equipped vehicle with proof of insurance coverage.
Successfully complete the road test before the expiration date on your permit.
Bring the stamped, signed permit and the appropriate fees to any RMV full service office to get your license.
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
