A CDIP is necessary for the operation of a commercial vehicle while under the instruction of a licensed CDL operator. To apply for a Commercial Driver License (CDL) or a Commercial Driver Instruction Permit (CDIP), the applicant must be at least 18 years of age. To haul hazardous materials or to drive interstate, the operator must be at least 21 years of age.

Applicants must certify on the Application for Commercial Driver License (form R229a) that they meet the minimum physical requirements necessary to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely. They must also carry a valid Medical Examiners Certificate (form B328), dated within two years, stating that they meet the federally mandated minimum physical requirements necessary to operate such a motor vehicle.

Acceptable Medicals:

• Examination to Determine Physical Condition of Driver (DMV Form R-323).  The form can be downloaded and printed, available at a DMV Branch Office, or by contacting the DMV Phone Center to have one mailed to you.  
  
• Federal Department of Transportation medical form which is available through the Motor Transport Association of Connecticut. To obtain a form please contact them directly at 860-520-4455.

New:

To obtain a CDL permit (CDIP) for the first time the applicant must complete the Application for Commercial Driver License (form R229a) and present their CT operator license, medical certificate as noted above, and successfully pass the General Knowledge test and any endorsement tests that may be needed. The fee for the CDIP is $10 and is valid for six months. Please see Obtaining a CDL for more information. 

PLEASE NOTE:  Not all DMV offices offer knowledge testing.  Click here to find an office near you. See Walk-In Testing Hours.

Renewals:

A CDIP can be renewed only one time for 6 months during the two-year period. The two year period starts on the date the original CDIP is issued. The fee for renewal is $10.

Duplicates (replacement):

A replacement CDIP may be issued if it is lost, stolen or destroyed. The fee charged for a replacement is $10, the same as the fee for a new issue CDIP. See Acceptable Forms of Payment at DMV office locations. The operator must present their valid CT license to obtain the replacment.

School Bus Operators: