Obtaining a Commercial Driver License
Where to apply for a Commercial Driver License (CDL) Knowledge test:
CDL Knowledge tests are offered at all Full Service DMV Branch Offices, including the Winsted Satellite Office. Effective November 18, 2009, there will be new walk-in testing hours.
Documents required when appearing for CDL Knowledge testing:
- Your Connecticut drivers license and any other driver license issued to you by any other state.
- Your Social Security card (laminated or metal cards are not acceptable) or your most recent W-2 form.
- Physical examination by a physician dated within the last two years, reported on an Examination to Determine Physical Condition of Driver (form R-323), or a U.S. D.O.T. Medical Examiner's Physical Examination Form CO730, which meets D.O.T. requirements in 49 CFR 391.41-391.49.
- You will be required to complete the Application for Commercial Drivers License (form R-229a).
Note: If you are not a citizen of the United States , you will be required to show proof of your legal status in this country. Acceptable forms of identification.
General Knowledge Test:
The general knowledge test consists of 30 questions (you can get no more than six wrong). In order to prepare for the test, the Connecticut Commercial Vehicle Operator's Manual should be studied. The fee for this test is $16.
The skills test fee of $30 must also be paid at this time. See
Acceptable Forms of Payment at DMV office locations. If you fail the test, you must wait until the next business day to retake the test.
Endorsement Tests:
Each endorsement test includes 10 questions. You must get 8 answers correct to pass. The fee for each endorsement test is $5.
Once you pass the general knowledge and endorsement test(s), there is an additional fee of $10 for the issuance of the
Commercial Driver's Instruction Permit (CDIP). If you fail the test, you must wait until the next business day to retake it.
Skills Test (On the road portion of the test):
An applicant
must pass the general knowledge test before a skills test can be scheduled. Skills tests are made by
appointment only through our
DMV Phone Center or at a DMV branch office.
An operator is required to take a skills test if he/she:
- Currently holds a non-commercial license and wishes to obtain a CDL.
- Currently holds a CDL "C" and wishes to obtain a CDL "B" or "A".
- Currently holds CDL "B" and wishes to obtain a CDL "A".
- Currently holds a CDL and wishes to obtain a "P" Endorsement.
- Currently holds a CDL and wishes to remove an "Air Brake Restriction".
Note: A CDL license is not required to operate a fire apparatus vehicle. However, fire departments may request to have their drivers tested and have a Q endorsement placed on the operators license. The Fire Chief must contact the CDL Skills Tests Unit at 860-263-5087 to make arrangements for testing.
Skills Test Requirements:
You must provide the appropriate type of vehicle for the class of license which you are applying for. You will need to bring the following documents when appearing for your skills test:
- Appointment confirmation letter that you received in the mail.
- Validated Goldenrod (Gold Copy) of the Application for Commercial Driver License (form R-229a) which must show the $30 validation for the skills test. Note: If you lose your Goldenrod, you must repay the $30 skills test fee at a DMV office prior to testing.
- Your Connecticut drivers license
- CDIP
You will be evaluated on the following items:
- Pre-trip Inspection
- Static Course
- On the Road Test
Failure of any part of the skills test will result in a failure of the entire skills test. If you fail you will be required to complete a new
Application for Commercial Driver License (form R-229a) and pay $30 to take the test again. There is a minimum
fourteen day waiting period between skills tests.
