Commercial Driver Licensing
Nevada CDL Requirements Made Simple. Find certified medical examiners, download essential forms, and understand the rules of the road. Everything you need to manage your commercial license in one place.
Getting Started with Your CDL
Follow these simplified steps to obtain your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Nevada. The process typically takes several weeks.
Meet Requirements
Check eligibility & get
medical clearance
Get Your CLP
Study & pass knowledge
test
Training & Practice
Complete ELDT & wait
14 days
Pass Skills Test
Complete 3-part driving
exam
Receive CDL
Get your license &
start driving!
Meet Requirements & Get Medical Clearance
- Must have a valid Class C driver’s license
- Must be at least 18 years old (21 for interstate commerce)
- Get a medical exam if required from a provider in the National Registry . See Medical Exams page for details.
Study & Obtain Your Commercial Learner Permit (CLP)
- Download and study the CDL Driver Handbook
- Visit a DMV office with required documents
- Complete self-certification to determine your driving type (interstate/intrastate)
- Pass the CDL general knowledge test
- Pass the CDL air brake test if the vehicle will be equipped with air brakes
- Pass endorsement tests if needed (tank, passenger, hazmat, etc.)
- Pay fees and receive your CLP
Complete Training & Practice Driving
- Complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a school in the Federal Provider Registry
- Training includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel practice. See CDL Training Schools
- Wait 14 days minimum after receiving your CLP before taking the skills test
- Practice with a qualified CDL holder during the waiting period
Prior to selecting a school to attend in Nevada from the Training Provider Registry, please verify the school is listed in the Business License Verification. If the school is not on the list, then your ELDT results may not be accepted by the DMV since the school does not have a DMV business license.
Pass the Skills Test
- Vehicle Inspection: Demonstrate you can inspect your vehicle safely
- Basic Controls: Show you can control the vehicle in tight spaces
- Road Test: Drive safely in various traffic situations
- See Third Party Testing section for testing locations
Receive Your CDL
- Once you pass, you’ll submit your final paperwork at the DMV, pay the licensing fee , and receive your temporary CDL. Your hard card will arrive in the mail within about 10 business days.
Important:
- A CLP is required if this is your first CDL, if you're making a change that requires a skills test, or if your CDL has been invalid for more than four years
- Some steps may not apply to everyone - requirements vary based on the type of commercial driving you’ll do
How to Get Your CDL
Commercial Learner Permits
Get your Nevada Commercial Learner Permit and start your path to a CDL.
Apply for a CLP
CDL Offices and Fees
Find CDL office locations and check applicable fees before your visit.
View CDL Offices & Fees
CDL Medical Exam & Downgrades
Complete your CDL medical exam to maintain your driving privileges or learn how to downgrade your CDL.
View More Information
Hazardous Materials Endorsements
Add a Hazmat endorsement to your CDL and meet federal safety requirements
Apply for Hazmat Endorsement
CDL Self Certification and License Classes
Certify your CDL status and explore available license classes to stay compliant
Self-Certify CDL
CDL Transfers, Renewals and Upgrades
Renew, upgrade or transfer your CDL quickly and hassle-free.
Renew, Upgrade or Transfer CDL
CDL Training Schools
Step 1: Access the TPR Website
Visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Training Provider Registry
tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov
Step 2: Select Training Type and Location
Enter your City, State, or ZIP Code and select the type of training you need.
Step 3 : Search by School Name or Location
Click Search to view approved CDL training schools and contact your preferred provider. Cross-check your selected school and make sure they are licensed to train in Nevada. Visit Nevada School for Training Drivers
Who is required to complete Entry-Level Driver Training?
- First-time applicants for a Class A or Class B CDL
- Class B CDL holders seeking to upgrade to a Class A CDL
- First-time applicants for a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H)
CDL Training Programs: Please be advised that colleges with accredited CDL Training programs are not required to be licensed with OBL and will not appear on the list of licensed schools for training providers.
Handbooks, Forms and Schools
| Number | Title | Preview & Download |
|---|---|---|
| DMV 702 |
Commercial Driver License Handbook |
English |
|
CDL Class and Restriction O Flowcharts |
English | |
| CDL 051 |
Commercial Driver License Information |
English |
| CDL 002 |
Application for Commercial Driving Privileges |
|
| MCSA-5876 |
Medical Examiner's Certificate |
English |
| MCSA-5875 |
Medical Examination Report - 9 pages |
English |
| CDL 004 |
CDL Certification for Waiver of Skills Tests For active-duty military members, National Guard, reserves or qualified veterans only. |
English |
| CDL 042 |
Commercial Medical Waiver Application and Medical Evaluation |
English |
| CDL 005 |
Notification of Conviction For active-duty military members, National Guard, reserves or qualified veterans only. |
English |
| Number | Title | Preview & Download |
|---|---|---|
| CDL 062 |
Third-Party Government Entity Testing Another Government Entity Application and Acknowledgement Nevada government CDL third-party certifiers may test employees from other state agencies, provided they follow DMV-set limitations. |
English |
| CDL 040 |
Third Party Certification General Information Requirements for private firms to become a third party CDL certifier. |
English |
| CDL 025 |
Third Party Company or School Application To apply for or renew a firm’s status as third party CDL certifier. |
English |
| CDL 049 |
Third Party Company & School Business License Bond |
English |
| CDL 026 |
Third Party Company or School Agreement Conditions third party CDL certifiers must adhere to |
English |
| CDL 048 |
Third Party Company or School Vehicle Inspection To certify the safety of vehicles. |
English |
| CDL 052 |
CSTIMS User Agreement Conditions for entering and accessing test results. |
English |
| CDL 053 |
CSTIMS Privacy Policy National guidelines |
English |
| CDL 024 |
CDL Third Party Change Notice To change address, drop certification or delete a certifier. |
English |
| CDL 038 |
CDL Third Party Company and School Renewal Application To renew authorization. |
English |
| Number | Title | Preview & Download |
|---|---|---|
| CDL 028 |
Third Party Certifier Application To apply for or renew a driving school’s status as a third party CDL certifier. |
English |
| CDL 050 |
Third Party Certifier Agreement Conditions third party driving schools must adhere to. |
English |
| CDL 052 |
CSTIMS User Agreement Conditions for entering and accessing test results. |
English |
| CDL 053 |
CSTIMS Privacy Policy CSTIMS Privacy Policy |
English |
Traffic Violations & Disqualifications
Traffic Violations
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Part 383.31 requires all commercial drivers to notify their home state and employer of any traffic convictions received in another state. Please complete and return the Notification of Conviction (CDL 005) form to the DMV within 30 days following conviction.
Hazmat Disqualification
The federal Transportation Security Administration requires drivers who hold a Hazardous Materials Endorsement to surrender the endorsement if they commit a disqualifying offense (49 CFR 1572.5).
Disqualifying offenses include:
- Espionage or conspiracy to commit espionage
- Terrorism or conspiracy to commit terrorism
- Immigration violations
- Unlawful possession, use, sale, or distribution of explosives
- Murder
View complete list of Hazmat Disqualifying Offenses
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Nevada treats your license as two parts: Commercial (CDL) and Non-Commercial (NCDL). When a driver's NCDL is revoked or suspended, the CDL is also affected.
Legal References
Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
As of November 2024, drivers in a "prohibited" status in FMCSA's Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse will lose their state-issued commercial driving privileges.
www.fmcsa.dot.gov
Truckers Against Trafficking
You have the opportunity to be an everyday hero on the front lines. Truckers are the eyes and ears of our nation’s highways. Join the fight against human trafficking.
1-888-373-7888