Are you ready for a gripping career as a commercial driver in Oklahoma? Are you wondering, "How to get a CDL in Oklahoma?" You are in the right spot! Getting a CDL opens an entire world of possibilities in transportation, from truck and bus driving to the operation of more specialized vehicles. Below is an all-in-one guide through the steps and requirements necessary for obtaining a CDL in Oklahoma. We will shed light on how you can begin this journey of becoming a commercial driver.
What are the requirements for CDL in Oklahoma?
Before you apply for an Oklahoma CDL, you must meet the following requirements, according to the Oklahoma Commercial Driving CDL:- You must be at least 18 years old to drive within Oklahoma; for interstate driving, you must be 21 years old.
- You will be asked to prove your identity, your Oklahoma residency, and your legal presence in the U.S.
- You must have a Department of Transportation medical examination and provide a medical certificate.
- A clean driving record is preferred since some violations will disqualify you from obtaining a CDL.
- You are able to read and speak English.
- You have to pass the vision test.
- You have to successfully finish the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT).
- You have to obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) at least 14 days before taking the skills tests.
How to get a CDL in Oklahoma?
Obtaining a commercial driver's license in Oklahoma is made up of both written and practical testing.Take the CDL written knowledge test
You will start by passing a written knowledge test that will determine your understanding of the rules of the road in commercial driving and safety.General knowledge test
The General knowledge test is required for getting a CDL in Oklahoma and basically covers the basics of commercial driving. Topics covered are:- Vehicle inspection: Preoperational checks of the vehicle before one begins driving.
- Driving safety: Techniques of defensive driving, hazard perception, and how to manage emergencies.
- Transporting cargo: Proper loading of cargo, securing, and unloading.
- Air brakes: If applicable, understand how air brake systems work.
- Environmental conditions: Adjusting driving according to various weather and/or road conditions.
Endorsement test (if applicable)
Tests for endorsements are not mandatory but are a must in case you intend to drive particular vehicles or carry specific goods. Such tests allow you to extend your CDL to include other qualifications. Types of endorsements are:- Hazardous materials (H endorsement): Covers safe handling and regulations for the transportation of dangerous materials.
- Passenger vehicles (P): Covers passenger protection and knowledge of the operation of the vehicle.
- Tanker vehicles (N): Tests the driver's knowledge of how the movement of liquids affects the control of the vehicle.
- Double/Triple trailers (T): For those drivers who want to pull two or three trailers at once, special handling and safety are included in this endorsement.
- School bus (S): Covers the regulations and safety issues relevant to driving a school bus.
- Tank & Hazardous Materials (X): Allowing you to transport hazardous liquids or gases in bulk.
| Endorsement test | Total questions | Passing score |
| Hazardous Materials | 30 | 24 |
| Passenger Transport | 20 | 16 |
| Doubles/Triples | 20 | 16 |
| School Bus | 20 | 16 |
| Tank Vehicle | 20 | 16 |
Air brakes test (if applicable)
The air brakes test is required for those driver applicants desiring to operate a vehicle equipped with air brakes and remove the "L" restriction from their CDL. It ensures that the driver knows how the air braking system works and how to use it properly on the road. To pass the test, you are required to answered correctly 20 out of 25 multiple choice questions (80%) and prepare carefully about:- Components: The parts of the air brake system, including the compressor, tanks, valves, and slack adjustors.
- System operation: How air brakes function and respond under operation.
- Emergency braking: Operating procedures for controlled braking, handling brake failure.
- Stopping distances: How to calculate safe following and stopping distances with air brakes.
Combination vehicles test (if applicable)
This is the test you need to take if you wish to drive vehicles that contain more than one unit, such as tractor-trailers. It aims to test drivers that they should know how to operate combination vehicles, given that the demands for handling, safety, and control differ from those of single units. Key components you have to focus on are:- The safe coupling and uncoupling of trailers.
- How driving combinations turn, brake, and accelerate.
- Steps in the pre-trip inspection of combination vehicles, including but not limited to checks on the coupling system.
- The prevention especially in the case of sharp turns and hard braking.
- The driver should have basic practical knowledge of operations regarding air brakes on a vehicle with a trailer.
Take the Oklahoma CDL practice test here!
Take the CDL skill test
These written tests will then be followed by a set of skill tests which will prove that you can actually drive safely on the road:Pre-trip inspection
This first section of the CDL skills test will test your ability to check your vehicle for safety and roadworthiness before every trip. Some of the topics covered under this segment include:- Vehicle component check: engine, brakes, tires, lights, signals, steering.
- Leaks, damage, and fluid level checks.
- Ensure safety equipment are on board such as fire extinguishers and reflective triangles.
- Air brake check, if the vehicle is so equipped to ensure that it works
Basic vehicle control
This test measures your ability to control the vehicle in controlled situations, usually in a closed lot or testing facility. Topics covered below:- Backing: Straight-line backing and offset backing (backing into lanes or spaces at an angle).
- Parallel parking: Both sight-side and blind-side parallel parking methods.
- Alley docking: Backing the vehicle into an alley dock position.
On-road driving
The On-road driving test is the last portion of the CDL skills test and will actually put you in the real traffic to operate the vehicle. You are required to:- Make safe, controlled right and left turns.
- Stay centered in your lane and properly change lanes when necessary.
- Approach, stop, and proceed through intersections safely.
- Smooth, effective braking, including emergency stops when necessary.
- Merging, exiting, and maintaining appropriate speeds on highways.
Receive the actual license
Once you have passed the written knowledge and skills tests-pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving, you are clear to get your CDL. Here's how the final steps go:- Submit documentation
- Pay required fees
- License printing
- Endorsement verification
- Driving restrictions (if any)