A Complete Guide On Getting A CDL In Louisiana

Obtaining a CDL in Louisiana is your ticket to unlocking a rewarding career path within the commercial driving industry. This is done by satisfying eligibility requirements and taking the necessary steps. To help you navigate your process, we provide a comprehensive guide on how to get a CDL in Louisiana, breaking down everything you need to know and need to do. With this post, you will be fully prepared to kick-start your journey as a professional driver. Keep reading for more! 

What are the requirements​ for Louisiana CDL?

Before hitting the road as a licensed commercial driver in Louisiana, you must meet certain requirements that ascertain your safety and competence. Here is what you will need to qualify:

  • Age requirements: 
    • Must be at least 18 years of age to drive commercial vehicles only within Louisiana.
    • Must be at least 21 years old to drive across state lines or handle hazardous materials.
  • Valid driver’s license: Obtain a valid non-commercial driver’s license Class A, B, C, D, or E.
  • Proof of identity and Louisiana residency: Provide documentation proving your full name, lawful permanent in the U.S., and Louisiana residency.
  • Social Security Number (SSN): Provide a valid SSN to meet application requirements.
  • Driving record: Maintain a clean driving record without disqualifications. 
  • Medical requirements:
    • Undergo and pass a physical examination by the Department of Transportation DOT.
    • Provide a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate by a qualified medical professional listed in the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
  • Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): Obtain CLP and retain it at least 14 days before the skills test for CDL.
  • ELDT program: Obtain the required training for Entry-Level Driver Training at an approved training school. 
  • CDL skills test: Pass the three parts of the CDL skills test.
  • Endorsement (if applicable): Fulfill other requirements for endorsements.
  • Application fees: Pay the required fees according to federal and state regulations.
Requirements​ for Louisiana CDL
Requirements​ for Louisiana CDL

For more comprehensive requirements, explore our post on Louisiana CDL requirements.

How to get a CDL in Louisiana​

Whether you intend to drive locally across the state, follow the following steps to get your Louisiana CDL:

Step 1. Visit the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles 

Visit the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Visit the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles

First, log on to your nearest Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). Ensure that you are qualified for this process and bring with you identification and documents that may be required to avoid inconveniences. You will be required to pay the application fee for the paperwork process. 

Step 2. Certify your CDL class and driving type

Certify your CDL class and driving type
Certify your CDL class and driving type

You have to Identify the class of CDL that fits your professional goals (Class A, B, or C). Moreover, you must certify your type of driving from 4 categories below:

  • Non-excepted interstate: For commercial driving across state lines, meeting state requirements.
  • Non-excepted intrastate: For operating within Louisiana, meeting state requirements.
  • Excepted interstate: For operating a commercial vehicle across state lines under specific exemptions.
  • Excepted intrastate: For driving within the state boundaries under certain exemptions.

Opting for non-excepted interstate is recommended for maximum driving opportunities. For non-excepted driving, you must pass a DOT physical examination to obtain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC). 

Step 3. Pass the CDL written tests

The next step is to take a series of written tests to obtain your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). These tests are designed to check your understanding of CDL regulations, safe driving practices, and vehicle operations. Exams will differ depending on the class of your CDL and any endorsements.

Here are the major tests you can be required to:

General knowledge 

This test is required for all applicants for CDL, assessing your knowledge of the following:

  • Safe driving practices for commercial vehicles.
  • Vehicle inspection to ensure roadworthiness.
  • Cargo safety procedures for loading and securing cargo.
  • Traffic laws, weight limits, and driver responsibilities.

There are 50 multiple-choice questions on this test, and you need at least 80% to pass.

Take Louisiana CDL general knowledge practice tests

Air brakes

If your vehicle is equipped with air brakes, this test is mandatory. The test will cover the operation of the brake system, including the identification of faults and emergency procedures. You must answer 20 out of 25 questions correctly to pass this test. 

Take Louisiana CDL air brake practice tests

Combination vehicles

This is a specialized test for Class A CDL, covering the operation of tractor-trailers, coupling/uncoupling procedures, and the prevention of rollovers. To pass this test, you must answer 16 out of 20 questions correctly. 

Take Louisiana CDL combination vehicles practice tests

Specific-endorsements

With endorsements, you are allowed to operate special vehicles or transport special cargo. Some common endorsement exams include:

Endorsement test Objectives  Total Questions Passing score
Hazardous Materials Cover safety procedures, federal regulations, and emergency procedures for transporting hazardous materials.  30 24
Passenger Transport Cover safety regulations for transporting passengers including rules of the road regarding passenger transport in a bus. 20 16
Doubles/Triples  Test your knowledge of coupling/uncoupling and maneuvering double/triple trailers. 20 16
School Bus Cover safety regulations for transporting students and emergency evacuation procedures from a school bus. 20 16
Tank Vehicle Cover topics on handling of liquid and surge effects on a tank truck. 20 16

Once you pass all required tests, you will be issued a CLP that is valid for six months. You are also required to hold the CLP for at least 14 days before proceeding to the skills test.

Step 4. Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Starting from February 2022, all the applicants belonging to the following categories have to complete an ELDT program:

  • New CDL applicants for Class A or B CDL.
  • Applicants want to upgrade their license to Class A.
  • Applicants for hazmat endorsement.

You must enroll in and pass a CDL training course from an approved provider which should cover:

  • Theory training: In-classroom training, covering regulation, vehicle safety, and operational techniques.
  • Behind-the-wheel training: On-the-job practical work behind the wheel with a qualified FMCSA-certified instructor.

Step 5. Pass the CDL skills test

Pass the CDL skills test
Pass the CDL skills test

This is the final step in getting your license. The skills test measures your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle in three main parts:

Pre-trip inspection

You will be required to follow directions by pointing out and explaining the function of required components, including:

  • Brakes, tires, lights, and mirrors
  • Fluids levels and tire pressure
  • Any defects present that are safety hazards

Examiners will check your ability to recognize and explain inspection procedures for safety in vehicles.

Take Louisiana CDL pre-trip inspection practice test

Basic vehicle control

This test will evaluate your ability to maintain control of the vehicle while driving under normal conditions. This includes:

  • Straight-line backing: Back the vehicle in a straight line without crossing either boundary.
  • Offset backing: Back into an open area offset to one side of the starting position.

On-the-road driving

Drive under normal driving conditions and demonstrate the following skills, including:

  • Safe lane changes and merging techniques.
  • Intersections passed with proper observations of rights-of-way.
  • Highway driving: maintaining speed and following the flow of traffic.
  • Drive uphill and downhill with proper braking and gear changing.

Step 6. Obtain your Louisiana CDL

Obtain your Louisiana CDL
Obtain your Louisiana CDL

When you have completed your skills test, take those results along with any remaining documents to the Louisiana OMV for processing. Once completed, you will be officially eligible for a career in commercial driving. 

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to get your CDL in Louisiana?

The cost of a CDL in Louisiana can be around $4,000 to $8,000, depending on which type of training program you attend, the class of CDL you are seeking, and any additional endorsements. You can seek programs paying for your CDL training to reduce upfront costs.

For a more detailed cost breakdown, you can check our post on How much a CDL in Louisiana costs. 

2. Can I get a CDL without going to school in Louisiana?

For the most part, the answer is no. According to the FMCSA, an applicant must complete an ELDT program from a training provider listed on the Training Provider Registry if:

  • You apply for a Class A or B CDL for the first time.
  • You want to upgrade your Class B CDL to Class A CDL.
  • You apply for a special endorsement.

With already earned experience, or if you are exempt from the requirements for ELDT, such as being a military driver under the Military Skills Test Waiver Program, you may not have to attend a  CDL school. 

3. How long does it take to get a CDL in Louisiana?

You typically get your Louisiana CDL within a period of 4 to 10 weeks. The exact duration depends on which training you attend, how quickly you try to finish the ELDT requirements, and your readiness to schedule the written and practical tests.

Refer to our post on How long it takes to get a CDL in Louisiana for a more detailed time estimation. 

Final thoughts

Now you know how to get a CDL in Louisiana. Getting a Louisiana CDL is the first crucial step toward a stable and lucrative career in the trucking industry. By understanding federal and state requirements, and following our step-by-step guide, you can confidently navigate your CDL process. So, why wait? Get started today and take control of your road to success! 


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