Getting a CDL in Louisiana is the first step toward a rewarding career in the Louisiana trucking industry. Understanding the Louisiana CDL requirements is crucial to ensure a smooth process. In general, you must meet specific requirements related to age limit, documentation, record, training, and testing to ensure you are fit to drive. This post will explain all requirements in detail, and some important notes to ensure your successful process. Scroll down for more information!
What are Louisiana CDL requirements?
Obtaining a CDL in Louisiana requires certain eligibility criteria from age, documentation, medical fitness, and record to permit, training, and testing, ensuring you are qualified for this license, suc. Detailed breakdown of CDL requirements in Louisiana is as follows:
Age requirements
The age limit to obtain a Louisiana CDL depends on the different types of driving:
- Intrastate driving: You must be at least 18 years old to drive a commercial vehicle within the state lines.
- Interstate driving or special endorsement: You must be at least 21 years old to drive across state lines or drive any commercial vehicle hauling hazardous materials.
Required Documentation

To apply for a Louisiana CDL, you must bring original or certified documents showing your identity, legal presence, residency, and more. Here is what you need to prepare:
- Proof of identity and legal presence: You can provide any of the following documents:
- U.S. birth certificate.
- Valid U.S. passport.
- Permanent resident card (Green Card).
- Employment authorization document.
- Proof of Louisiana residency: You will need to prove that you are residing in Louisiana by providing one of the following accepted documents:
- A lease or rental agreement with your name and address.
- Utility bills such as electricity, water, or gas with your name and address.
- A Louisiana vote registration card.
- Property tax receipt indicating your ownership of property in Louisiana.
- Insurance documents such as home, and automobile with your Louisiana address.
- Social Security card: You will have to present your Social Security card or some other official document that denotes your Social Security number.
- A valid driver’s license.
Driving type certifying
You must certify your type of driving from the following four categories:
- Non-excepted interstate: Drive across state lines for commercial activities.
- Non-excepted intrastate: Drive within state lines for commercial purposes.
- Excepted interstate: Drive across state lines for exempt activities such as government, or emergency.
- Excepted intrastate: Drive within state lines for exempt activities.
Medical requirements

If choosing non-excepted driving, you must undergo a medical examination with a qualified Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) medical provider, and provide a Medical Examination Certificate – MEC. Medical fitness requirements include but are not limited to the following:
- Vision screening:
- No worse than 20/40 vision in each eye with or without correction.
- At least 70-degree peripheral vision in both eyes.
- Hearing: Be able to hear a whisper from 5 feet away with or without aid.
- Blood pressure: Be within acceptable range.
- Diabetes: Be under control.
- No impairing conditions to safe driving such as seizures, sleep apnea, or severe cardiovascular disease.
Driving record and background check
Your driving record and background will be checked for safety and eligibility for a CDL in Louisiana:
- Driving record: You will be checked for violations leading to CDL disqualification such as DUIs, excessive traffic violations, or crossing violations.
- Background checks: You will be checked for drug-alcohol offenses or felonies involving commercial vehicles. If applying for a hazmat endorsement, you are required to undergo a background check from the Transportation Security Administration – TSA.
For more information about what you should avoid to keep a driving record and background clean, refer to our post on Louisiana CDL disqualifications.
Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

A CLP is required to get permission to practice driving commercial vehicles under supervision. You must pass one or more CDL written knowledge tests to obtain a CLP. These include:
- General knowledge test: Mandatory for all applicants, covering the aspects of vehicle operation, safety regulations, and road rules.
- Endorsement-specific tests: Extra tests for each endorsement.
- Air brake test: Required for operating vehicles with an air brake system.
- Combination vehicle test: Necessary for applicants of Class A CDL.
Practicing in advance is crucial to ensure your chance of passing and your CLP.
Take Louisiana CDL practice tests now!
Note: You have to obtain your CLP for at least 14 days before you can schedule your CDL skills test. This permit is valid for 180 days, so make sure you schedule your skills test within this period.
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) program

According to the new rule of FMCSA, you have to enroll in an ELDT program by an approved provider if you:
- Apply for a Class A or B CDL for the first time.
- Upgrade a Class B to Class A CDL.
- Obtain a hazardous materials endorsement.
You must pass the two components of ELDT training:
- Theoretical training.
- Behind-the-wheel training.
CDL skills test

The final requirement for Louisiana CDL is passing the CDL skills test, which consists of three parts:
- Pre-trip inspection: Check the vehicle before operating to ensure it is safe.
- Basic control skills test: Control vehicle in various driving situations such as backing, parking, and tight space maneuvering.
- On-the-road driving test: Operate a commercial vehicle on public roadways.
FAQs
1. Do you have to go to school for CDL in Louisiana?
Yes, you must attend a CDL training program if you fall under the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements of the FMCSA. This typically applies to:
- Those applying for their first Class A/B CDL.
- Those changing their CDL Class from Class B to Class A.
- Those adding a hazardous materials endorsement to their license.
2. How old do you have to be to get a CDL in Louisiana?
For intrastate driving, you must be at least 18 years old. However, the age limits rise to 21 years old if you want to drive interstate or haul hazardous materials.
3. Can you get a CDL with a DUI in Louisiana?
The answer depends on your driving history:
- First-time DUI: You are eligible for CDL after a period of disqualification.
- Multiple DUIs: These could result in lifetime CDL disqualification.
Each situation is considered under Louisiana state and federal law.
Final thoughts
Meeting the Louisiana CDL requirements is crucial to pursuing a career in commercial driving. By understanding federal and state requirements, from age, documentation, and medical, records, to training and testing, you can be well-prepared and set yourself up for success. Make sure to keep updated with changes in regulations and keep your credentials current for a smooth journey on the road. Good luck!