A Commercial Driver’s License opens many doors, from long-haul trucking to driving a school bus, from combination to double/triple vehicles, and so on. Based in New Jersey and want to know how to get a CDL in New Jersey? We outline the basic requirements, processes involved, and tips that may be helpful in this post. Be it a class A, B, or C CDL; we have got you covered. Let’s uncover the interesting things with us right now!
What are the requirements for CDL in New Jersey?
Before jumping into the process, you need to understand whether you qualify for a CDL in New Jersey. According to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, here it is in a nutshell:
- You must be at least 18 years of age for intrastate driving and 21 for interstate driving.
- You must possess a valid New Jersey driver’s license.
- You must meet medical and physical qualifications for the DOT Medical Examination.
- Proof of United States citizenship or legal New Jersey residency is required.
- A clean driving record is a must, as serious driving infractions will disqualify you.
- You must obtain a CLP by passing a written exam at least 14 days before the CDL skills tests.
- Passing the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) – an FMCSA approved program.
- You are able to read and speak English.
- Your vision is 20/40 or better in each eye, not color blind.
How to get a CDL in New Jersey?
The process of obtaining a CDL in New Jersey is multistep, where it starts with an application, followed by written and practical examinations.
Take the CDL written knowledge test
Before getting a CDL, you will be obligated to take several written tests. This will cover one or more tests based on the CDL class and endorsement you wish to do.
General knowledge test
The CDL general knowledge tests consist of 50 multiple-choice questions and it requires an accuracy of 80% or more. It has to be noted that every examiner has to do this part. General knowledge test content includes:
- Operation of your vehicle
- Pre-trip inspection
- Controlling your vehicle
- Following and visibility
- Space to stop
- Seeing & being seen
- Operating in different conditions
- Emergencies
A sample question is as follows:
Endorsement test (if applicable)
Depending on what kind of commercial vehicle you are going to drive you might need an additional endorsement, for example, hazardous materials, passenger transport, and school bus operation…Each of endorsement test has a different number of questions and its accuracy rate, as you can see in the table below:
| 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)
This test applies to applicants for a CDL who operate a vehicle that is equipped with an air brake system. The primary goal of the test is to obtain a sense of your knowledge and skills needed to operate air brakes in a commercial vehicle. Key areas that are commonly discussed in relation to this exam include:
- Components of the air brake system: You should know what components make up the air brake system, such as compressors, tanks, valves, and air lines.
- How the system works: The process by which air pressure is applied to have effective braking.
- Pre-trip Inspection procedures: Pre-trip procedures for checking the safety and functionality of the air brake system.
- Emergency and parking brakes: Working the mechanisms, what the mechanisms do.
- Identifying warning signals: How to recognize dashboard indicators and audible air-brake warnings.
Combination vehicle test (if applicable)
This test will check your knowledge and skills for safely operating combination vehicles, such as tractors and trailers. You are expected to do about 20 multiple choice questions and required 80% correctly. Preparing for a combination-vehicle test is required for getting a Class A CDL since large combination vehicles are legally and safely driven with a valid Class A CDL. Take a look at some key topics below:
- Coupling and uncoupling: The steps to take in order to properly attach and detach the trailer from the tractor safely.
- Weight management: How to operate a vehicle with proper weight distribution and load securement.
- Turning and maneuvering: How to take turns and navigate through tight spaces safely.
- Brake systems: Operating and maintaining air brake systems on combination vehicles.
After passing all the knowledge tests needed, you will be issued a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and wait for 14 days later to take the skills tests.
Take the New Jersey CDL practice test here!
Take the CDL skills tests
When you have passed the written knowledge test, you will be able to make an appointment for your skills test. There are three main parts to the skills test:
- Pre-trip inspection: You will be required to demonstrate a pre-trip inspection to ensure that the vehicle is safe to operate. These systems include but are not limited to brakes, tires, lights, and engine components.
- Basic vehicle control: This part of the test is to help determine that you are able to control your vehicle in a limited space by performing activities such as backing, parking, and turning.
- On-road driving: You will drive on public roads where an examiner will check your capability to drive in various traffic conditions, adhering to all the provisions of traffic laws and maintaining control of the vehicle.
Receive the actual license
If you have passed both the written knowledge and skills tests, you are practically at the finishing line! It is now time for you to obtain your CDL. Immediately after your skills test, the testing center will give you your score and inform you of whether you have passed or not. Then, they will notify the MVC. What happens next is:
- Submit required documents
- Pay the licensing fee
- Receive the temporary CDL
- Issued an actual CDL within 7-10 business days
- Start your career
Well, there you have it, folks! You may now hit the road and start your new career with your license in hand.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to get a CDL in New Jersey?
It depends upon how ready and quickly you can schedule. Most applicants complete the process within 1 to 3 months, including training and testing. Explore the details on our post here!
2. How to get a CDL permit in New Jersey?
To get an New Jersey CDL permit, you will be required to pass the CDL written knowledge test, and you will be required to provide proof of identity and residency and a valid medical certificate. This permit allows you to practice driving under supervision for a period of 6 months.
3. How to get a class B CDL in New Jersey?
This class of CDL allows driving single vehicles with a weight of more than 26,000 pounds and would require one to undertake and pass the knowledge test and the skills test for that particular vehicle type. There are training programs which one may consider to prepare themselves for this class.
4. How to get a CDL in New Jersey for free?
There are a few ways to get a free CDL in New Jersey: through government-sponsored programs, via local workforce development agencies, or through employer-sponsored training. Other trucking companies will pay for a driver’s CDL training provided there is an agreement to drive with their fleet after licensure.
5. How hard is it to get a CDL in New Jersey?
How difficult it will be to get your CDL will depend on how well you are prepared for it. Although many applicants do not find the written knowledge test to be much of a challenge, they tend to dread the skills test, especially the road-driving exercise. With proper training, it should be a breeze, nonetheless.
6. How much does it cost to get CDL in New Jersey?
The cost of acquiring a CDL in New Jersey varies but generally includes permit fees, testing fees, and possible training costs. The basic permit fee is around $125, while third-party training programs could range from $1,000 to $8,000 depending on the class and endorsements.
7. How to get a class A CDL in New Jersey?
A Class A CDL is intended for a combination of vehicles where the gross vehicle weight rating is over 26,001 pounds such as tractor-trailers. To get this, you must pass the written and skills tests. Training courses for a Class A license are recommended to help prepare you.
8. How to get a CDL with passenger endorsement in New Jersey?
To obtain a passenger endorsement (P) to drive buses and similar vehicles, you will be required to take one additional written test and to demonstrate during your skills test that you can drive these vehicles belonging to P endorsement.
9. How to get a class C CDL in New Jersey?
Class C CDLs are for drivers of vehicles transporting hazardous materials or carrying 16 or more passengers. In addition to the general CDL tests, you’ll need to take tests specific to your endorsement Hazel, Passenger, etc.
10. How to get a CDL trucker license in New Jersey?
A CDL trucker license normally refers to a Class A or Class B CDL. You will have to pass the written and skills tests for the class of vehicle that you plan to drive for a trucker license.
11. What are the CDL disqualifications in New Jersey?
One of the following would be some of the offenses considered for CDL disqualification in New Jersey:
- Major offenses such as DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, using a vehicle to commit a felony, vehicular manslaughter, and operating a commercial vehicle with a BAC of 0.04% or higher.
- Serious traffic violations: Speeding 15 mph over the limit, reckless driving, erratic lane changes, following too closely, driving a commercial vehicle without the proper license and traffic violations which result in fatal accidents.
- Out-of-service violations: Failing to obey out-of-service orders for safety or hazardous materials
- Drug and alcohol violations: Refusal to take a chemical test, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Read the full guides on what disqualifies from getting CLD in New Jersey in our post.
12. Can you get a CDL with 2 DUI in New Jersey?
No, under New Jersey law, if you have two convictions for DUI, you face lifetime disqualification from holding a CDL.
13. Can I get a CDL with a DUI in New Jersey?
Yes. For the first DUI, a driver typically faces a one-year period of disqualification (three years if the vehicle was transporting hazardous materials). When the period of disqualification has passed and other requirements set forth have been met, then you can reapply for your CDL.
14. Can you get a CDL with 2 DWI in New Jersey?
No, anyone convicted twice of DWI in New Jersey will be disqualified for life from having a CDL. A first DWI caused a disqualification of one year, which is equal to the penalty caused by a DUI, extending to three years in the case when hazardous materials form a part of the cargo list. A second offense, on the other hand, causes lifetime disqualification.
15. Can you get a CDL with a felony in New Jersey?
It depends. In New Jersey, there are certain felonies that would result in lifetime disqualification to hold a CDL: the use of a commercial vehicle such as in drug trafficking, human trafficking, or using a CMV to commit a violent crime. Depending on your situation, if the felony was not committed in a commercial vehicle, you may be allowed to apply for a CDL after serving the time and rehabilitation required for the felony.
Final Thought
Learning how to get a CDL in New Jersey is quite a structured process, which surely requires great preparation and dedication. The steps included in the guide will take you through the process with confidence to start your career as a commercial driver. Whether it’s driving tractor-trailers, buses, or specialized vehicles, your rewarding career in commercial driving awaits. Just take the wheel and go!
