Are you confused about how to get a CDL in Ohio? It doesn’t matter if it’s driving trucks, buses, or another type of commercial vehicle as part of your career; the first thing you need is a Commercial Driver’s License. It may seem a little bit complicated, but once guided properly, the process will move along smoothly. Everything you will need to know, from the basic requirements and written tests to the skills exam and final steps to get your license, will be covered in this guide. By the end of this guide, you should be fully prepared to hit the road, beginning your new journey with a CDL in hand. Explore now!
What are the requirements for CDL in Ohio?
According to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, you must meet the following requirements to apply for a CDL in Ohio:
- You must be at least 18 years old to drive in Ohio (intrastate) and at least 21 years old to drive across state lines (interstate) or to transport hazardous materials.
- No loss of hand, finger, arm, foot or leg that impairs the ability to drive
- No insulin-treated diabetes mellitus
- No heart condition
- No respiratory dysfunction
- No high blood pressure
- No rheumatic, arthritic, orthopedic, muscular, neuromuscular, or vascular problem that would affect vehicle control
- No epilepsy or any other condition subject to loss of consciousness
- No mental, nervous, organic, or functional disease or psychiatric disorder likely to interfere with vehicle control
- Valid driver’s license required: You must have a valid non-commercial driver’s license.
- Residency: You will be required to provide documentation of Ohio residency.
- Background check: A few endorsements require a Federal background check.
- Vision exam: 20/40 or better in each eye, not color blind
- Finished successfully the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) – a program approved by the FMCSA.
- Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) to take the skills tests.

Read the full guide on CDL Ohio requirements through our post for the best preparation!
How to get a CDL in Ohio
To obtain a CDL in Ohio, candidates must pass both written and skills tests. Whether it is a Class A, B, or C license that you wish to apply for, the following steps will take you from the beginning through to the end and guarantee that you are ready for the road. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to do:
Take the CDL written knowledge test
The first step in obtaining your CDL in Ohio will be to pass the written knowledge test. There are required and not required tests, up to your wish of CDL.
General knowledge test
This general knowledge test is taken by all CDL applicants and covers the basic topics all CDL drivers should know, regardless of class or endorsements that they desire to seek. It will also cover questions about vehicle safety, driving techniques, road signs, laws, and proper cargo handling. The test generally includes 50 multiple-choice questions; you will be required to correctly get a minimum amount out of 80% of the total number.
Endorsement test (if applicable)
Depending on your future plans, you may also be driving specialized vehicles or hauling particular types of cargo, which call for taking extra endorsement tests. The common endorsements include:
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 |
Each one of these endorsement tests will have its specific focus on rules and safety procedures concerning that type of driving. Studying for these exams involves preparation with materials concerning the endorsement that you seek to obtain.
Air brakes (if applicable)
The air brakes test is required for any class driver who wishes to drive vehicles that use air brakes. Most heavy trucks and buses use air brakes, although not all do. This section will test your knowledge about air brake systems and safety practices. Here is what to expect:
- Air brake components: Know the parts that comprise an air brake system. Among these are the compressor, the reservoirs, the chambers, and the push rods.
- How air brakes work: Learn about the process that occurs when the vehicle’s wheels are stopped using compressed air, the building up of air pressure, and what factors affect the effectiveness of brakes.
- Air brake safety checks: Learn how to conduct a leak check on the air brake system, monitor air pressure gauges, and perform checks on warning signals.
There are generally 25 multiple-choice questions and you are required to answer 80% or more to pass this test.
Combination vehicles (if applicable)
The combination test encompasses special handling and safety knowledge for combination vehicles, commonly known as tractor-trailers. The test is necessary if the applicant intends to achieve a CDL to drive such vehicles. It typically involves 20 multiple-choice questions and the passing score is 80%. Pay attention to the following:
- Vehicle components: To identify the fifth wheel coupling system, kingpin, glad hands, air brake lines between tractor and trailer.
- Combination vehicle driving techniques: Learn how to handle the difference between combination vehicle and single unit when it comes to turning, stopping, and back-ups.
- Coupling and uncoupling: Learn the coupling and uncoupling procedure safely, including checks on fifth wheel and landing gear.
You still can focus on some key concepts to the test below:
- Rollover risk: Greater risk of rollover because of the trailer’s center of gravity.
- Off-tracking: Learn about the trailer’s path off-tracking when turning, and how to adjust your maneuvers accordingly.
- Air line connections: proper procedures for connecting and disconnecting air lines between tractor and trailer for braking.
The Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) will be issued after you complete all of the necessary knowledge tests. Then wait for 14 days to conquer the next step: skills tests.
Take the Ohio CDL practice test here!
Take the CDL skill test
The next real step in obtaining your CDL in Ohio would be the skills test. This is more of a practical exam to check on one’s ability to drive a commercial vehicle safely and effectively. The three parts of the skills test include:
Pre-trip inspection
The pre-trip inspection part of the skills test will involve demonstrating your ability to conduct a proper pre-drive inspection of your vehicle. This will involve an explanation to the examiner regarding what you are looking for and why such items are important for the safe operation of a vehicle. A passed pre-trip inspection is the reflection of your responsibility concerning vehicle maintenance and safety checks.
Basic vehicle control
After the pre-trip inspection, you will go ahead to take the basic vehicle control part of the test. This part shall test your skills in controlling the vehicle in controlled environments such as backing up, parallel parking, and tight turns. You will be required to provide precise controls on the steering, brakes, and acceleration of the vehicle. The examiner will be looking to see if you can handle the vehicle smoothly and in accordance with safety protocols. For building both confidence and a good level of skill, these maneuvers should be practiced until test day.
On-road driving
The final portion of the skills testing is the road test. You will be taking the vehicle onto the road where you show them your capability of driving safely in real traffic conditions, following the traffic lights, merging into and across traffic, changing lanes, and going through intersections. You will be scored on your overall driving capability to include the capability to make reasonable decisions based on traffic conditions and situations. Passing a road driving test indicates that you are competent to exercise the privileges of a commercial driver.
Receive the actual license
Once you have passed both the written knowledge and skills tests, you are clear to get your CDL. Once you’ve completed any remaining paperwork and paid the required fees, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles will issue your Commercial Driver’s License. Your CDL will indicate the class – A, B, or C – and any endorsements you’ve earned, such as for hazardous materials or passenger vehicles. For the most recent CDL in your hand, it finally means you are legally authorized to operate commercial vehicles in and out of Ohio, and this is the last step.
FAQs
1. Can you get a CDL with a DUI in Ohio?
Yes, but restrictions apply. Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs while possessing a CDL results in the suspension of driving privileges in Ohio for at least one year. For a driver carrying hazardous materials at the time, the suspension period goes up to three years.
2. Can you get a CDL with a felony in Ohio?
That would depend on the felony. Certain convictions will make you unable to get a CDL, mostly serious traffic violations, fraud, or drug-related crimes.
3. Can you get a CDL with 2 DUI in Ohio?
No, a second DUI conviction could mean lifetime disqualification from having a CDL in Ohio.
4. How much does it cost to get a CDL in Ohio?
The cost varies, but it typically includes an application fee and the cost of both written tests and skills testing. Be prepared to pay an estimated total of $100-$200, depending on how many endorsements and if any re-tests are required. Explore the detailed breakdown of the Ohio CDL fee at our post here!
5. How long does it take to get a CDL A in Ohio?
It could take from a few weeks up to a few months to undergo the procedure depending on how quickly you take the tests, fulfill the training requirements, and receive your license.
6. Can I get a CDL without going to school in Ohio?
Technically, yes. However, attending a professional CDL training program increases the chances of passing the tests manifold. Starting in February of 2022, new federal Entry-Level Driver Training requirements include a requirement for formal training for any first-time applicants for a CDL.
7. How do I get my CDL for free in Ohio?
Some workforce development programs or employers may offer free CDL training in return for a guarantee of employment after licensure.
8. How to get a class B CDL in Ohio?
Get a DOT physical by a registered physician. Then get a CLP by passing the General Knowledge and Air Brake test at your local Ohio BMV and attend an ELDT-compliant Class B training school.
9. How to get a class A CDL in Ohio?
A Class A CDL allows you to drive combination vehicles such as tractor-trailers. You will need to pass written and skills tests for Class A as well as any endorsement required by the job you will be applying for.
Final thoughts
Understanding how to get a CDL is challenging, but with a comprehensive preparation and focusing on it, you can go through the steps with ease. Be it trucking, driving a bus, or operating other commercial vehicles, getting your CDL opens lots of avenues to a good career path. Make sure to meet the requirements, pass the exams, and keep your license up to date to stay on the road. Good luck on your CDL road!