Ohio CDL Requirements: Everything you need to know

You want to get a Commercial Driver’s License in Ohio, and now you might wonder what you need to prepare for its application? Understanding Ohio CDL requirements is crucial before starting your journey towards becoming a commercial driver, and thus the Ohio Department of Public Safety sets specific requirements that all aspiring commercial drivers must meet. Whether you are seeking a career change or upgrading your existing license, our comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about Ohio CDL requirements.

Scroll down and see what you need to prepare!

What are Ohio CDL requirements?

Like in other states, you need to meet all the Ohio CDL requirements to obtain a CDL for your legal driving career. Since driving a commercial vehicle is a demanding task, getting a license for it requires multiple qualifications, ranging from age standard, and residency proof to medical insurance and several tests needed passing.

Now keep reading and check it out!

Age

First and foremost, you need to be at least 18 years old to drive intrastate, and 21 to drive interstate to meet the Ohio CDL requirements in terms of age. This is to ensure you are both physically and legally able to operate and hold responsibility for your actions.

Discover the differences between Interstate and Intrastate driving!

Proof of residency

You also need to prove that you are currently a US or Ohio resident by showing several related proofs. Regarding this, you can provide your personal identification or birth certificate which includes your Social Security number.

Proof of residency is necessary due to several reasons such as your compliance with the Federal or State laws, prevention from duplicate licenses, jurisdiction responsibility, and also your accessibility to local services and support while operating your vehicle.

ohio cdl requirements
Ohio CDL requirements

Medical certification

One of the most important Ohio CDL requirements that you need to meet is medical qualifications. Driving a commercial vehicle is not an easy task since a lot of knowledge, skills, as well as driving experiences is needed. Therefore, physical readiness is of extreme importance to ensure you can safely complete your duty.

Specifically, you need to pass the Department of Transportation physical (commonly called DOT physical) to get a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC). This examination includes two main parts. First part is a medical history questionnaire in which the examiner will investigate your previous health conditions. Next, he will conduct a comprehensive physical examination to ensure you are now in your wellness to operate a commercial vehicle. This will include:

Vision requirements

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)’s visual requirements, CDL applicant must have

  • At least 20/40 each eye is of visual accuracy without eyeglasses.
  • At least 20/40 in both eyes even with or without glasses of distant binocular acuity.
  • At least 70 degrees in the horizontal vision of each eye (regarding field of vision)
  • Being able to recognize colors of traffic signals and devices (red, green, and amber)

Hearing requirements

To meet Ohio CDL requirements, the applicants must detect a forced whispered voice in their better ear at least five feet away (with or without hearing aid). If tested using an audiometric device, applicants do not have an average learning loss in their better ear of more than 40 dB at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz (with or without hearing aid).

Blood pressure

For CDL applicants undergoing a DOT physical, blood pressure requirements are set to ensure that drivers are healthy enough to operate commercial vehicles safely. Specifically, here is the breakdown of the blood pressure requirements

  • Normal Blood Pressure: your blood pressure is considered to be at normal level if it is below 140/90 mmHg, and applicants with blood pressure in this range can receive certification for up to two years.
  • Stage 1 Hypertension: Hypertension means your blood pressure is between 140/90 mmHg and 159/99 mmHg. At this level, drivers can be certified for one year.
  • Stage 2 Hypertension: Hypertension in stage 2 is between 160/100 mmHg and 179/109 mmHg. Drivers may receive a temporary three-month certification to allow them time to lower their blood pressure through lifestyle changes or medication.
  • Stage 3 Hypertension: Stage 3 hypertension is at or above 180/110 mmHg which is considered severe hypertension. At this level, drivers can not be certified until their blood pressure is brought down and controlled (usually below 140/90 mmHg).

Vision, hearing, and blood pressure tests are three main Ohio CDL requirements regarding medical examination. It is worth noting that you might be required to take other physical tests by the examiner depending on your previous health problems. Therefore, make sure your physical health is ready to receive the Medical Examiner’s Certificate.

Entry-level Driver Training

From 2022, the FMCSA has started a training program called Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) in which CDL applicants will be trained and equipped with necessary training to safely operate commercial vehicles.

Specifically, the ELDT will be required when CDL applicants:

  • Get class A or class B CDL for the first time
  • Upgrading class B to class A CDL. Continue reading on class B to class A CDL requirements!
  • First time getting school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement.

CDL knowledge and skills test

You also need to pass the exams to get a CDL which is designed to test your knowledge as well as your ability in operating a commercial vehicle. In order to pass these tests, it is crucial to thoroughly understand its question types and its format as well.

Let’s see what is waiting for you!

Knowledge test

The CDL Knowledge Test is a written test that is made to test your general knowledge about vehicle operation, driving safety, and other related topics. Specifically, the knowledge test includes:

  • General knowledge test: This test has 50 multiple-choice questions about general knowledge of vehicle and driving work. In order to pass, you need at least 40 out of 50 correct answers.
  • Air Brakes (if applicable): you might be required to complete the Air Brakes test if your vehicle has been equipped with an air brake system. You need at least 20 out of 25 correct answers to pass this.
  • Combination Vehicle (if applicable): Similar to the Air Brakes sections, this test will be demanded if you intend to operate a combination vehicle. Specifically, your knowledge in this type of vehicle will be thoroughly examined. 16 out of 20 questions are needed to be correctly answered to pass.

In addition, you might also need to take several endorsement tests such as: H endorsement (Hazardous Material), N endorsement (Tank Vehicle), P endorsement (Passenger), S endorsement (School bus), T endorsement (Double/Triple Trailer Endorsement) if your commercial vehicle requires them to be legally operated.

Seems challenging? Ace your full Ohio Knowledge Test here!

All done? A Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) will be issued for you once you pass the Knowledge Test. This permit allows you to take the final step to get your Commercial Driver’s License in Ohio – the skills test!

Skills test

One more step to acquire your CDL in Ohio! The skills test is a practical test in which your ability to use your commercial vehicle properly will be tested. Generally, skills test includes:

  • Pre-trip inspection: In this test, you are asked to perform your understanding of the vehicle’s features including safety ones and key parts of them.
  • Basic vehicle control: Your skills of backing, parking and others will be examined in this part. In addition, your ability to tackle in several situations is also tested to ensure you have enough experience to use your vehicle.
  • On-road driving: This final part is designed to test your ability to navigate your vehicle in specific situations. You are required to perform your great skills in driving when encountering intersections, curves, or lane changes, and so on. Remember to conform to the traffic laws and be aware of other drivers when operating your vehicle.

Well done! You met all Ohio CDL requirements! Now it is time to get your official Commercial Driver’s License in Ohio to start your driving career!

FAQs

1. What is required to get a CDL license in Ohio?

To get a CDL license in Ohio, you must meet several requirements: Age requirements, proof of residency, medical examiner’s certificate, Entry-level driver training, knowledge test and Skills Test. Meeting all of these requirements ensures you can legally drive your commercial vehicles.

2. Do you need to go to CDL school in Ohio?

You do not need to go to CDL school in Ohio. However, the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required to accomplish when you

  • Obtain class A or class B CDL for the first time
  • Upgrading class B to class A CDL
  • Obtaining school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.

Final thoughts

In short, understanding the state’s Commercial Driver’s License requirement is necessary if you want to get your CDL there, and Ohio is not an exception. Prepare your proof of residency, medical certification as well as passing all the tests required to obtain your CDL in Ohio. Meeting all the Ohio CDL requirements to start your driving career today! Regarding the Knowledge Test, do not forget to practice in our CDL practice test!


Share This Article