A Step-By-Step Guide To Getting A CDL In Oregon

Are you dreaming of a career in Oregon trucking career? Learning how to get a CDL in Oregon is the first step toward your dream. The process involves several steps from satisfying requirements, getting a permit, training, and passing tests. Our post today will lay out all the requirements and provide a step-by-step guide on getting an Oregon CDL, leading you through the whole process without confusion. Whether you are a new beginner or looking to extend your qualifications, this guide has got you covered! Scroll down for more! 

What are the Oregon CDL requirements?

Before applying for a CDL in Oregon, you must satisfy some key requirements, ensuring CDL holders are well-qualified and safe on the road. Here is what you need to prepare:

  • Age requirements: 
    • Be at least 18 years old to drive commercial vehicles within Oregon (intrastate)
    • Be at least 21 years old for interstate driving or transporting hazardous materials
  • Oregon driver’s license: You must already possess or be eligible for at least a non-commercial Class C Oregon driver’s license.
  • Proof of identity and residency: Provide proof of your complete legal name, date of birth, lawful U.S. status, and Oregon residential address.
  • Social Security Number (SSN): Provide your valid SSN 
  • Driving experience: Document at least one year of experience driving a non-commercial Class C vehicle.
  • Medical requirements:
    • Pass a  Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam.
    • Present a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate from a certified medical examiner listed in the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
    • Provide a state medical waiver or federal exemption if applicable
  • Commercial Learner’s Permit: Obtain a CLP and hold it at least 14 days before making an appointment for your CDL skills test
  • Skills test: Pass three sections of the skills test
  • Endorsements: Obtain additional requirements for adding endorsements
  • Driving record: Have a clean driving record. Suspensions or other disqualifications in any state may impact your eligibility.
  • Fees: Pay the required fees, which cover testing and license issuance.
  • License surrender: During the process, you will be required to surrender any out-of-state driver’s license, permit, or Oregon ID Card.
How to get a CDL in Oregon
How to get a CDL in Oregon?

Check the detailed requirements in our post on Oregon CDL requirements for comprehensive preparation.

How to get a CDL in Oregon

After understanding the requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to obtain your CDL in Oregon:

Step 1. Submit application

Submit application
Submit application

Start your application process by visiting your local Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles – DMV office. Have the documentation listed above ready to accelerate the process. Also, make sure that you are within the required age and medical needs before applying. 

Step 2. Choose CDL Class and driving type

Choose CDL Class and driving type
Choose CDL Class and driving type

Decide the class of CDL that fits your career goals:

  • Class A CDL: Allow to drive combination vehicles with a total weight of more than 26,001 lbs and towing trailers over 10,000 lbs.
  • Class B CDL: Allow to operate a single vehicle weighing over 26,001 lbs towing a trailer less than 10,000 lbs.
  • Class C CDL: Allow to haul vehicles designed to carry 16+ passengers including the driver or transport hazmat materials. 

You also have to certify your driving type based on the type of commerce you will engage in:

  • Non-excepted interstate: For drives who meet federal medical requirements and drive across state lines.
  • Excepted interstate: For some exceptions, such as government vehicles or school buses, farm equipment crossing state lines.
  • Non-excepted intrastate: For drives who operate commercial vehicles in Oregon only and meet certain state requirements. 

Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles recommends getting certified for non-excepted interstate to keep the most options open for commercial driving. 

Step 3. Pass CDL written tests to obtain CLP

To apply for a CLP, you have to pass one or more written tests at the DMV. The testing varies concerning the class of CDL and endorsements you apply for. The primary testing includes:

General knowledge 

Required for all CDL applicants, this test covers basic areas related to road safety, vehicle operation, and inspection:

  • Safe driving practices: Rules for handling a commercial vehicle.
  • Vehicle inspection: How to inspect your vehicle to make sure it is safe to operate.
  • Cargo management: How to load and secure cargo to prevent accidents.
  • Basic regulations: Weight limits, traffic rules, and driver responsibilities. 

 You have to complete 50 multiple-choice questions and score at least 80% to pass this test.

Take the Oregon CDL general knowledge practice tests now

Endorsements

Taken for special qualifications to operate specific commercial vehicles, each endorsement test assesses your knowledge in different areas with a different number of questions:

Endorsement test Objectives  Total questions Passing score
Hazardous Materials Needed to haul hazardous materials. Covers federal regulations, how to handle the material and emergency procedures.  30 24
Passenger Transport Required for vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers. Covers safe handling of passengers and bus-specific rules. 20 16
Doubles/Triples  Needed for pulling double or triple trailers, including coupling/uncoupling procedures and handling. 20 16
School Bus Required to operate a school bus. Emphasizes student safety, operation of the bus, and emergency evacuation. 20 16
Tank Vehicle Used for carrying liquids or gases in bulk. Covers surge effects, loading/unloading, and safety of the vehicle. 20 16

Combination vehicles

Required for Class A CDL applicants, this test covers:

  • Safety of operation including combination vehicles such as tractor-trailers.
  • Coupling and uncoupling trailers.
  • How to avoid rollovers and jackknifing.

There are 20 multiple-choice questions on this test, requiring you to score at least 80% to pass. 

Take the Oregon CDL combination vehicles practice tests

Air brake system

Mantory for driving a vehicle equipped with air brakes, this test assesses your knowledge in the following areas:

  • How air brakes work.
  • Air brake problem identification.
  • Safe operation and emergency procedures involving air brakes.

This test includes 25 multiple-choice questions with an 80% passing score required.

Take the Oregon CDL air brake practice tests

After passing all necessary tests, you will be issued a CLP, allowing you to practice driving a commercial vehicle under the supervision of a CDL holder. 

Note: 

  • CDL written tests are in English only, translators are not allowed.
  • You have to possess the CLP for at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test.
  • The CLP is valid for six months, so you have to complete your process within this time to avoid retaking the written tests. 

Step 4. Enroll in Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Enroll in Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Enroll in Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Starting from February 7, 2022, Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) will be required for the following applicants:

  • First-time Class A or B CDL applicants.
  • Drivers upgrading license from Class B to Class A.
  • Drivers seeking endorsement for passenger, school bus, or hazardous materials.

If you belong to any categories above, to get a CDL in Oregon, you must enroll in an ELDT program with the following parts:

  • Theory training: In-class training about regulations, vehicle operations, and safety protocol.
  • Behind-the-wheel training: Practical driving experience under the supervision of an instructor.

This ELDT program must be completed by an approved provider in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.

Step 5. Pass the CDL skills test

 Pass the CDL skills test
Pass the CDL skills test

Once the training and necessary practice are complete, book an appointment for the CDL skills test. This test covers three major elements, specifically:

Pre-trip inspection

In this section, you will be required to:

  • Identify and describe the function of different parts of the vehicle, such as brakes, tires, lights, and mirrors.
  • Describe possible defects in those parts that could affect safety.
  • Demonstrate that you can check fluid levels, tire pressure, and other important things.

Examiners will assess your capacity to recognize safety risks and provide an explanation for these inspections.

Take Oregon CDL pre-trip inspection practice tests

Basic vehicle control

You will be asked to demonstrate your skill to maneuver the car in confined spaces in a controlled environment, such as:

  • Straight-line backing: Avoid crossing boundary lines by driving the car in reverse down a straight line.
  • Offset backing: Backing into a lane or space that is offset to the side of the starting position.
  • Alley docking: Turn the car around and park it at a 90-degree angle in a specified dock or area.

On-road driving test

You will show off your driving skills on the public road, proving that you can:

  • Merge and change lanes safely: Apply correct signaling, checking of blind spots, and keep safe distances.
  • Intersection: Make turns, stop at traffic lights, and observe right-of-way.
  • Highway driving: Keep appropriate speed, merge safely, and follow the flow of traffic.
  • Curves and hills: Apply the correct use of gears and braking techniques when driving uphill or downhill.
  • Obey traffic laws: Obey the speed limit, signs, and road markings at all times during the test.

Step 6. Get your Oregon CDL

Get your Oregon CDL
Get your Oregon CDL

Return the DMV with your test passage papers along with the required fees and any extra documents. After your records have been processed at the DMV, you will obtain a CDL that qualifies you for a commercial vehicle in Oregon. Now you are ready to get into your professional driving career. 

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to get a CDL in Oregon?

In Oregon, getting a CDL normally takes $4,000 to $10,000, including training, testing, license fees, and other associated costs. The exact amount depends on your chosen training school, types of CDL Classes, and endorsements. 

To know a detailed breakdown of the cost to get an Oregon CDL, you can check our post on How much it costs to get a CDL in Oregon.

2. Do you have to go to school to get a CDL in Oregon?

Yes, most applicants must attend a CDL training school. According to FMCSA, every first-time applicant for Class A or Class B CDL or a particular endorsement such as hazardous material or passenger transport is required to go through an Entry-Level Driver Training program. However, you will not be required to attend the training if you qualify for specific exemptions such as specific farm or military vehicle operators.

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

The average time to obtain a CDL in Oregon is about 4 to 8 weeks. This covers the time needed to prepare documentation, finish mandatory training, and prepare and pass written and skills tests. Depending on your schedule and the program you choose the length can vary.

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

Final thoughts

Now you know how to get a CDL in Oregon! The whole process can seem complex, but following our detailed guide will set you up for success. With the proper preparation and dedication, achieving your dream of becoming a truck driver in Oregon is not far away. A rewarding career with multiple opportunities is waiting ahead, take the first step today! Good luck on your journey! 


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