Navigating Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements can be complex, but understanding the process is crucial for aspiring professional drivers. Whether you are looking to drive trucks, buses, or other commercial vehicles, Pennsylvania has specific guidelines to ensure road safety and driver competency. From age restrictions and medical qualifications to written exams and skills tests, obtaining a CDL involves multiple steps.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential information, helping you prepare for your CDL journey and understand the licensing process in Pennsylvania state.
What are the CDL license requirements in Pennsylvania?
Obtaining a CDL in Pennsylvania ensures drivers meet state and federal standards for operating commercial vehicles. Requirements include meeting age criteria, providing proper documents, acquiring valid medical examiner’s certificate, completing the Entry-level Driver Training, and passing the knowledge and skills test.

Now let’s find out the details below!
Age
The minimum age to apply for a CDL in Pennsylvania depends on the type of driving:
- Intrastate: Drivers operating only within Pennsylvania must be at least 18 years old.
- Interstate or Hazmat: For those crossing state lines or handling hazardous materials, the minimum age is 21.
These age requirements align with federal guidelines to ensure driver safety and responsibility on public roads.
Proof of residency
Applicants are required to provide proof of Pennsylvania residency when applying for a CDL. Acceptable documents includes:
- A utility bill or credit card statement showing your Pennsylvania address.
- A lease or mortgage agreement
- Any government-issued document with your current address
These documents confirm that the applicant is a resident of Pennsylvania, a necessary step for issuing state-specific licenses.
Medical examiner’s certificate
All CDL applicants must present a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate, completed by a certified DOT physician. This certificate verifies that the drive meets the physical and medical standards for operating commercial vehicles. Key medical requirements include:
- Vision: Drivers must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye (with or without corrective lenses) and a field of vision of at least 70 degrees in each eye.
- Hearing: Drivers need the ability to perceive a forced whisper at 5 feet or achieve certain hearing levels in an audiometry test.
- Blood pressure: Blood pressure levels must fall within acceptable ranges, or the driver may need periodic monitoring or treatment.
These standards are based on federal guidelines overseen by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Pennsylvania drivers must carry a paper copy of the medical certificate and provide it to state agencies and employers as needed.
Entry-level Driver Training
As of February 7, 2022, applicants for class A or class B CDL license and specific endorsements (such as Hazmat) must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a certified training provider.
- The ELDT program covers both theory (classroom or online) and practical, behind-the-wheel instruction.
- Applicants cannot proceed to obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) without this training.
The ELDT requirement is part of a federal mandate to standardize training across all states and enhance road safety.
CDL knowledge and skills test
The CDL Knowledge and skill test in Pennsylvania consists of two distinct stages designed to evaluate your understanding of commercial driving regulations and your ability to operate commercial vehicles effectively and safely.
Knowledge test
This written exam assesses your grasp of the rules, safety standards, and operational guidelines essential for CDL drivers. The test covers a range of topics such as vehicle operation and maintenance, traffic laws and safe driving practices,…
General knowledge test
This test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that cover general knowledge about vehicles and driving. Topics include road safety, vehicle operation, laws and maintenance. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 40 out of 50 questions. This is a required test for all CDL applicants and is designed to assess your basic driving knowledge.
Air Brakes (if applicable)
The Air Brakes are necessary if your vehicle is equipped with an air brake system. It evaluates your understanding of air brake components, operation, and safety procedures. You need at least 20 correct answers (out of 25 questions) to pass this section. This test ensures that you know how to safely operate vehicles with air brakes.
Combination Vehicle (if applicable)
The Combination Vehicle test is required for drivers planning to operate combination vehicles (tractor-trailer rigs). This test assesses your knowledge of coupling, uncoupling, and driving a vehicle with a trailer. In order to pass, you must answer at least 16 out of 20 questions correctly.
In addition, you also need to take several endorsements like School bus endorsement (S), Hazardous Materials endorsement (H),… if your vehicle is equipped with it to be legally operated.
Take the Pennsylvania CDL practice test!
Skills test
After you finish the Knowledge test, now you can take the last step to get a CDL – the skill test. This test is designed to thoroughly examine your practical experience in operating commercial vehicles. Specifically, skills test includes:
- Pre-inspection: Drivers identify and explain the functionality of vehicle components to ensure safety.
- Basic vehicle control: Tests maneuvering skills, including backing, turning, and parking in controlled spaces.
- On-road driving: Assesses safe driving abilities in traffic, obeying signs, and handling road scenarios.
Once the skills test is done, you can now receive the CDL and start your journey in a commercial driving career!
FAQs
1. What are the Pennsylvania CDL permit test requirements?
Similar to other states in the US, Pennsylvania CDL permit test requirements include: age standards (18 years old to drive intrastate and 21 years old to drive interstate), proof of identity/residency, a valid medical examiner’s certificate (MEC), complete the Entry-level Driver Training (ELDT), passing the Knowledge test, and fee payment.
2. What is required to get a CDL in Pennsylvania?
To get a CDL in Pennsylvania, you are required to:
- At least 18 years old to drive intrastate, and 21 years old to drive interstate.
- Provide proof of identity/residency.
- Provide the valid medical examiner’s certificate (MEC).
- Complete the ELDT.
- Passing the CDL Knowledge and skills test.
Final thoughts
Securing a CDL in Pennsylvania is a vital step for aspiring commercial drivers. By meeting age, necessary documents, testing, and medical requirements, applicants ensure they are prepared for the responsibilities of operating large vehicles. Staying informed about updated regulations and maintaining compliance helps drivers build successful careers in the transportation industry. Now that you know the Pennsylvania CDL requirements, should anything be confusing, leave questions below for further discussion.