Obtaining a Massachusetts CDL Permit and License
Important Self-Certification Information for all Massachusetts Commercial
Drivers
By January 30, 2014 all CDL drivers are required under Federal regulation to inform the RMV of the type of commerce they plan to operate within (interstate or intrastate) and whether or not they are required to hold a medical certificate. This notification is called self-certification. It is called self-certification because the driver alone needs to determine the self-certification category he/she falls into based on his/her driving information.
Beginning August 15, 2012 customers who wish to obtain, or who currently hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) that is being renewed, upgraded, or transferred from another State, will be required to complete their CDL Self-Certification. The CDL Self-Certification Form and a copy of the medical certificate, if applicable, must be presented at the time of the transaction.
If a driver's medical examiner's certificate is only valid with a vision, diabetes, or skills performance evaluation variance granted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the driver will also need to provide this documentation to the RMV.
CDL drivers that will not be completing a transaction with the RMV between now and January 30, 2014, do not have to visit a RMV branch office at this time. Compliance information for these drivers will be available in early 2013.
The following chart lists the Massachusetts Commercial Driver License classes,
endorsements, and testing requirements. There are a number of endorsements which
require a written exam but not a road test.
Eligibility Requirements for Massachusetts CDL Permit and License
If you are at least 21 years of age and have not had your driver's license or right to operate taken away by the Registrar, you may apply for an interstate (all states) transport CDL permit at any RMV full-service office. If you are at least 18 years of age and have not had your driver's license or right to operate taken away by the Registrar, you may apply for an intrastate (Massachusetts only) transport CDL permit at any RMV full-service office.
Massachusetts Documentation Requirements
If you do not have an existing Massachusetts license at the time of application and you are 18 years of age or older, you must present all of the following:
- Document proving date of birth
- Document proving signature
- Document proving Massachusetts residency
All documents must be originals. Photocopies will not be accepted.
Federal law requires that commercial drivers have a social security number. Your Social Security Number must verify with the Social Security Administration.
Your application will be processed through the National Driver Register and the Commercial Driver License Information System to verify the status of your operating privileges in other jurisdictions.
D.O.T. Medical Certificate
Drivers of commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs. must carry a valid US Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) approved medical certificate. Also, drivers transporting 15 or more passengers or carrying placarded hazardous materials, regardless of vehicle size, are required to carry a D.O.T. medical certificate. The only exception from this certification is state or municipal employees using a state or municipal vehicle. Contact the D.O.T. for information on this medical certificate.
To Obtain Your Massachusetts CDL Permit
Complete the Initial Massachusetts CDL Application. This form is available at
any Massachusetts RMV full service office.
You must present the application, the required identification documentation, and the $30.00 written test fee, and the fee for any endorsements, in person, to any RMV full service office to take the written test. The test is given on an automated testing system on a walk-in basis up to two (2) hours before the branch's closing time.
Commercial Driver's License Manuals are available at RMV Branch offices or on this website. You should study the manual before applying for a CDL permit. If you are applying for a school bus license, you must also study the 2004 Model Commercial Driver's License Section 10 School Bus Manual. This document is also available at branch offices.
At the time of your written test, you must also pass an eye screening for field vision and basic colors.
If you pass the written test, you will receive a 2-year permit. Practice driving your commercial vehicle during this time.
If you fail the written test and you do not currently have a Massachusetts license in another class, you must present the required sources of identification documentation and take the required tests again the next time you apply for a permit. Please refer to the list of identification requirements to ensure that you bring the necessary documents with you.
Massachusetts CDL Fees
The fee for the Massachusetts CDL general knowledge written test is $30.00. The
fee for each Massachusetts CDL endorsement test you take at the same time as the
general knowledge test is $10.00.
If you take a Massachusetts CDL endorsement test after the Massachusetts CDL permit
or license has been issued, the fee will be $30.00. Each additional endorsement
test you take during this same transaction will be an additional $10.00.
The fee for a road test is $35.00.
Operation of a Vehicle with a Massachusetts CDL Permit
You may only operate a vehicle for the same class permit that you hold. You must be accompanied by a licensed operator who holds a valid license with the correct class and endorsements for the vehicle you are operating. Your permit MUST be with you while you are operating the vehicle.
Expired Massachusetts CDL Permit
Permits expire two (2) years from the date of issue. If your permit expires and
you want to get a new permit, you need to present the required sources of identification,
take and pass the written tests, and pay the $30 written test fee plus the fee
for any endorsements. Applying for a Massachusetts Commercial Driver's License
A road test is usually required when applying for a Massachusetts Commercial License.
If you already have a Class D license and are applying for a Class C license,
a road test is required only if you are also applying for passenger, school bus,
and/or air brakes endorsements.
Once you have passed the written permit test, you should practice driving in a
Commercial vehicle. When you are ready to take a road test, you must call the
Massachusetts RMV Telephone Center to schedule your road test. All road tests
must be scheduled by the Telephone Center. You may NOT make a road test appointment
in person. Requirements for Road Test
Bring the following to the road test:
- a completed Initial Massachusetts CDL Application for your license
- your valid Massachusetts CDL permit
- your current driver's license (if applicable)
- a valid D.O.T medical certificate or medical waiver
- a qualified sponsor
- a properly equipped vehicle with proof of insurance coverage
- vehicle registration
For all road tests, you are required to supply a properly equipped, legally registered and insured vehicle that has a valid inspection sticker. It also must be of the proper type and manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating for the class license you are applying for, and it must pass a safety check by the examiner.
If the vehicle is rented, you must provide the rental agreement and written permission on the rental company's letterhead authorizing use of the vehicle for a road test.
To take the road test, you must bring a sponsor who has a valid Commercial driver's license with the proper endorsements for the vehicle class you are using. Your sponsor must also have a current D.O.T. Medical Certificate.
Taking the Massachusetts Road Test
The following describes the types of skills that will be tested during a CDL road test.
Massachusetts Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection
During the pre-trip vehicle inspection, you will be asked to do a vehicle inspection and point out to the examiner what you would inspect on the vehicle and why.
Massachusetts CDL Basic Vehicle Control Test
During the basic vehicle control part of the road test, the examiner will test the your ability to control the vehicle. You will be required to navigate the commercial vehicle between cones or barriers and demonstrate control of the vehicle.
Massachusetts On-Road CDL Test
During the on-road test portion of the road exam, you will be tested on your skill to drive the commercial vehicle in a variety of traffic situations.
- Passed Road Test - The road test examiner will stamp and sign your permit indicating you passed the road test and return it to you.
- Failed Road Test - The road test examiner will stamp your permit to indicate the parts of the road test that were failed and return it to you.
Obtaining a Massachusetts Commercial Driver's License
Pass the road test before the expiration date on your permit.
To receive your Massachusetts Commercial Driver's License, you must bring the
stamped, signed permit and the appropriate fees to any Massachusetts RMV full
service office.
Upgrading to a Massachusetts Commercial Driver's License
Class D to Class C
To upgrade from a Class D license to a Class C license, you need to take and pass the general knowledge written test. You should also obtain at least one of the following endorsements, in addition to any other endorsements requested:
- The P Endorsement
- The H Endorsement
You are not required to take a road test for the Class C driver's license. However, if the requested endorsement requires a road test, you must take the road test for that endorsement before obtaining the Class C driver's license. There is not a benefit to obtaining a Class C driver's license without an endorsement because there are no specific commercial motor vehicles that require a Class C license on its own. You will be issued your Commercial License after passing the required written test and paying all applicable fees.
Class D to a Class A or B - Upgrading from a Class D license to a Class A requires
the general knowledge written test, combination vehicle endorsement written test,
and written tests for any other endorsement you select. You will also be required
to take a road test in a Class A vehicle. See Applying for a Massachusetts Commercial
Driver's License section for information about road tests. You will be issued
your Commercial License after passing the road test and paying all applicable
fees.
Upgrading from a Class D license to a Class B requires the general knowledge written
test and written tests for any other endorsements you select. You will also be
required to take a road test in a Class B vehicle. See Applying for a Commercial
Driver's License section for information about road tests. You will be issued
your Massachusetts Commercial License after passing the road test and paying all
applicable fees.
Adding Endorsement(s) to a Massachusetts Commercial License
Refer to the CDL Class chart at the beginning of this section to determine what type of test you need to take for a specific endorsement.
A written test is required for all endorsements. A written test and a road test are required for Airbrake, Passenger, and School Bus endorsements.
Obtaining or Renewing a Hazardous Materials Endorsement
There are two requirements you must meet before obtaining or renewing a Hazardous Materials Endorsement.
- Apply for and successfully pass the Transportation Security Administration's Security Background Check. This is now required for all Hazardous Materials Endorsement applicants. It could take approximately 60 days or more to receive the results.
Call 1-877-429-7746 or go to https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/ to begin the process.
- ake and pass the Hazardous Materials Endorsement exam. You can do this at the same time you obtain or renew your Commercial Driver's License.
Note: You can still obtain or renew a Commercial Driver's License without the Hazardous Materials Endorsement if you do not meet the criteria listed above.
Converting an Out-of-State Commercial Driver's License
When converting an out-of-state CDL, the written and road tests may be waived
if the CMV operator is currently licensed at the time of his/her application,
and the following criteria are met:
- An applicant must certify that, during the two-year period immediately prior
to applying for a Massachusetts CDL he/she:
- Has not had more than one license;
- Has not had any license suspended, revoked, or canceled;
- Has not had any convictions for any type of motor vehicle for the disqualifying
offenses contained in 49 CFR 383.51(b);
- Has not had more than one conviction for any type of motor vehicle for
serious traffic violations; and
- Has not had any conviction for a violation of State or local law relating
to motor vehicle traffic control (other than a parking violation) arising
in connection with any traffic accident, and has no record of an accident
in which he/she was at fault; and
- An applicant must provide evidence and certify that:
- He/she is regularly employed in a job requiring operation of a CMV;
and
- He/she has operated, for at least 2 years immediately preceding application
for a CDL, a vehicle representative of the commercial motor vehicle the
driver
The following documentation must be provided for waiver consideration:
- Current out-of-state Commercial Driver's License
- A copy of a driving record from a previous state of licensure, indicating that the customer has the minimum requirement of two years of experience from the date of issuance of the Commercial Driver's License
- Verification of employment on company letterhead, which must contain dates of employment and class of vehicle operated
If the above requirements are met, the customer can obtain a Massachusetts Commercial Driver's License without taking the general knowledge exam or a road test. If the customer cannot meet the above requirements, the out-of-state Commercial Driver's License can be converted to a Massachusetts Class D driver's license. The out-of-state license must be surrendered at this time. The customer may then apply for a Massachusetts Commercial Learner's Permit. Customers must pass the written and road tests in order to obtain the Commercial Driver's License.
The conversion process is the same for all commercial motor vehicle classes (Class A, Class B, and Class C). However, note that some states issue non-commercial Class A, B, and/or C driver's licenses that do not qualify as Commercial Driver's Licenses under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's definition. These can only be converted into a Massachusetts Class D driver's license.
Expired Commercial Driver's Licenses cannot be converted. However, an out-of-state Commercial Driver's License that has been expired for less than four years can be converted to a Massachusetts Class D driver's license.
Transferring Endorsements
When a customer applies for a Massachusetts Commercial Driver's License out-of-state
conversion, he/she may also choose to transfer the endorsements on the previous
Commercial Driver's License. However, due to federal requirements, a H Endorsement
is not transferable. To receive a H Endorsement on a Massachusetts Commercial
Driver's License, the customer must reapply for the endorsement.
Massachusetts CDL Written Knowledge Tests
You will need to pass the
Massachusetts Knowledge Tests that are required for
the class of license, restriction, and endorsements you wish to possess. A general
knowledge test for the Class A or Class B and C license must be successfully completed
by all CDL applicants. The information needed to pass these tests is contained
in the
FREE Massachusetts CDL Handbook. Please read and study this
manual carefully.
- Class A - 70 Questions (50 GK + 20 Combination Vehicles) - Skills test required.
- Class B - 50 Questions - Skills test required.
- Class C - 50 Questions - Skills test required for bus, school bus and air
brakes vehicles..
- Passenger Endorsement - 20 questions - Skills test required in bus.
- School Bus Endorsement - 25 questions - Skills test required in school bus.
- Doubles/Triples Endorsement - 20 questions - No additional skills tests.
- Tank Vehicle Endorsement - 20 questions - No additional skills tests.
- Hazardous Materials Endorsement - 30 questions - No additional skills tests.
- Air Brake Restriction Removal - 25 questions - Additional skills test in vehicle with Air Brakes.
If you need help . . .
determining what Class of CDL you need based upon the type
of vehicle you will drive (A, B or C) or are not sure which CDL
Endorsements you need based upon the type of loads you will carry; use the
free CDL Selector Tool . . .
Massachusetts
Go to CDL Selector Tool
Not sure which MA CDL Tests you need to pass? Use this tool to determine what Class of CDL and which CDL Endorsements you require.
Classes of Massachusetts CDL and Required Tests
CDL Class |
Tests Required |
Possible Endorsements and Required Tests |
Class A
(Combination vehicle endorsement required) |
General Knowledge Written Exam
Combination Endorsement Written Exam
Road Exam |
|
Class B |
General Knowledge Written Exam
Road Exam |
|
Class C |
General Knowledge Written Exam
Road Exam
Note: If upgrading to a Class C from a Class D, no road test is required UNLESS the endorsement requires one. |
|
Massachusetts CDL Endorsements
Exam |
Time Allowed (Minutes) |
# of Questions on Exam |
# of Correct Answers Needed to Pass |
General Knowledge |
60 |
50 |
40 |
Air Brakes |
25 |
25 |
20 |
HazMat |
30 |
30 |
24 |
Tank |
20 |
20 |
16 |
Passenger |
20 |
20 |
16 |
Doubles/Triples |
20 |
20 |
16 |
Combination Vehicles |
20 |
20 |
16 |
School Bus |
20 |
20 |
16 |
In addition to the Massachusetts CDL (commercial driver's license) information found in our website covering the Massachusetts CDL and in the free Massachusetts CDL Handbook (which is quite boring and a bit confusing - and doesn't have a single multiple-choice question in it that is asked on the actual tests), the complete online
prep program will prepare you to easily pass your
Massachusetts CDL written exams to get your Massachusetts CDL permit. The skills test modules are invaluable to give you a head start before doing your
work, possibly saving you a lot of money. The Massachusetts CDL test prep program includes the following features . . .