If you wish to operate a large commercial vehicle in Louisiana, you will need a special type of license. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Louisiana is available in three different types, depending on the specifics of the vehicle you operate. You must also pass some additional knowledge and skill tests to obtain one of these licenses.
Keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about the different types of commercial driver’s licenses available in Louisiana.
Louisiana Commercial Driver’s License
In Louisiana, the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) issues and manages commercial driver’s licenses.
There are three types of CDL available in the state, which are the following:
- Class A CDL: Required to operate a vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,000 pounds and towing a trailer of more than 10,000 pounds
- Class B CDL: Required to operate a single vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,000 pounds
- Class C CDL: Required to operate a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or carrying hazardous materials
The Louisiana commercial driver’s license manual includes a flowchart that helps you determine the type of license you will need.
CDL Endorsements
In addition to a basic CDL, Louisiana also has other endorsements that may be added to the license.
Those endorsements include:
- School buses
- Double or triple trailers
- Hazmat vehicles
- Tanker vehicles
These special situations require even more in-depth knowledge than a traditional CDL. Additional knowledge tests are required because allowing someone to drive one of these vehicles without the proper training could result in a catastrophic accident.
How Do I Obtain a CDL in Louisiana?
Commercial vehicles are large and heavy, and many of them use air brakes. Operating a commercial vehicle is quite different from driving a passenger car. Special skills and knowledge are required to drive commercial vehicles, and Louisiana mandates that drivers demonstrate their ability to do so before issuing them a CDL.
If you’re interested in getting a CDL in Louisiana, here’s what you need to know about the process.
Step 1: Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
The first step to getting a CDL in Louisiana is to obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP). You must have a CLP for at least 14 days prior to applying for a CDL license, and you must be at least 18 years old. The CLP allows you to practice driving a commercial vehicle under the supervision of a licensed CDL holder, helping you gain the skills needed for the road test.
Step 2: Pass the Knowledge Tests
An applicant must then pass all required knowledge tests. The tests you must pass may vary, depending on the type of vehicle you will operate.
Some of the tests you may need to pass include:
- Air brakes test
- Passenger transport test
- General knowledge test
- Combination vehicles test
- Hazardous materials test
- Doubles/triples test
- School bus test
Passing the appropriate knowledge tests is essential to ensure you’re fully prepared to operate your specific type of commercial vehicle safely and legally.
Step 3: Pass the CDL Skills Tests
After passing the knowledge test, you will be required to pass the CDL skills tests. The skills tests include the pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and an on-road test. These tests ensure that you can safely inspect your vehicle, handle it in various situations, and operate it confidently in real traffic conditions.
Step 4: Provide Required Identification and Medical Documents
Upon successful completion of the skills tests, you will need to provide identification and medical documents.
Those include:
- A valid driver’s license
- Physical examination form
- Medical examination form
- Vision examination form
- Proof of Social Security number
- Proof of residency
Once all the required documents have been provided, the OMV will issue your CDL.
Additional Tips and Warnings
If you have questions about a commercial driver’s license or the process of obtaining one, you can always contact your local OMV office. They should be able to answer all your questions and guide you through the correct process for obtaining a CDL.
Remember that driving a commercial vehicle without the proper license can result in serious penalties – including fines of up to $5,000 and even jail time. So, make sure you know the law before you hop behind the wheel.
Contact a New Orleans, LA Truck Accident Lawyer from Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in New Orleans, LA today. We have three convenient locations in Louisiana, including Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Lafayette.
We proudly serve East Baton Rouge Parish, Lafayette Parish, Orleans Parish, and its surrounding areas:
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Baton Rouge Office
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Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70124
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New Orleans, Louisiana, 70802
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Lafayette, Louisiana, 70508
(337) 473-2991