COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE (CDL)

Congratulations on seeking a license to drive a commercial vehicle. We have provided this information to help you prepare and apply for your Alaska Commercial Driver's License, also called CDL. Many jobs require operating large trucks or trailers, transporting passengers, or transporting hazardous material. You need a Commercial Driver's License to legally drive such vehicles:

  • When the vehicle or truck and trailer combination is more than 26,000 pounds
  • When driving a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers
  • When transporting hazardous materials

Requirements

You must:

  1. Be at least 18 years old  (21 years old if requesting a School Bus endorsement or Hazmat or operating as an Inter-State driver).
  2. Be an Alaska Resident domiciled in the state.
  3. Have a current valid Alaska Commercial Learner's Permit and hold it for at least 14 days prior to a skills test.
  4. Show proof of Lawful Status as a US Citizen, Permanent Resident or COFA country citizenship.
  5. Show proof of your residence address in Alaska.
  6. Have a valid Social Security Number.
  7. Be medically qualified for a commercial driver license and unless exempted you will also have to provide a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
  8. Not be suspended or otherwise disqualified from holding a commercial driver license in any state.
  9. Complete all required Entry Level Driver Training.
  10. Pass all appropriate skills tests in a representative vehicle of the class of license you wish to obtain.
  11. Complete and sign the applicable forms and pay appropriate fees.

Note: If requesting a school bus endorsement see additional requirements for school bus endorsements here Commercial Endorsement School Bus.

Waivers and Exemptions

Alaskans who live off the road system may be exempt from some requirements, please read Guide to Rural Driving

Veteran's may be eligible for a road skills test waiver, please read more about Military and Veteran Support.

 

What is a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)?

In order to get a license, you must first earn a commercial learner's permit (called CLP). A CLP allows you to drive with a qualified driver in order to learn the skills needed to operate a vehicle safely. You must wait 14 days after earning your learner's permit to apply for your license.

There are different types of CLPs. In order to know which to apply for, you must know the type and purpose of vehicle you will be driving:

  • How heavy is the vehicle you will be driving? (see Classes)
  • What type of license will you need? (see Endorsements)

How do I get my CLP?

To get your CLP, you must submit proof of identification, application forms and your medical card, and then complete knowledge tests at your local DMV Office.

For more information, please visit Commercial Learner's Permit.

What is a CDL?

As an Alaska resident, your CDL will allow you to legally drive commercial vehicles within Alaska and may allow you to drive such vehicles in other states.

How do I get my CDL?

After obtaining your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), you have 180 days to scheduled and complete your road skills test. (Please note, you may resubmit your forms to extend your permit another 180 days; however, you may only extend a permit once.)

To complete your CDL you must:

  • For at least 14 days, have a CLP matching the class & endorsement for your license
  • Completion of ELDT, if this is your first CDL 
  • Practice driving with a qualified driver (see Restrictions)
  • Schedule a road test (see Schedule a Road Test Online)
  • Successfully complete a road test with vehicle matching the class & endorsement of license you wish to obtain

What Do I Need to Bring to get my CDL?

  • U.S. Citizenship or Legal Presence Documentation : Documents showing proof of legal presence can be:
    • A valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card
    • Original or certified copy of birth certificate bearing an official seal or stamp
    • Certificate of Naturalization (N-550,N-570 or N-578)
    • Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
    • Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card, issued by USCIS or INS.
    • CDL Legal Residence Flyer
  • Proof of residence address showing domicile in Alaska
  • Social Security Number
  • Current Alaska or Out -of-State Driver’s License
  • DOT Medical Card: When the driver is engaged in the type of operation which requires a CDL (Form 413)
  • FMCSA Vision/Diabetes Exemption Document (if applicable)

How can I transfer a CDL from another State?

For drivers temporarily in Alaska due to seasonal work 
You must have a valid CDL from your home state in order to drive a commercial motor vehicle. You do not need to apply for an Alaska Commercial Drivers License. 
For drivers who intend to remain in Alaska
You must obtain an Alaska CDL license within 30 days of moving to Alaska. 
If your license is from another state you must follow the steps to apply for a CDL and you will be required to pass all knowledge tests.
 

Laws and Regulations for Commercial Drivers

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), commercial driving "requires a higher level of knowledge, experience, skills, and physical abilities than that required to drive a non-commercial vehicle." In addition to the skills and knowledge needed to operate a vehicle, there are laws at the local, state, and federal level that you must comply with. It is your responsibility to know and follow these laws. For additional information, please refer to:

We are here to assist you. Feel free to reach out.