To obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), you need to obtain a Commercial Driver’s Instruction Permit (CDIP) first. This permit is necessary to take part in the driver training that’s required for the CDL because you won’t be allowed to practice driving a rig with just regular driver’s license.
The Commercial Driver’s License permit allows the holder to drive any motor vehicle on a highway as long as they have someone with a CDL who is licensed for the type of vehicle they are driving sitting directly beside them. In addition to being necessary during driver’s training, it is also required during testing.
So, how do you go about getting a CDIP and when does this permit expire? Keep reading to find out.
Eligibility Requirements to Obtain a CDIP
The following requirements must be met to obtain your CDIP:
• Individual must be 18 years or older
• Hold a valid Class D license (license to operate any non-commercial vehicle), or are holding a ‘junior operator’s license’, for at least two years
• Pass vision test
• Pass a commercial driver instruction permit test*
*The CDIP test does not involve any driving. Rather, it’s a written exam similar to the one taken to obtain a regular driver’s license. The difference is that the multiple choice questions only address commercial driving topics.
CDIP Expiration
When you pass your knowledge tests and obtain your CDIP, it will be valid for a period of 6 months. It can only be renewed once within a 2-year period from the original date of issue.
If two permit renewals occur over a 4-year period, then the applicant must retake all the qualification tests and reapply for a new permit.
To learn more about the CDL requirements in your state, visit your department of transportation’s website and search for Commercial Driver’s licensing requirements.