Commercial Driver's License

Classifications, Endorsements, and Restrictions

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) may be issued with the following classifications, endorsements, and restrictions. The holder of a valid commercial driver's license may drive all vehicles in the class for which that license is issued, all lesser classes of vehicles, and vehicles which require an endorsement, provided the proper endorsement appears on the license.

CDL Classes

CDL Endorsements

CDL Restrictions

Commercial Driver's Instruction Permit (CLP)

View Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) Applicability for CDL Applicants

• A commercial driver's instruction permit (CLP) may be issued to an applicant who holds a valid operator's or class D license and has passed the vision, physical standards, and knowledge tests required for a CDL.
• The permit may not exceed one year and cannot be renewed.
• The CLP holder may drive a commercial motor vehicle on the highway only when accompanied by the holder of a valid CDL for that type of vehicle, who occupies the passenger seat for instruction or testing purposes.
• A CLP may only be issued to an applicant who is at least 18 years of age and has previously held a Level 3 Graduated Driver's License or a Class E license.
• When operating a commercial vehicle, you must carry both your CLP and regular operator's license.
• Applicants must hold a CLP for a minimum of 14 days before they are eligible to take the road skills test. Applicants must contact a Third-Party Examiner to schedule this test.

Age & Fitness Requirements

You must be at least 18 years of age and have at least one (1) year of driving experience to qualify for a CDL or CLP. Federal Motor Carrier Rules require drivers to meet specific physical qualification standards and carry a medical certificate.

• All drivers operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in NON-EXCEPTED INTERSTATE (NI) commerce must have a DOT physical completed by a certified medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry.
• School bus drivers or government agency employees whose jobs require a CDL are considered EXCEPTED INTRASTATE or EXCEPTED INTERSTATE and are exempt from FMCSA medical requirements. They must present their current School Bus Certification card or verification of employment on agency letterhead.
• If you cannot be medically certified, you may be eligible for a medical waiver:
  • To operate interstate (all 50 states), apply for a waiver from the Federal Highway Administration. Call (304) 347-5935.
  • To operate intrastate (WV only), call (304) 926-3801 for a medical waiver.

CDL Licensing Procedures & Requirements

Applications and study manuals are available at any DMV Exam Center, Regional Office, or on the DMV Forms page.

• Download the CDL Manual (State and Federal)
• Review the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) Applicability Flowchart

How To Apply for a CDL

1. Visit the Licensing page to review required documentation for first-time, duplicate, and renewal applicants.
2. First-time applicants (anyone who has NEVER held a CDL prior to February 7, 2022) must complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT). ELDT is also required for first-time P, S, or H endorsements. Review ELDT requirements here.
3. Complete the Application for Commercial Driver's License and/or Endorsements (CDL-1) in full.
4. Ensure a Medical Examiner Certificate (MEC) is submitted electronically by your medical provider (or provide agency letterhead if exempt).
5. Pay Applicable Fees: The CDL testing fee is $25.00 (covers general knowledge, air brakes, and combination) plus standard driver's licensing fees. Endorsement fees are $10.00 each. All fees are non-refundable.
6. Submit the application, MEC/exemption, and fees to: DMV, PO Box 17010, Charleston WV 25317.
7. A test card detailing regional CDL testing sites will be mailed to you.
8. Upon passing knowledge tests, a CLP will be issued. After holding the CLP for 14 days, contact a Third-Party Examiner to schedule the road skills test ($100.00 fee payable to the examiner).
9. You must provide a vehicle representative of the class of license for which you are testing.

* Medical Certification Waiver: FMCSA has granted a waiver allowing interstate CDL/CLP holders to rely on paper copies of MECs for up to 15 days after issuance. Valid until April 10, 2026. Download the FMCSA waiver.

Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) Endorsement Note:

To retain or obtain an "H" endorsement, you must complete a TSA fingerprint and background check. Contact the Universal Enrollment Services (UES) Help Desk at 1-855-347-8371 or visit the UES website to pay the $86.50 fee and schedule an appointment. Once approved by the TSA, bring your approval letter to the DMV to test for HAZMAT and renew/transfer your CDL. You receive 3 attempts to pass the HAZMAT knowledge test on an unexpired license.

Changing a Class of License

1. Complete the Application for Commercial Driver's License and/or Endorsements (CDL-1).
2. Ensure all required knowledge tests have been previously taken.
3. Indicate that you are applying for a license update. The upgrade fee is $7.50.
4. A CLP will be issued. A road skills test is required to upgrade.
5. Any necessary combination or air brake knowledge tests must be completed prior to the road skills test.

Adding An Endorsement

Complete the Application for Commercial Driver's License and/or Endorsements (CDL-1) and pay the appropriate fees:

• Endorsement Fees: $10.00 for each endorsement + $7.50 duplicate license fee (e.g., one endorsement = $17.50 total).
• Updating a Passenger Endorsement Only: If you already have a CDL and are only adding/updating a passenger endorsement requiring a road skills test, it is processed as a duplicate issuance (no change to expiration date).

Air Brakes or Combination Road Skills Test Fees (Post-Issuance)

CDL Renewals & Transfers

Renewals

Bring your renewal notice and required documents to a DMV office. Government employees must provide an agency letter verifying employment to maintain DOT physical exemption. If you did not receive a notice, complete a CDL-1 application. Expired licenses incur a $5.00 late fee.

Transfers

To drive a commercial vehicle in West Virginia, you must transfer your out-of-state CDL within 30 days of establishing residency. You must surrender your out-of-state license. Required documents include:

1. Proof of identity/residency (View New Licensing Requirements).
2. A valid MEC submitted electronically by your medical provider (or government exemption letter).
3. Your out-of-state license or a certified driving record. (If transferring a HAZMAT endorsement, the TSA background check must be completed and approved prior to transfer).

Expired & Surrendered CDLs

• Expired > 3 Years: Must follow procedures for initial CDL issuance, including all knowledge and road skills testing.
• Expired < 3 Years: Can renew by paying an additional $5.00 fee.
• Voluntarily Surrendered: Must complete a surrender letter. Re-obtaining a CDL later requires starting over with all knowledge and skills testing.

CDL Third Party Examiners and Test Site Locations

DOT Physical – Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC)

A licensee who lists their self-certification status as a non-excepted status (NI or NA) must maintain a valid FMCSA Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) on file with the DMV. The DOT physical must be completed by a certified medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry.

• Downgrade Warning: Any WV CDL holder who fails to maintain proof of a valid MEC will have their CDL medical status downgraded to NOT-CERTIFIED ten (10) days after the current MEC expires. Federal guidelines mandate that if a valid MEC is not provided within 30 days of expiration, the CDL will be downgraded to a Class E Driver’s License (non-CDL).
• All MECs must be submitted electronically by the medical provider conducting the physical.
• Any certificate more than two (2) years old is invalid. Certificates valid for less than 30 days cannot be accepted.

Verify your certificate has been updated by contacting the CDL Unit at (304) 926-3801 or by using the online services to check your CDL status.