To get a CDL in Ohio requires you to complete a few requirements. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to obtain your CDL in the Buckeye State.
Commercial Driver’s License Class and Endorsements
Before you write any knowledge test to get your Commercial Learner’s Permit or CLP, you first need to determine which commercial license class you want:
- Class A CDL: Vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 or more. This also requires the tow vehicle to have a GVWR of 10,001 or more.
- Class B CDL: Vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more. Trailer can’t be over 10,000 pounds.
- Class C CDL: Vehicles that aren’t categorized in Class A or B but is:
- Transports 16 or more passengers, including the driver
- Carries hazardous materials in an amount requiring placarding
- Any school bus that is not considered a Class A or B
CDL Endorsements
Here are the following endorsements that you can add to your commercial license. Each endorsement requires you to take and pass that particular endorsement knowledge test.
| CDL Endorsements | ||
|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | |
| P | Passenger Vehicles | |
| N | Tank Vehicles | |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Requires a security check |
| K | Intrastate Only | |
| X | Tank Vehicles Transporting Hazardous Materials | Requires a security check |
| S | School Bus |
Ohio Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
Once you know which CDL class you want to get, then you can obtain your CLP or commercial learner’s permit. The CLP will permit you to drive a commercial vehicle on public roads with a CDL license holder sitting beside you in the vehicle.
You must hold your CLP at least 14 days prior to your Skills or Road test. The CLP is valid for 12 months from the date of issuance.
Ohio CLP Requirements
- Meet CDL age requirements: 18 years old to drive a commercial motor vechicle within Ohio; 21 years of age to drive across states and transport hazardous materials
- Have a valid Ohio driver’s license in good standing
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Have proof of identity
- Have Social Security Number (SSN)
- Meet Department of Transportation (DOT) medical standards
How to Get Your CLP in Ohio
Go to a driver exam station in Ohio and do the following:
- Pay the CLP fee: $28.50
- Bring the following documents and ID:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of residency
- Social security number
- Proof of insurance
- Take and pass the General Knowledge test and applicable endorsement tests
How to Pass the Ohio CDL Knowledge Tests
You’ll need to study the Ohio CDL manual to prepare for required knowledge tests on general trucking knowledge and specific endorsements.
For the General Knowledge test, focus on the following sections:
- Combination Vehicles
- Transporting Cargo Safely
- Air Brakes
- Driving Safely
- Introduction
The best way to prepare for the permit test is by taking practice tests. You can find free CDL practice tests online that cover the general knowledge test. Take multiple tests to familiarize yourself with the format and content.
Once you pass the knowledge test(s) you will be issued a CDL permit, which will allow you to drive a commercial vehicle alongside a CDL license holder of the same class sitting beside you.
Ohio CDL Requirements
In order to get your CDL in Ohio, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be 18 years old to drive a truck within Ohio (intrastate); 21 years old to drive across states (interstate) or haul hazardous materials
- Have a valid non-commercial Ohio driver’s license
- Have a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
- Complete the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
- Pass a vision test
- Obtain a medical examiner’s certificate (Form MCSA-5876)
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
Ohio CDL Application Process
- Pay Skills Test fees:
- If you go to a state-owned testing facility:
- Pre-trip inspection: $10.00
- Basic test: $10.00
- Road test: $30.00
- Total = $50.00
- If you go to a 3rd-party testing facility:
- Pre-trip inspection: $27.00
- Basic test: $27.00
- Road test: $61.00
- Total = $115.00
- If you go to a state-owned testing facility:
- Complete and submit the CDL Self-Certification form to the Ohio BMV (by mail, fax, email, or at a Deputy Registrar Office)
- Complete and submit your Medical Examiner’s Certificate (if applicable) to the Ohio BMV (by mail, fax, email, or at a Deputy Registrar Office)
- Successfully complete your Entry-Level Driver Training
- Take and pass the Skills test
Ohio CDL Fees
- Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) Fee: $28.50
- Road / Skills Test Fees:
- If you test at a state-owned testing facility:
- Pre-trip inspection: $10.00
- Basic test: $10.00
- Road test: $30.00
- Total = $50
- If you test at a 3rd-party testing facility:
- Pre-trip inspection: $27.00
- Basic test: $27.00
- Road test: $61.00
- Total = $115
- If you test at a state-owned testing facility:
- CDL Fee: $43.50 (4 years) / $86.00 (8 years)
- CDL Renewal Fee: $46.25 (4 years) / $91.40 (8 years)
- CDL Endorsement: $44.50
- CDL Training: $3,000 – $7,000 +
Ohio CDL Resources
- Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)
- Ohio CDL Manual [English | Spanish]
Where to Take CDL Classes in Ohio
To get your CDL in Ohio, you’ll need to find a training program to take CDL classes. There are a few options for where to take CDL classes in Ohio.
Private truck driving schools offer CDL training programs that prepare you to pass the required CDL knowledge and skills tests. Various Ohio community colleges and technical schools also offer CDL training through their transportation and logistics programs. For example, Northwest State Community College and Cuyahoga Community College have CDL training options. These programs typically award a certificate of completion. Community college programs may also be a more affordable option.
How to Pay for CDL School
There are CDL grants and scholarships that you can take advantage of that can offset the cost of CDL training, such unemployment grants for CDL training or the Pell grant for those who have great financial need.
Additionally, some trucking companies provide free or inexpensive CDL training to new drivers. Although company-sponsored CDL courses can be cheap, they will require you to continue working for them for a period after earning your CDL. Make sure you understand the details of any contract before enrolling in company training.
TruckersTraining.com provide information, tools and resources to potential truck drivers in the U.S. We hope that you can use the content on the site to help you decide if want to drive trucks for a living.
