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MT DOT Driver's Licensing     << Click Here
FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions for Commercial Driver's Licensing
 

ü  Do you possess a valid Driver's License?

ü  Do you have a Class A Commercial Driver's License?

ü  Do you have endorsements with Doubles and/or Triples?

ü  Do you have experience with Commercial Driving or Flatbed Trucks?

ü  Do you have a Social Security Card or Alien Registration Card (green card)?

ü  Have you had a moving violation (traffic ticket) in the past three years? Can you provide month, year, and the charge of each moving violation you have received in past 3 years?

ü  Have you been in a traffic accident where you were at fault in the past 3 years? Can you provide month & year of each accident in which you were at fault in the past 3yrs?

ü  Have you been convicted of DWI or DUI in the last 5 years?

ü  Have you been convicted of reckless driving in the last 3 years?  Can you provide the month and year of each?

ü  Can you pass a physical exam and drug test?

ü  Have you been convicted of possession, sale, or use of illegal drugs (including marijuana) in the last 10 years?

ü  Are you currently on probation or parole?

ü  Do you currently have any criminal actions pending in which you are a defendant?

ü  Have you been convicted of a felony in the last 10 years?

ü  Have you served in the United States Armed Forces?
What is a CDL?
A "CDL" is a Commercial Drivers License. It meets certain "standards" that are the same for every state. It differs from the Montana "operator's" or "chauffeur's" licenses. It is required if you drive certain kinds of commercial vehicles.

What is the COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ACT OF 1986 (CMVSA/86)?
It is a law passed by the United States Congress which requires ALL the individual states to comply with certain standards in regards to the licensing of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. Montana driver licensing standards comply with the law, requiring CMV drivers to obtain a Montana Commercial Driver's License (CDL) when driving applicable vehicles. A CDL license can ONLY be issued in the driver's STATE OF LEGAL RESIDENCE, and if you have a CDL, you can have NO OTHER DRIVER'S LICENSE in ANY other state.

When do I need a Montana CDL instead of my regular Montana Drivers License?
A Montana CDL is required if you operate any of the following CMV's . . .
1. A vehicle with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 lbs.

2. A vehicle towing a unit with a manufacturer's GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs. when the GCWR exceeds 26,000 lbs.

3. A vehicle used to . . .(a.) carry 15 or more passengers (excluding the driver), or (b.) carry (15) or less people (including the driver) when carrying children to or from school and home regularly for compensation.

4. A vehicle carrying hazardous materials in amounts requiring placarding.

What are the eligibility requirements to obtain a Montana CDL?
1. You must be 21 years old. (18 years for Class A, B or C only, if all driving is done within Montana and if no hazardous materials requiring placarding are transported.)

2. You must be physically capable of obtaining a valid medical examiner's card (before taking any CDL skills test).

3. You must otherwise qualify for the license based on your driving record. Any of the following will disqualify you from obtaining a Montana CDL . . .

* If you possess a license from any state other than Montana.

* If you are currently subject to any disqualification of your commercial driving privilege from Montana or any other state.

* If your license is currently suspended, revoked, denied, or cancelled.

* If you have a conviction for operating a commercial motor vehicle while impaired in the 24 months immediately preceding application.

* other technical rules, and further restrictions that pertain only to Montana are covered in detail within the Course.
 
How do I obtain a Montana CDL?
1. Show your Montana driver license.

2. You must take and pass all Montana examinations that apply to your license class and endorsement requirements.

3. Show proof of social security number.

4. Meet Montana driver record eligibility requirements as determined by the State.

5. Fill out an application including certifications.

6. Pass the required knowledge and vision tests (BEFORE a CDL Temporary Instruction Permit will be issued).

7. Pay the Montana CDL fees.

8. Schedule, take, and pass your Montana CDL skills test.

What is a "Skills Test" and how do I take it?
A "skills" test is the practical portion of the exam and includes . . .

1. A vehicle inspection test to measure your ability to perform a vehicle safety check.

2. A basic control skills test.

3. A driving test.

The skills test is normally given at an approved third party testing site in your area. This can vary and the latest procedures are indicated in the Montana CDL Course.

So lets say I get a Montana CDL. Can I use it Out-of-State?
Yes! It is good throughout the entire United States.

Can my Montana CDL be suspended or revoked?
Yes, there are MANY reasons that your Montana CDL can be suspended or revoked. Improper use of alcohol or drugs, traffic violations, and failure to notify top the list. Your Training Program will detail ALL of the rules regarding suspension or revocation. The point to remember is that alcohol or drug use is not tolerated and your record WILL FOLLOW YOU THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES FOREVER!!!

So lets say that my Montana CDL is revoked.
Can't I just apply for a CDL in another State?
No!!! Those days are gone.

Are there any exemptions to being required to have Montana CDL?
Yes, a few . . .

1. Active Duty Military . . . with military licenses operating military vehicles.

2. Firefighters . . . meeting approved training standards and operating authorized emergency vehicles.

3. Farmers . . . in certain cases.

4. Individuals ....operating motor homes or other vehicles used exclusively to transport personal possessions or family members, for nonbusiness purposes.

What do the terms Class A, Class B, and Class C mean on my Montana CDL?
It refers to the type of vehicle that you may operate . . .
CLASS A . . . allows you to operate vehicles which tow trailers or other vehicles with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds.
A Class "A" license also allows you to operate Class B and C vehicles.

CLASS B . . . allows you to operate single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more OR a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more, towing trailers/vehicles rated at 10,000 pounds GVWR or less.
A Class "B" license also allows you to operate Class C vehicles.

CLASS C . . .allows you to operate vehicles under 26,001 lbs. GVWR; that are designed to transport 16 or more persons including the driver; or that carry 15 or less people (including the driver)transporting children to or from school and home regularly for compensation, or carry
hazardous materials in amounts requiring placarding.

What are Endorsement Codes and when do I need them on my Montana CDL?
Endorsements are necessary for certain commercial driving requirements as follows . . .

(T) DOUBLE or TRIPLE TRAILERS.

(P) PASSENGER. For vehicles which are designed to carry 16 or more people (including the driver); or those which carry 15 or less people (including the driver) transporting children to or from school and home regularly for compensation.

(N) TANK VEHICLES. For vehicles designed to haul liquids or liquefied gases in bulk in permanently mounted tanks or portable tanks rated at 1,000 gallons or more.

(H) HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. To carry hazardous materials in amounts requiring placards.

(X) Endorsement code designating a Tank (T) vehicle that carries Hazardous Materials (H).

I'm over 18 years old, but not 21 years old yet. Can I get a Montana CDL license?
Yes. With restrictions. You cannot drive a commercial vehicle out of Montana. You cannot drive a vehicle requiring HAZ MAT placarding. 

 

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