Louisiana CDL Information
A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is one of the first steps to a great-paying career as a commercial truck driver. However, in order to drive a commercial vehicle (CMV) in Louisiana, you must first obtain a Louisiana CDL. Drivers Legal Plan, the Nation’s Leading CDL Defense Law Firm, has summarized many of the steps and requirements for obtaining your CDL in Louisiana.
Please note that your state and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regularly update these CDL requirements. Please visit the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website and the FMCSA website for the most authoritative and up-to-date information regarding CDL requirements and processes.
The minimum requirements for applying for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Louisiana are that you must be at least 18 years of age and must have a valid driver’s license. Your driver’s license does not have to be a Louisiana license, but it must be valid in the state from which it was issued. If you currently have a CDL from another state, you are required to bring it to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, along with all state of Louisiana medical and ID requirements and proof of insurance for any vehicles you’ve already registered in Louisiana. You will be required to take a vision exam and pay the Louisiana CDL fee. Louisiana has state requirements for DCL applicants that must be met, as well as the federal regulations overseen by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Detailed information can be found at the FMCSA website, but in general, federal requirements for all commercial drivers include:
CDL Eligibility Requirements
- A minimum age of 18 to drive within your state of residence, and 21 to drive out of state or transport hazardous materials
- A completed CDL application within your state and payment of the required fee
- Identification and Social Security verification according to your state’s requirements
- Proof of state and U.S. residency
- Completion of a Medical Exam Report Form and Medical Examiner’s Certificate Form
- A passing score on the required vision test
- Applying for and driving with a commercial learner’s permit for at least 14 days
- Passing both the knowledge exam and the road skills and driving exam within your state
Above are links to some helpful information regarding meeting the requirements for drivers who wish to apply for their CDL in the state of Louisiana.
Remember, the most important thing to remember when you receive a ticket is that you should never just pay the ticket or the court fees without first talking to a legal representative who understands trucking laws. While you want to maintain a clean driving record, unforeseen violations can happen. When they do, you need expert legal protection. Drivers Legal Plan, the Nation's Leading CDL Defense Law Firm, is ready to defend your rights and your career.