Are you interested in becoming a school bus driver, a big rig operator or a driver who operates large commercial vehicles? If you plan on driving vehicles that require the operator to carry a Commercial Driver License in Ohio, it is important to learn the requirements, the costs, training requirements and the licensing process for a CDL in the state of Ohio. There are thousands of jobs throughout the state of Ohio that require candidates to possess a CDL in the state of Ohio before applying. If you are looking for a straightforward guide to Ohio CDL requirements, read on and learn everything that you need to know so that you can obtain your CDL.
Who Needs a CDL in the State of Ohio?
There are several different types of commercial motor vehicles, and you need to distinguish between private passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles to determine whether or not you need a CDL in Ohio. If you are going to drive any of the following types of vehicles:
* A combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more as long as the vehicle being towed is more than 10,000 pounds in weight.
* A vehicle that weighs 26,001 pounds or more.
* A single vehicle that is designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver.
* Any school bus that is designed to carry 16 passengers or more.
* Any vehicle designed to haul and transport hazardous materials with an F placard.
* Any vehicle that is defined as a commercial vehicle by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This may include a vehicle with a motorized crane, a cement truck and an oil rig.
When you are applying for a CDL in Ohio, you will need to apply for either a Class A, Class B, or Class C CDL. Class C will allow you to operate any vehicle defined in lower classes like Class A and Class B. If you plan on driving a bus that carries passengers, a vehicle transporting hazardous materials, drive tank vehicles or a combination of Class A and Class B vehicles, it is in your best interest to apply for a Class C CDL so that you can satisfy the requirements of all CDL classes in Ohio.
What Are the CDL Requirements in the State of Ohio?
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Ohio has a strict set of requirements that applicants must satisfy before they are issued any class of CDL. Before you start to research the fees and the Ohio CDL license cost as a whole, you should verify that you qualify for a CDL or an instructional permit. The requirements you must satisfy before you can submit your CDL application for approval are as follows:
* Be at least 18 years of age
* Possess a valid Ohio State driver license
* A valid social security number for identification purposes
* A CDL permit may be issued when the applicant possesses a valid driver’s license and the holder of the CDLP must be in a vehicle with someone who possesses a CDL for the vehicle class
* Applicants must pass a written knowledge test and vision test
* Pass written test for an upgrade in Class or for special endorsements to be added to the CDL license
The Fees to Obtain Your CDL or Permit
In addition to passing the knowledge tests and meeting specific requirements, you must pay the fees to receive your CDL or permit. The cost to complete CDL training before taking your test are separate from the fees charged by the BMV. The fees charged by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for each class of CDL or portion of the testing are as follows:
* Fee for the CDL permit is $27.00 for 6 months
* $10 fee for the pre-trip inspection of testing
* $10 fee for off-road behind-the-wheel portion of testing
* $30 fee for on-road behind-the-wheel testing for CDL
* A CDL appointment fee of $50 due to the Ohio State Highway Patrol
* Cost of first CDL is $42
* CDL Renewal fee of $44.75
* CDL upgrade or endorsement fee of $43
Ohio CDL License Training Required to Take Written and Skills Testing
You need to enroll in a CDL training class and complete this class before you take your written or your hands-on skills test. These training classes will prepare you to pass the written knowledge-based test, and will also help you develop the skills you need to drive a commercial vehicle safely.
What is the Process of Applying for a CDL?
Once you have the appropriate training, you should know the licensing process so that you are prepared to take the appropriate steps with the BMV in Ohio. Here is the process you should be familiar with:
1: Verify that you meet the requirements for a CDL and apply for the temporary CDL permit. This will be valid for 6 months as you complete CDL training. You can only hold a permit twice during a period of 2 years.
2: Schedule a CDL test. This is a two-hour test that includes a written exam, a pre-trip inspection, and an off-road and on-road skills test portion. During the test you must be operating a vehicle that qualifies under the class of CDL you are applying for.
3: Pay your fees to the BMV. Once the fees are paid and you pass testing you will be issued your CDL. You can upgrade or add endorsements by applying with the BMV.
The requirements in the state of Ohio were signed into law to prevent inexperienced and unsafe commercial drivers from operating heavy vehicles on public roadways. Take the appropriate steps, apply for your permit to gain experience, and get ready for your CDL testings once you are confident in your skills.