Commercial Driver License, WSU Wright Way Policy 3308

Federal standards for testing and licensing commercial motor vehicle operators are outlined in Chapter 4506 of the Ohio Revised Code. The established minimum standards guarantee the competency of drivers of large trucks and buses by requiring a demonstration of ability to operate commercial vehicles before a license is issued. On January 1, 1990, the Commercial Driver License (CDL), replaced the Chauffeur License held by many drivers.

Ohio law requires that individuals driving designated commercial vehicles must have a valid CDL or CDL Temporary Instruction Permit. A valid license is one that is current, without restrictions or suspensions, and issued in the class required by the equipment/classification.

All commercial motor vehicle operators had to be tested and relicensed by April 1, 1992, or by the expiration date of their Chauffeur License, whichever came first. A driver with a Chauffeur License received by mail detailed instructions for applying for a CDL, at least 90 days before his/her Chauffeur License expired. Holders of Chauffeur Licenses which did not expire until April 1, 1992, or after also received by mail instructions on testing schedules and procedures. However, an application for a CDL could be made any time before the deadline. Issuance of Chauffeur Licenses was discontinued in Ohio after January 31, 1990.

A driver who previously held a Chauffeur License, but did not drive affected vehicles as part of his/her employment, became ineligible to receive a CDL. When the Chauffeur License expired, the driver possessing it received the basic Class D Ohio Driver License.

Make a passing grade (80 percent) on a written or oral test. The test is based on knowledge of the Ohio Commercial Driver Handbook, which may be acquired at deputy registrar offices, Ohio State Highway Patrol posts, driver examination stations, the Ohio Trucking Association, Ohio Department of Highway Safety offices, and Ohio Department of Transportation Tourist Information Centers. [The applicant also may be tested on knowledge of combination vehicles and air brakes, if applicable.

Make a passing grade (80 percent) on each appropriate endorsement. An endorsement is an authorization on a driver's CDL that permits the driver to operate a specified type of commercial motor vehicle. An endorsement is required for each of the following categories: double/triple trailer, tanker, passenger transport for hire, school bus, and hazardous materials handling.

Make a passing grade (80 percent) on a road skills test. Experienced drivers who have a driving record which is free of serious traffic violations for a two-year period prior to application may not be required to take the road skills test. Serious traffic violations include but are not limited to at-fault traffic accidents, excessive speeding, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, following too closely, improper lane change, license suspensions, license cancellations or revocations, disqualifying offenses, holding more than one state license at a time, felony convictions in a commercial motor vehicle, and conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while operating any type of vehicle.

Possess a current Department of Parking and Transportation health card. A health card will be issued following an approved physical examination, which is required by Wright State University and which may include screening for illegal drugs. Arrangements for physical examinations must be made through the WSU Department of Environmental Health and Safety.

Make a passing grade (80 percent) on a written or oral test. The test is based on knowledge of the Ohio Commercial Driver Handbook, which may be acquired at deputy registrar offices, Ohio State Highway Patrol posts, driver examination stations, the Ohio Trucking Association, Ohio Department of Highway Safety offices, and Ohio Department of Transportation Tourist Information Centers. [The applicant also may be tested on knowledge of combination vehicles and air brakes, if applicable.

Make a passing grade (80 percent) on each appropriate endorsement. An endorsement is an authorization on a driver's CDL that permits the driver to operate a specified type of commercial motor vehicle. An endorsement is required for each of the following categories: double/triple trailer, tanker, passenger transport for hire, school bus, and hazardous materials handling.

Make a passing grade (80 percent) on a road skills test. Experienced drivers who have a driving record which is free of serious traffic violations for a two-year period prior to application may not be required to take the road skills test. Serious traffic violations include but are not limited to at-fault traffic accidents, excessive speeding, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, following too closely, improper lane change, license suspensions, license cancellations or revocations, disqualifying offenses, holding more than one state license at a time, felony convictions in a commercial motor vehicle, and conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while operating any type of vehicle.

Possess a current Department of Parking and Transportation health card. A health card will be issued following an approved physical examination, which is required by Wright State University and which may include screening for illegal drugs. Arrangements for physical examinations must be made through the WSU Department of Environmental Health and Safety.