Paperwork, And Documents To Bring For The CDL Permit Test
Picture this: you’ve been studying for weeks for the CDL permit test, you finally show up to the DMV, you’re waiting in a long line ready to take your CLP exams, aaaand…. the clerk tells you, “Sorry, you can’t take the permit test today.”
Why? Because if you’re missing any documents, you WILL be turned away and have to reschedule.
So today, we’re going to make sure that doesn’t happen to you.
We’ll go over exactly what you need to bring to your CDL permit exam, so that you walk in 100% prepared.
You are also able to take most of the CDL endorsement exams at the same time as your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) but for this piece we’re going to mostly focus on taking the basic CDL permit written exams.
Make sure to read until the end because we’ll also go over some pro tips and common mistakes to avoid!
What Do I Need To Take My CDL Permit Test
Of course, before you take your CDL knowledge test you’ve got to study! If you’ve got a reliable CDL Permit test study source, being ready to take the exam should be no problem.
Assuming you’re mentally ready to take your permit exam, what do you need to bring to the DMV?
Documents You Need To Bring For Your CDL Permit Exams
Okay, now for what you came here for: the documents you need to bring to take your commercial learner’s permit exams. These documents ensure that you are legally qualified to get a CDL license.
1) Valid Driver's License
- MUST BE American
- MUST BE from the state you’re taking the test in
- MUST BE from the state you live in
- Is NOT expired
- Is NOT suspended
- Is NOT just a learner’s permit
2) Proof of US Citizenship Or Lawful Permanent Residence
| What You Need To Bring | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| USA Citizens |
| Non-US Citizens |
|
Illegal immigrants and undocumented immigrants can NOT get a CDL Permit or License, even if their state issues a regular driver’s license.If you’re an immigrant with papers who lives in the state full time, make sure you remove “Non-Domicle” from your CDL permit so you can get your license without a problem.
3) 6 Points Of Identification
Just like you needed in order to get your Class D driver’s license, you’ll also need to present 6 points of identification to prove you are who you say you are. This can include your passport, birth certificate and other government issued forms of ID.
You can consult this handy chart from the New Jersey MVC to know which documents you need for your 6 Points of ID.
Yes, your driver’s license and proof of citizenship documents can also be used as part of your 6 Points.
4) Application for Commercial Driver License
To get your CDL permit, you must complete your state’s Application for Commercial Driver License. This is the official form the DMV uses to collect your personal information, confirm your eligibility, and document which CDL class and endorsements you’re applying for.
They’ll likely have a copy at the DMV but in the interest of time, it’s better to fill it out before you go in to take the tests.
5) DOT Medical Examiner Certificate
To get your CDL permit, you must have a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate, also known as a DOT Medical Card or Med Card. This certificate proves that you are physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle and meet all federal safety standards.
Starting June 23, 2025, Certified Medical Examiners must electronically submit all commercial driver medical examination results through the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, where they will be sent directly to the FMCSA and State Driver’s Licensing Agencies.
This health exam must be completed by a FMCSA-certified medical examiner. Once you pass, the certificate is valid for up to 24 months (or less if the doctor requires more frequent checkups).
6) Commercial Driver License Self-Certification Form
The CDL Self-Certification Form tells your state’s DMV what type of commercial driving you plan to do and whether you’re required to maintain a valid DOT Medical Certificate (Med Card).
It’s a simple but important form, and your CDL permit application won’t be processed without it.
When you fill it out, you’re choosing one of four categories that describe the kind of driving you expect to do:
1. Interstate Non-Excepted (NI)Most CDL drivers choose this option.
| 2. Interstate Excepted (EI)
|
3. Intrastate Non-Excepted (NA)
| 4. Intrastate Excepted (EA)
|
7) Payment For Fees
There’s no such thing as a free lunch. This also applies to getting your CDL permit. You will need to bring some form of payment in order to take your knowledge tests.
The testing fees do vary widely from state to state because each state’s motor vehicle agency sets its own costs for the Commercial Learner’s Permit application and the required written knowledge tests.
In some states, these prices are bundled together into one application fee, while others break them out into separate charges for the permit itself and each CLP exam.
In general the CDL permit fees are relatively affordable and typically range from $10 to $40. You can almost always pay for the testing fees with cash, credit card or check.
You’ll typically need to pay an extra fee for each CDL endorsement exam you take.
Before heading to the DMV, always confirm the current pricing in your state since fees can change without much notice.
Appointment To Take The Exam
Many people study hard for the CLP exam and naturally assume that walk-ins are allowed. But THEY’RE NOT
In almost every state, you have to schedule an appointment to take the CDL Permit Exams. The reason for scheduling a CLP appointment lets the DMV:
- Ensure testing computers/seats are available
- Make sure they have the right tests you plan on taking
- Make sure a certified CDL examiner is available
- Control wait times and reduce crowding
- Verify your documents ahead of time
With an appointment, you avoid long lines and have a guaranteed testing slot. Check with your local DMV or MVC’s website to see how you should go about that process. Just make sure you book your testing slot early because spaces are limited
It’s recommend you schedule your Written CDL Tests 2-3 weeks before you’re ready to take them
Common Mistakes To Avoid At The DMV
One of the most common mistakes CDL permit applicants make is not bringing all the required documents to the DMV. Many people assume a regular driver’s license is enough, only to find out they also need proof of identity, proof of residency, a valid Social Security number, and a current DOT medical examiner’s certificate.
Here are some tips to make sure you don’t get turned away for not having the right documents to bring for the CDL permit test.
- Don’t bring photocopies – The DMV will only accept originals.
- Make sure names match across all documents – If your ID says “Robert” but your SS card says “Bob,” bring legal proof of that name change.
- Double-check expiration dates – Expired documents will get rejected immediately.
- Have everything ready the night before – The last thing you want is to be stressed scrambling in the morning.
- Bring more documentation than you need – Sometimes you may think an ID document is official enough but bring extra backups, just in case.
- Make sure you bring your driver’s license and social security card!
What Do You Do After You Pass The CLP Exam?
Great, you passed! We’re so excited for you!
So what do you do next?
Before you leave the DMV, you’ll certify all your documentation and DOT physical. You’ll then be given a temporary CDL permitThis piece of paper acts as a placeholder while you wait for your actual CLP to come in. It typically takes around 10-14 days to get your new card. You can start your truck driver training right away with the temporary permit.
At this stage, you cannot drive alone; you must always be accompanied by someone who holds a valid CDL for the type of vehicle you’d be operating. After holding your CLP for the required minimum period (typically at least 14 days), you can schedule your CDL skills test.
With your new CDL Permit the next step will be doing the trucker training by enrolling in the best trucking school: Driving Academy.
Why Come To Driving Academy For CDL Training
At Driving Academy, we use a simple, step-by-step CDL training system that makes learning to drive a truck stress-free, no matter your experience level.
From classroom lessons to hands-on training, we teach you everything you need to pass! We even have a state-of-the-art simulator to help you get comfortable behind the wheel before stepping into a real truck.
Most of your practice happens in our training yard, where our certified instructors guide you every step of the way.
We’ve already helped over 10,000 people start higher-paying careers in trucking with our Lifetime Job Placement Assistance Program. That’s right, you train with us, we enroll you in our free job assistance program that helps you find a job right after we hand you your certificate. We then help you find the next job, and the next job and the next job until the day you die!
We offer training seven days a week to fit your schedule. Plus our courses are extremely affordable, typically $3,300 to $5,600. You can start with just $500 down through our 0% interest payment plan. And our Guaranteed Training options give you unlimited road test tries, so you can be 100% confident you’ll earn your CDL license.
At Driving Academy, our goal is simple to help you get a CDL and get you on the Road To Freedom!
Recap: What Do You Need To Have To Take The CDL Permit Tests?
- Valid Driver’s License
- Proof of US Citizenship Or Lawful Permanent Resident
- 6 Points of Identification
- Application for Commercial Driver License
- DOT Medical Examiner Certificate
- Commercial Driver License Self-Certification Form
- Payment For Fees
- Have An Appointment To Take The Test
