Commercial learner’s permit (CLP)
- A CLP holder must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid driver’s license from the state issuing the permit, pass a general knowledge test for the CMV to be operated, and during BTW training be always accompanied by the holder of a CDL for the CMV to be operated.
- The only endorsements allowed on a CLP are for passenger, school bus, and tank vehicles.
A commercial learner’s permit (CLP) is a temporary, state-issued permit that allows the holder to operate — for training purposes — a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) that normally requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) but for which the CLP holder is not yet fully licensed. CLPs are valid for up to one year.
Drivers must hold a CLP for at least 14 days before obtaining a CDL or any CDL upgrade that requires a skills test.
CLP holders are not authorized to operate vehicles used in the transportation of hazardous materials, although they can train on tank vehicles that have been purged of all residue if they have the tank vehicle endorsement.
BTW CLP training conditions
For purposes of behind-the wheel (BTW) training on public roads or highways, a CLP is considered to be a valid CDL if the CLP holder:
- Is accompanied at all times by the holder of a CDL that is valid for the CMV being operated (that is, the CDL holder must be physically present at all times in the front seat of the vehicle next to the CLP holder or, in the case of a passenger vehicle, directly behind or in the first row behind the driver and must have the CLP holder under observation and direct supervision);
- Holds a valid driver’s license issued by the same jurisdiction that issued the CLP;
- Passed a general knowledge test for the CMV that is operated or expected to to be operated; and
- Is at least 18 years old.
CLP endorsements
The following endorsements are allowed on a CLP (all other endorsements are prohibited):
| Endorsement | CLP criteria/Requirements |
|---|---|
| Passenger (P) | A CLP holder with a passenger or school bus endorsement must have taken and passed the applicable knowledge test. The CLP holder is prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle or school bus with passengers, other than federal/state auditors and inspectors, test examiners, other trainees, and the CDL holder who must accompany the CLP holder. |
| School bus (S) | |
| Tank vehicle (N) | A CLP holder with a tank vehicle endorsement must have taken and passed the N endorsement knowledge test. The CLP holder may only operate an empty tank vehicle and is prohibited from operating any tank vehicle that previously contained hazardous materials that has not been purged of any residue. |