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CDL restrictions

RegSenseezExplanationFleet SafetyFederal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOTTransportationCDL endorsements and restrictionsBest ResultsFocus AreaEnglishCommercial drivers license CDLUSA

A restriction is placed on a driver’s commercial driver’s license (CDL) or commercial learner’s permit (CLP) when a driver is prevented from operating a certain type of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) or must meet certain criteria in order to operate the CMV.

Scope

This regulation applies to all people who operate CMVs in interstate, intrastate, or foreign commerce that require drivers to have a restriction placed on their CDL or CLP.

Regulatory citations

Key definitions

  • Air brakes: Brakes that use compressed air to activate the brakes.
  • Commercial driver’s license (CDL): A license issued to an individual by a state or other jurisdiction of domicile, in accordance with the standards contained in 49 CFR 383, to an individual which authorizes the individual to operate a class of a commercial motor vehicle.
  • Commercial learner’s permit (CLP): A permit issued to an individual by a state or other jurisdiction of domicile, in accordance with the standards in 49 CFR 383, which, when carried with a valid driver’s license issued by the same state or jurisdiction, authorizes the individual to operate a class of a commercial motor vehicle when accompanied by a holder of a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) for purposes of behind-the-wheel training. When issued to a CDL holder, a CLP serves as authorization for accompanied behind-the-wheel training in a CMV for which the holder’s current CDL is not valid.
  • Manual transmission: A transmission utilizing a driver-operated clutch that is activated by a pedal or lever and a gear-shift mechanism operated either by hand or foot.
  • Medical variance: A driver has received either a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)-issued exemption letter or FMCSA-issued Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) certificate that allows the driver to be issued a medical certificate.

Summary of requirements

Restrictions prevent the operation of certain vehicles. The federal licensing rules contain these restrictions:

RestrictionDescription
Air brake (L)If an applicant either fails the air brake portion of the knowledge test, or performs the skills test in a vehicle not equipped with air brakes, the state must indicate on the CLP or CDL that the person is restricted from operating a CMV equipped with air brakes.
Full air brake (Z)If an applicant performs the skills test in a vehicle equipped with air over hydraulic brakes, the state must indicate on the CDL that the person is restricted from operating a CMV equipped with any braking system operating fully on the air brake principle. Air over hydraulic brakes includes any braking system operating partially on the air brake and partially on the hydraulic brake principle.
Manual transmission (E) If an applicant performs the skills test in a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission, the state must indicate on the CDL that the person is restricted from operating a CMV equipped with a manual transmission.
Tractor-trailer (O)If an applicant performs the skills test in a combination vehicle for a Group A CDL with the power unit and towed unit connected with a pintle hook or other non-fifth wheel connection, the state must indicate on the CDL that the person is restricted from operating a tractor-trailer combination connected by a fifth wheel that requires a Class A CDL
Group A passenger vehicle (M)If an applicant applying for a passenger endorsement performs the skills test in a passenger vehicle requiring a Class B CDL, the state must indicate on the CDL that the person is restricted from operating a passenger vehicle requiring a Class A CDL.
Group A and Group B passenger vehicle (N) If an applicant applying for a passenger endorsement performs the skills test in a passenger vehicle requiring a Class C CDL, the state must indicate on the CDL that the person is restricted from operating a passenger vehicle requiring a Class A or Class B CDL.
Medical variance restriction (V) The driver has received from FMCSA either an exemption letter or Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) certificate that allows the driver to be issued a medical certificate.

States may have additional codes for restrictions. These codes are explained on the license.

['Commercial drivers license CDL']
['CDL endorsements and restrictions']
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