How to Get an Ohio Commercial Driver’s License

Published August 25, 2023

An Ohio commercial driver’s license (CDL) is a prerequisite for anyone driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) within the state. Every license has qualifications that are governed by the state. Failure to follow these qualifications may lead to temporary or permanent suspension of your Ohio commercial driver’s license.

When Do You Need A Ohio Commercial Driver’s License?

In Ohio, a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is a vehicle that weighs 26,001 pounds or more and is used to transport hazardous items or 16 or more passengers.

But you don’t need a CMV license to drive the following:

Personal transport vehicles
Recreational vehicles
Prisoner transport vehicles
Fire trucks
Snowplows
Military vehicles
Ambulances
Farm trucks are used only for agricultural purposes.

Ohio Driving License Classification

Class A

This restriction applies only to “combination” vehicles. A Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) greater than 26,000 pounds. And a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) exceeds 10,000 pounds of the vehicle being towed.

A driver with a Class A CDL (with necessary endorsements) can also operate all vehicles classified in Class B, C, or D below.

Class B

Includes single or combination vehicles with a GVWR of greater than 26,000 pounds. The vehicle being towed cannot exceed 10,000 pounds.

A driver holding an Ohio Class B commercial license (with all necessary endorsements) is legally permitted to operate all Class C or D vehicles.

Class C

Any single vehicle or combination of vehicles does not meet the definition of Group A or Group B as defined in this section.

Class C licenses permit you to drive vehicles transporting 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

They’re designated for those transporting hazardous materials. The Hazardous Materials Transportation Act requires the motor vehicle to have a hazmat system (49 CFR part 172, subpart F).

Class D

Regular operator or private passenger.

Defining Endorsements, Restrictions, & Restricted CDLs

Endorsements

CDL operators may be required to pass extra examinations to get commercial driver’s license endorsements. Endorsements are also added to the license. This allows specialized CMVs like school buses and hazardous material tankers to operate.

Restrictions

Ohio may impose particular limits on a driver’s license based on a person’s health or experience. For instance, a driver under 21 can only drive inside the state. Going beyond can result in the revocation of your Ohio CDL or a fine.

Restricted CDL

Ohio offers a seasonal agriculture commercial driver’s license valid for 180 days. This does not involve passing knowledge or driving tests.

But, the motorist must have held a valid driver’s license for one year. They must also be free of any suspensions or prohibitions in the preceding two years.

Additionally, the driver must get a farm-related waiver and operate only a class B or C CMV within 150 miles of the farm.

Age Requirements For An Ohio Commercial Driver’s License

You must be at least 18 (intrastate) to drive within state boundaries.

However, you are required to be at least 21 years old to:

Drive commercial vehicles across state lines (interstate)
Transport hazardous materials

Ohio Commercial Driver’s License Test

Instruction Permits

For starters, the applicant must pass a driving history check, a vision test, and a written test to acquire a temporary instruction permit (TIP).

The TIP authorizes the operation of a commercial motor vehicle under the supervision of a licensed commercial driver.

CDL Driving Exam

After 14 days with a TIP, the applicant may sit for the CDL driving exam to earn a full CDL. TIP holders with prior military experience operating CMVs may be exempt from the driving exam.

Medical Exam

All Ohio commercial driver’s license holders must self-certify the sort of driving they do and receive a medical certificate. The medical certificate is a physician-signed document. This will certify that the driver is in good general health and capable of operating a CMV.

Documents You Need to Secure a CDL in Ohio

To secure a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) in Ohio in 2023, you will need to provide the following documents:

Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
Self-certification of your type of driving
Pass a vision test
Pass a physical examination
Proof of identity
Proof of citizenship in the state of Ohio and permission to work in the United States
Valid Ohio State driver’s license

Steps To Getting A Ohio Commercial Drivers License

Step 1: Get a commercial learner’s permit to drive a commercial motor vehicle for practice while preparing for an actual CDL.

Step 2: Pay the $27 commercial learner’s permit fee – a requirement for first-time testers.

Step 3: Enroll in a commercial driver’s license training course if you intend to drive a semi or work as an OTR driver (a.k.a. over-the-road or long-distance truck driver).

Step 4: Make an appointment with a CDL-certified doctor for a fitness examination. Get a certificate from the medical examiner and carry this with you at all times while operating a commercial vehicle.

Step 5: Pass an eye examination, which may be done with or without eyeglasses or contact lenses. Your regular or corrected vision in each eye must be at least 20/40.

Step 6: Submit a driving record check covering the last ten years of your driving history in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Step 7: Ensure you have the required identification documents before taking the exam. Have your driver’s license, birth certificate, and social security card to back up your:

Legal full name

Date of birth

U.S. lawful presence

Social Security Number
Ohio address

Ohio Driving Test Locations

Here are some locations where you can get a driving test in Ohio:

Bedford Driver Examination Station

Address: 22133 Rockside Road, Bedford, OH 44146 Phone: (216) 787-5880

Parma Driver Examination Station

Address: 12000 Snow Road, Parma, OH 44130

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) Offices

You can find various BMV offices throughout Ohio. Visit the Ohio BMV website or use their online services to locate your nearest office.

Ohio BMV Permit Test Locations

Here are some locations where you can take the permit test at Ohio BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) offices:

Columbus License Agency Address

1583 Alum Creek Dr, Columbus, OH 43209

Cleveland License Agency Address

12000 Snow Rd, Parma, OH 44130

Cincinnati License Agency Address

10948 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45231

Toledo License Agency Address

4925 Jackman Rd, Toledo, OH 43613

Akron License Agency Address

688 Wolf Ledges Pkwy, Akron, OH 44311

Dayton License Agency Address

7211 N. Main St., Dayton, OH 45415

Please note that all these locations are subject to change. It’s always recommended to verify the current addresses. Visit the official website of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) or contact them directly.

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About The Author

I am Tracy Gorman, a seasoned writer with a passion for exploring. What truly excites me is the ability to translate ideas into meaningful articles that assist others.