Need to apply for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Nevada? Then you’ll need to be at least 18 years old, hold a valid Nevada driver’s license, and maintain a clean driving record before hitting the road.

In the Silver State, all bus drivers, truckers, and any other commercial motor vehicle driver must carry a commercial driver’s license to operate these specialized large vehicles. While applying for a Nevada CDL can be daunting at first, the requirements are relatively simple. They include proof of identity and residency, along with a valid driver’s license, commercial learner’s permit, a clean driving record, and of course your own vehicle with valid registration and insurance.

Want to learn more? Here to guide you through all the necessary requirements for a CDL from the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is

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What is required for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Nevada?

The path toward receiving a CDL in Nevada can get complicated. Minimum requirements for a Nevada CDL include valid identification documents, a

clean driving record,

and a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) to use for your CDL skills test.

But specific requirements will be based on the class of CDL you’re applying for, in addition to any endorsements you’ll need to operate a particular vehicle.

Nevada CDL classes

In the Silver State, there are three types of CDL classes available that allow you to operate a commercial vehicle:

Class A: Any combination of vehicles whose Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) surpasses 26,001 pounds where the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the towed vehicle is heavier than 10,000 pounds. For example, tractor-trailers, triple trailers, tankers, and flatbeds.

Class B: Any single vehicle with a GVWR heavier than 26,001 pounds or any combination of vehicles where the GVWR of the towed vehicle is up to 10,000 pounds. For example, straight trucks, large buses, and dump trucks with small trailers.

Class C: Commercial vehicles designed to transport at least 16 passengers or hazardous material (HAZMAT) that do not meet the criteria for either Class A or B. For example, HAZMAT vehicles and passenger vans.

Endorsements

Looking to operate a specific type of vehicle in Nevada? There are five types of CDL endorsements:

H: Hazardous materials

N: Tank vehicles

P: Passenger transport

S: School buses

T: Towing two or three trailers over a specific weight

If you’re applying for a commercial learner’s permit, please note that the only endorsements you can obtain include N, P, and S. Other restrictions may apply as well.

Minimum age requirement

In Nevada, CDL drivers ages 18 to 20 will contain the following restrictions:

Restriction R (no passengers or HAZMAT)

Restriction 2 (intrastate commerce only)

You must be at least 21 years old to operate a CMV for interstate commerce and to obtain endorsements for hazardous materials or passengers. Once you’re 25 years old, you can receive an endorsement for vehicle combinations over 70 feet in length.

Medical requirements

Lastly, all CDL drivers must self-certify the type of driving they will do through

Self-Certification

. There are four categories:

Interstate non-excepted

Interstate excepted

Intrastate non-excepted

Intrastate excepted

Most CDL drivers that specifically drive in interstate commerce with a maximum gross vehicle weight rating of over 10,000 pounds are considered "non-excepted interstate" drivers and must submit a Medical Examination Certificate. You’ll have to obtain your exam from an approved physician listed in the

National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners

“Excepted” drivers are not required to submit a medical exam under state or federal law, but be aware that your employer may require a medical exam.

MORE:

Nevada car insurance laws

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How to apply for a CDL in Nevada

Before you apply for a Nevada CDL, you’ll want to make sure you have a

valid Nevada driver’s license

and a

clean driving record

Any major traffic offenses, like

violating DUI laws

reckless driving laws

could disqualify you from receiving your CDL in Nevada altogether.

New drivers attempting to get a Nevada CDL for the first time have to apply for a Commercial License Permit (CLP) before receiving a full CDL for a $57.25 fee. These are the necessary documents you’ll need to bring to your

local driver’s license office

A valid Nevada non-commercial or commercial driver’s license

Proof of

identity and residency

CDL Self-Certification

Medical Examination Certificate (if required)

List of all states where you have held any commercial or non-commercial driver’s licenses in the last 10 years

Complete an

Application for Commercial Driving Privileges

You’ll also need to pass all required knowledge tests for your specific license class and endorsements. All applicants must pass at least 80% of the questions on each required test.

A CLP is also required if you’re upgrading your CDL to a higher class, adding an endorsement, or removing a restriction if any of these actions require a skills test. Additionally, you’ll need a CLP if your CDL has been invalid for over four years.

Entry-level commercial drivers must successfully complete training from an approved provider listed in the

Training Provider Registry

through the federal government before moving forward with the CDL process. A CLP is valid for 180 days in the state of Nevada.

In Nevada, you must hold a CLP for at least 14 days before taking a DMV skills test. Once this time has passed, all you have to do is set an appointment with your local CDL office to administer the test. Skills test requirements include:

A valid driver’s license and CLP

Complete entry-level driving training

Vehicle inspection (bring your own pointer to identify all vehicle parts)

Your own vehicle (w/ valid registration)

Vehicle insurance

The skills test must be taken in a vehicle that the applicant operates or expects to operate. You’ll also have to pass a vision test and pay a $141.25 fee if your CDL requires a knowledge and skills test. But you’ll only have to pay $111.25 if your license requires a knowledge test only.

Once you’ve passed your skills test, then you’re ready to conquer the road with a Nevada CDL!

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How long is a CDL valid in Nevada?

Once you receive your CDL in Nevada, you must renew it every eight years or every four years if you’re over the age of 65.

You’ll also have to pass any required test and pay a renewal fee. Renewals that require knowledge tests only or no tests are $111.25 (eight years) or $57.25 (four years). Meanwhile, renewals that require knowledge and skills tests are $141.25 (8 years) or $87.25 (four years).

Please note that if you hold an H endorsement, you’ll have to pass the hazardous materials endorsement test and go through a background check too.

MORE:

How to find temporary car insurance in Nevada

How to save on car insurance in Nevada

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