roadwise.Open study app

New Jersey driving lesson · Your License

Commercial driver licenses (CDL)

A 3-minute lesson from the New Jersey course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

Study this lesson in the app Back to the course
Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Your License
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
10, 26, 27, 28, 29

Large trucks, buses and hazardous-material vehicles need a Commercial Driver License. The class depends on the vehicle's weight and passenger count; endorsements add special vehicles. You can't start without a basic license.

Know the rule

No one can apply for a CDL without a valid basic Class D New Jersey license or a valid out-of-state CDL.

Handbook p. 26 ↗

CDL classes

CDL classes
ClassRequired for
ACombination 26,001+ lbs GCWR, towed unit over 10,000 lbs
BAny vehicle 26,001+ lbs GVWR (trailer 10,000 lbs or less)
BBus 26,001+ lbs GVWR for 16+ passengers incl. driver
CUnder 26,001 lbs, placarded for hazardous material
CBus for 16+ under 26,001 lbs; school vehicles for 15 or less
CVehicle for 8 to 15 passengers incl. driver, used for hire
Handbook p. 27 ↗

Know the rule

A Class A license also covers Class B, C and D vehicles, and Class B covers C and D, provided you have the proper endorsements.

Handbook p. 26 ↗

Know the rule

CDL applicants must be at least 18. Those under 21 may drive only within New Jersey (intrastate) and cannot get HAZMAT or passenger endorsements.

Handbook p. 10 ↗

Exempt from needing a CDL

  • Taxi and ride-sharing van drivers
  • Funeral procession drivers
  • Operators of rescue, first-aid squad or firefighter apparatus
  • Farmers hauling their own products and equipment within 150 miles of their farms
  • Non-civilian operators of military equipment
  • Operators of construction equipment not designed for public roads
  • Recreational vehicle operators, for personal use only
Handbook p. 27 ↗

CDL endorsements

CDL endorsements
CodeNeeded forRequirements
TDouble and triple trailersKnowledge test; Class A required
PBuses and passenger vehiclesRoad test; age 21 and 3 years' experience
SSchool busesKnowledge and road test; P also required
NTank vehicles (liquids or gas in bulk)Knowledge test
HHazardous materialsKnowledge test; retested every 2 years; 21+
Handbook p. 28 ↗

Know the rule

Numbered restrictions such as corrective lenses appear on commercial licenses. Restriction "L" means you may not operate a vehicle equipped with air brakes.

Handbook p. 29 ↗

Know the rule

All CDL tests are based on the MVC's Commercial Driver Manual.

Handbook p. 29 ↗

Put it into practice

A 19-year-old wants to drive a Class B dump truck for a New Jersey contractor. That's allowed within New Jersey, but he can't haul across state lines or get the H (hazmat) or P (passenger) endorsement until he is 21.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

A Class A Commercial Driver License is required to operate a tractor-trailer with a gross combination weight rating of at least how many pounds?
  1. 10,000 pounds
  2. 16,000 pounds
  3. 26,001 pounds
  4. 33,000 pounds

Answer: 26,001 pounds

A Class A CDL is required for a truck or tractor-trailer with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more, when the towed unit exceeds 10,000 pounds GVWR.

Handbook p. 26 ↗
A bus with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, requires which CDL class?
  1. Class A
  2. Class C
  3. Class D
  4. Class B

Answer: Class B

A Class B license is required for buses (including school buses) with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more designed to carry 16 or more passengers.

Handbook p. 27 ↗
A CDL holder under age 21 wants to transport hazardous materials across state lines. Is this permitted?
  1. Yes, with a parent's written consent
  2. No, intrastate only and no HAZMAT endorsement
  3. Yes, as long as they have three years of experience
  4. Yes, but only on interstate highways

Answer: No, intrastate only and no HAZMAT endorsement

CDL applicants under 21 may only travel within New Jersey and may not receive HAZMAT or passenger endorsements.

Handbook p. 10 ↗
A commercial driver wants a 'P' (Passenger) endorsement to drive a bus. What is required?
  1. Must be 18 years old with a knowledge test only
  2. No special requirements beyond a basic CDL
  3. Must be 25 years old
  4. Age 21, 3 years' experience, and a road test

Answer: Age 21, 3 years' experience, and a road test

The Passenger (P) endorsement requires the driver to be 21 years old with 3 years' driving experience and to pass a road test.

Handbook p. 28 ↗
On a commercial license, what does the restriction letter 'L' indicate?
  1. No driving vehicles with air brakes
  2. The driver may only drive at night
  3. The driver must wear corrective lenses
  4. The driver may only drive local routes

Answer: No driving vehicles with air brakes

The 'L' restriction on a commercial license means the driver may not operate a vehicle equipped with air brakes.

Handbook p. 29 ↗
A vehicle used for hire is designed to carry 12 passengers, including the driver. Which license class does New Jersey require to drive it?
  1. Class A
  2. Class B
  3. Class C
  4. Class D

Answer: Class C

A Class C license is needed for any bus or other vehicle designed to carry 8 to 15 passengers, including the driver, that is used for hire.

Handbook p. 27 ↗
Take the lesson checkpoint in the app

More in Your License

All New Jersey lessons