Ohio Commercial Driver's License FAQs
Find Your Commercial Truck at 56 Auto Sales!
When you're embarking on the journey of opening a small business, or joining an already-established operation, you may need to get behind the wheel of a heavy-duty vehicle in order to get the job done. Commercial vehicles may include heavy-duty pickup trucks, cargo vans, or even chassis cabs. No matter what kind of commercial vehicle you drive, you're going to want to apply for your commercial driver's license in order to properly operate the vehicle of your choice. Here in the state of Ohio, there are some specific steps you can take in order to achieve your commercial driver's licensure. Keep reading down below as we here at 56 Auto Sales walk you through some frequently asked questions about commercial driver's licenses, so you can make the process as simple as possible. Read on to learn more!Â
Are There Different Kinds of Commercial Licenses?
For those who are unfamiliar with commercial licenses, it may seem confusing when you start the research process. One of the first steps in getting your commercial truck license is to determine which kind of license you need! Across the board, driver's licenses are separated into different categories, called classes, based on the type of vehicle you're licensed to drive. For example, the classic driver's license that most folks get at age 16 is a Class D license, which covers your typical passenger vehicles that you drive in everyday life. For commercial licenses, you can get a Class A, B, or C license. Classes A and B are based on the weight (GVWR) and towing capacity (GCWR) of the vehicles you drive. Class C covers vehicles that are made to transport 16 or more passengers, or carry hazardous materials.
What are the Requirements for a CDL in Ohio?
A commercial driver's license, or CDL, is different from a regular Class D license. In fact, in order to get your CDL you must already be a licensed driver in the state of Ohio. If you're interested in applying for your CDL, you'll need to fulfill a few requirements. All applicants must be at least 18 years old, and provide their valid driver's license, and a proof of US citizenship. From there, you'll also need to pass a vision test, and meet the physical requirements as described by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. There's also a written test, as well as a skills test, which will include a pre-trip inspection, a maneuverability test, and finally, a road test.
Are There Restrictions for CDLs?
Just like the classes we described above, your CDL can also include some of the many restrictions. Restrictions are essentially special markers on your license that specify the types of vehicles, cargo, or weight that you're allowed to drive with. If your license excludes any specific circumstances, then the restriction letter on your commercial driver's license will indicate it. Each restriction is represented by a letter of the alphabet, and there are many different restrictions that you could potentially add to your license. A few examples are K: Intrastate Only, which means the driver can only operate commercial vehicles within one state, or L: Vehicles Without Airbrakes. This means the driver can only operate vehicles with airbrakes.Â
Check Out Our Commercial Inventory Today at 56 Auto Sales!
For customers in Ohio looking for the perfect commercial vehicle, 56 Auto Sales has you covered! Whether you're interested in a reliable Ram 1500, a versatile Ram ProMaster, a powerful Ford Super Duty, or other great options, our extensive inventory is designed to meet your business needs. Stop by to explore our selection in person and find the ideal vehicle for your work. If you'd like to learn more, feel free to give us a call—we're here to help you every step of the way!