Your Comprehensive Guide to Idaho Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL) - Insights from the ID Dept of Transportation

Obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Idaho can seem complex, but understanding the requirements and processes is crucial for anyone wanting to operate commercial vehicles. This guide, drawing upon information from the Idaho Department of Transportation (ID DOT), aims to simplify the CDL program, ensuring you have all the details you need to navigate your path to becoming a certified commercial driver in Idaho. Whether you are renewing your CDL or seeking to obtain one for the first time, understanding the guidelines set forth by the Id Dept Of Transportation is your first step towards compliance and safe driving.

Who Needs an Idaho CDL? – Defining Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs)

The Idaho Department of Transportation strictly adheres to federal standards when defining who must obtain a CDL. The CDL program is in place to enhance safety on public roads by ensuring that all commercial drivers are adequately tested and licensed. You are required to have a CDL to operate any of the following Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs):

Large Combination Vehicles: Any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the towed unit exceeds 10,000 pounds. This typically includes tractor-trailers and similar heavy-duty combinations.
Heavy Single Vehicles: Any single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. This category covers large trucks like dump trucks, cement mixers, and large box trucks.
Passenger Vehicles: Vehicles designed to transport 16 or more people, including the driver. This includes large passenger vans and buses.
School Buses: Any yellow and black bus, regardless of size, used for transporting children to school or school-related events. Safety is paramount when transporting students, hence the CDL requirement.
Hazardous Materials Vehicles: Any vehicle, irrespective of size, that is required to display hazardous material placards under federal regulations. Transporting hazardous materials demands specialized knowledge and skills, hence the CDL and specific endorsements.

It is important to understand the difference between GVWR and GCWR, as defined by the ID Dept of Transportation:

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This is the manufacturer’s specified maximum weight rating for a single vehicle (truck, bus, or trailer). This rating is usually found on a plate or sticker located inside the driver’s side door of trucks. For trailers, it’s often found on the front, tongue, or frame. In Idaho, if a GVWR is not specified, the ID Dept of Transportation considers the actual weight of the vehicle plus its heaviest possible load as the GVWR. The sum of the GVWR of all tires can also give an approximate GVWR. Note that other states may have different definitions.
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): This is calculated by adding the GVWR of each unit in a combination vehicle. Understanding GCWR is essential for drivers of combination vehicles to ensure they operate within legal limits.

CDL Exemptions in Idaho – When is a CDL Not Required?

Even if your vehicle meets the criteria of a CMV, the Idaho Department of Transportation acknowledges certain exemptions where a CDL is not required. These exemptions are categorized into four main areas:

Recreational Vehicle Exemption: This exemption applies to drivers operating vehicles exclusively for personal recreational purposes, transporting personal possessions or family members, and not for any business activities. For instance, driving a large RV for a family vacation does not typically require a CDL.
Military Vehicle Exemption: Active-duty military personnel and uniformed civilian personnel subject to the Code of Military Justice are exempt when operating military vehicles. This exemption recognizes the specialized training and operational context of military vehicle operation.
Emergency Vehicle Exemption: Drivers of firefighting and other emergency equipment used in emergency situations to preserve life or property are exempt. This exemption ensures that emergency services can be promptly delivered without CDL licensing being a barrier.
Farm Vehicle Exemption: This exemption is specifically designed for agricultural operations and applies under strict conditions:
- The vehicle must be controlled and operated by a farmer, family member, or farmhand.
- It must be used to transport agricultural products, farm supplies, and machinery to or from a farm.
- It cannot be used in common or contract carrier operations, meaning it cannot be used to transport goods for hire.
- The vehicle cannot be driven more than 150 miles (as the crow flies) from the farm.

Alt text: An Idaho Department of Transportation Port of Entry weigh station, ensuring commercial vehicle compliance and safety.

The farm exemption, as clarified by the ID Dept of Transportation, is intended for small, local farm-to-market operations. It generally does not extend beyond Idaho’s borders unless there’s a reciprocity agreement with neighboring states. Critically, this exemption does not cover farmers who are compensated for transporting other farmers’ products.

CDL License Classes – Determining Your License Type

The Idaho Department of Transportation issues three classes of CDLs: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Vehicles that do not fall into these classes are operated with a Class D (non-commercial) license. The class of CDL you need depends on the type of commercial vehicle you intend to operate.

Class A CDL: Required for operating combination vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more, where the GVWR of the towed vehicle(s) is greater than 10,000 pounds. A Class A license holder, with appropriate endorsements, can also operate vehicles requiring Class B, C, or D licenses. This is the highest class of CDL, typically for tractor-trailer drivers.
Class B CDL: Needed for single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or any such vehicle towing another vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less. A Class B license holder, with proper endorsements, can also operate vehicles requiring Class C or D licenses. This class is common for drivers of large straight trucks or buses.
Class C CDL: This class is for vehicles with a GVWR or GCWR less than 26,001 pounds but are either designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or used to transport hazardous materials that require placards. A Class C license holder can also operate vehicles requiring a Class D license. This class includes smaller passenger vans, and vehicles carrying moderate amounts of hazardous materials.

CDL Endorsements – Adding Specialized Authorizations

For certain types of commercial vehicle operations, the Idaho Department of Transportation requires specific endorsements added to your CDL. These endorsements signify that you have passed additional tests and are qualified to handle specialized vehicles or cargo.

Double/Triple Trailers (T): This endorsement is needed if you plan to pull two or three trailers. Note that a dolly or load divider is considered a trailer for endorsement purposes.
Hazardous Materials (H): Required for transporting hazardous materials that necessitate placards under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act. Obtaining this endorsement involves a written test and a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security threat assessment (background check), which is also required at each CDL renewal. The ID Dept of Transportation emphasizes the importance of security and safety in hazardous material transport.
Passenger (P): This endorsement is necessary for operating vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver. Both written and skills tests are required to obtain this endorsement, ensuring passenger safety.
School Bus (S): If you will be transporting pre-primary, primary, or secondary school students to or from school or school events, you need this endorsement. School bus drivers must hold both Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements. Both written and skills tests are mandatory.
Tank Vehicles (N): Required for operating any CMV designed to transport liquid or gaseous materials in tanks with an individual capacity over 119 gallons and an aggregate capacity of 1,000 gallons or more. This includes permanently or temporarily attached tanks. Notably, an empty storage container tank (not for transportation) temporarily attached to a flatbed trailer is not considered a tank vehicle.
Tank Vehicles/Hazardous Materials (X): This is a combination endorsement, representing both Tank Vehicle (N) and Hazardous Materials (H) endorsements. Your CDL will display either ‘X’ or both ‘N’ and ‘H’ endorsements.

CDL Restrictions – Understanding Limitations on Your License

The Idaho Department of Transportation may place certain restrictions on your CDL, limiting the types of vehicles or operations you are permitted to undertake. These restrictions are indicated by codes on your license.

K Restriction – Intrastate Operation Only: If you intend to operate commercial vehicles only within Idaho, the (K) restriction will be applied. This restriction is also automatically applied to CDL holders aged 18, 19, and 20.
L Restriction – No Air Brakes: This restriction prohibits operating vehicles equipped with air brakes. It is applied unless you pass both an air brakes knowledge test and a skills test in a vehicle with air brakes.
M Restriction – Except Class A Bus: If you have a passenger endorsement but did not perform your skills test in a Class A bus, this restriction prevents you from operating Class A buses. Typically, Class A CDL holders with a (P) endorsement will have this restriction, as Class A buses are not common in the US.
N Restriction – No Class A or B Passenger Vehicles: This restriction prevents operating Class A or B passenger vehicles (buses). It is applied to Class A or B CDLs with a passenger endorsement unless the skills test for the passenger endorsement was completed in a Class B passenger vehicle (bus).
O Restriction – No Tractor-Trailer (Fifth Wheel Connection): If your skills test for a Group A CDL was performed using a combination vehicle connected by a pintle hook or another non-fifth wheel connection, this restriction is applied. To remove it, you must pass a skills test in a tractor-trailer combination using a fifth wheel.
P Restriction – Passenger Restriction (Permit Holders): CDL instruction permit holders with a P or P and S endorsement are restricted from operating a CMV carrying passengers, except for specific authorized individuals like federal/state auditors, inspectors, examiners, other trainees, and the accompanying CDL holder.
V Restriction – Medical Variance: If the ID Dept of Transportation is notified by the FMCSA or a registered doctor about a medical variance issued to you, this restriction will be noted on your CDL.
X Restriction – Tank Vehicle Restriction (Permit Holders): A CDL instruction permit holder with an N endorsement can only operate an empty tank vehicle and is prohibited from operating any tank vehicle that previously contained hazardous materials unless it has been purged of all residue.
Z Restriction – No Full Air Brake System: If you perform your skills test in a vehicle equipped with air over hydraulic brakes, this restriction will be placed on your CDL, preventing you from operating CMVs with full air brake systems. A full skills test in a vehicle with a full air brake system is required to remove this restriction.

Seasonal CDL in Idaho – For Specific Industries

The Idaho Department of Transportation offers a Seasonal CDL for drivers in certain farm-related service industries. This type of CDL caters to the unique needs of seasonal agricultural businesses.

Eligibility: Available for drivers in farm-related service industries such as custom harvesters, farm retail outlets and suppliers, agri-chemical businesses, and livestock feeders.
Operational Area: Valid only within a 150-mile radius of the business or farm being serviced.
Validity Period: A Seasonal CDL, in conjunction with a Class D license, is valid for 180 days within a 12-month period and can be obtained only twice in a lifetime.
Vehicle Restrictions: Not valid for driving Class A (combination) vehicles or passenger vehicles designed to carry 16 or more people, including the driver.
Hazardous Materials Restrictions: Not valid for vehicles carrying hazardous materials requiring placards, except for specific exceptions like diesel fuel (≤1,000 gallons), liquid fertilizers (≤3,000 gallons in farm implements), and non-organic solid fertilizers.

For those interested in a Seasonal CDL, the ID Dept of Transportation encourages direct contact for detailed information and application procedures.

CDL Fees in Idaho – Understanding the Costs

The Idaho Department of Transportation sets specific fees associated with obtaining and maintaining a CDL. These fees are as follows:

CDL License (4-year): $40.00
CDL License (8-year): $60.00
Commercial Learner’s Permit: $29.00
Duplicate CDL or Permit: $20.00
License Upgrade: $30.00
Endorsement Addition (after CDL issuance): $20.00
Written Tests (each): $5.00
Skills Test: $10 fee to the Driver’s License Office, and up to $190 fee to the Skills Tester.
- Total combined Skills Test/Tester fees cannot exceed $200.
- Rental vehicle costs provided by testers are separate and not regulated by the ID Dept of Transportation.

Alt text: The official Commercial Driver’s License Manual PDF icon from the Idaho Department of Transportation website.

How to Obtain an Idaho CDL – Step-by-Step Guide

The process to obtain a CDL in Idaho, as outlined by the Idaho Department of Transportation, involves several key steps:

Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid Idaho non-commercial license (Class D) or have passed all tests to obtain one. You need at least one year of licensed driving experience to get a CDL.
Study the CDL Manual: Obtain and study Idaho’s “Commercial Driver’s License Manual”. This manual, provided by the ID Dept of Transportation, contains all necessary information to pass the CDL written tests and details about the skills test requirements. It’s available online and at county driver’s license offices.
Visit a County Driver’s License Office: Apply for your CDL at your local county driver’s license office. Bring your current driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of Idaho residency, and payment for fees. All applicants must provide proof of lawful presence in the U.S., typically a certified original birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued documents. If your birth certificate name differs from your current license, additional documentation is needed.
Self-Certification and Declarations: You will be asked to self-certify your driving type (Interstate or Intrastate) and whether you are subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), requiring a DOT Medical card. Your driving record will be checked, fees collected, and vision and knowledge tests administered.
Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): After passing the required written tests, you must purchase a CLP. You must hold the CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills test. Use this period to practice and prepare for the skills test.
Schedule Skills Test: Make an appointment with a certified CDL Skills Tester. A list of testers is available at the County DMV and on the ID Dept of Transportation website. Some testers offer vehicle rentals for the test.
Take the Skills Test: Bring your Driver’s License, CLP, and proof of insurance and registration for your test vehicle to the skills test appointment. Ensure your vehicle is in good working condition. The skills test includes a vehicle inspection, basic control skills test, and a road test, lasting 2-3 hours. The test must be in a vehicle representative of the license class you seek. Failing to use air brakes during the test will result in an air brake restriction on your CDL.
Obtain Your CDL: After passing all tests, visit your county driver’s license office to receive your CDL. You will be issued a temporary license, and your permanent CDL will be mailed to your provided address. Ensure your mailing address is current with the ID Dept of Transportation.

All test results are valid for one year. If a license isn’t issued within this period, tests must be retaken. If you fail a test, you must wait three days before retaking it, and test fees are reapplied. CDL tests are not required at renewal, except for the Hazardous Materials endorsement test, which must be passed at each renewal.

Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) – Practicing for Your CDL

As mandated by federal law and administered by the Idaho Department of Transportation, a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) is essential for obtaining a CDL. It allows you to practice operating a CMV on public roads under supervision.

CLP Requirements:

Minimum age of 18 years.
Valid Idaho Class D driver’s license or surrender of an out-of-state CDL.
Evidence of one year of driving experience.
Proof of lawful presence and Idaho residency.
Passing the General Knowledge CDL and other required written tests.
Purchase of an Idaho CLP (14-day holding period before CDL issuance).
Completion of the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) course for the appropriate training class.
Passing the CDL skills test in the desired vehicle class and type.
Purchase of the Idaho CDL.

When using a CLP, you must be accompanied by a CDL holder licensed to operate the same class and type of vehicle. This accompanying driver must be in the seat beside you or, in the case of a bus, in the row directly behind you. A CLP is valid for one year.

Other Laws Affecting CDL Drivers – Staying Compliant

CDL holders are subject to all standard driving laws, plus specific federal and state regulations. Violations can lead to civil and criminal penalties or CDL disqualification. The Idaho Department of Transportation highlights several key laws:

Single License Rule: You can only hold one CDL, issued by your state of residence. Upon moving to Idaho, you must obtain an Idaho CDL within 30 days.
Address Updates: Idaho drivers must maintain a current address with the ID Dept of Transportation. Notify ITD Driver Services in writing within 30 days of any address change.
Self-Certification: You must self-certify your driving type (Interstate or Intrastate) and whether you require a DOT Medical card.
Medical Card Submission: If required, you must submit a copy of your DOT medical card to the ID Dept of Transportation.
Traffic Violation Reporting: You must notify ITD Driver Services within 30 days of any traffic violation conviction (excluding parking) in any state, regardless of the vehicle type you were driving.
Employer Notification: Notify your employer within 30 days of any traffic violation conviction (excluding parking) or if your license is suspended, revoked, canceled, or if you are disqualified from driving.
Employment History: When applying for a commercial driving job, you must provide your potential employer with details of all driving jobs held in the past 10 years.
No CMV Operation Without CDL: Driving a CMV without a valid CDL can result in fines up to $5,000 and/or jail time.
Employer Responsibilities: Employers cannot permit you to drive a CMV if you have more than one license or if your CDL is suspended, revoked, or disqualified. Violations can result in fines up to $5,000 and/or jail time for the employer.
Drug and Alcohol Testing: Most CDL drivers are required to participate in a controlled substance and alcohol random testing program and enroll in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, including pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing.

Commercial Drivers Self-Certification Reporting – For Non-Active Drivers

The Idaho Department of Transportation provides guidance for CDL holders who are not actively working as commercial drivers.

Non-Active CDL Holders: If you hold a valid Idaho CDL but are not actively driving commercially, you are not required to maintain a DOT Medical card and can certify your driving category as “Excepted Intrastate.” However, if you decide to return to commercial driving in a “non-excepted” category, you must obtain a current DOT Medical card and update your certification to “actively working” before operating a CMV in a non-excepted category.

Exemption Chart: Certain categories of drivers may be exempt from the medical card requirement but not from CDL licensing, according to FMCSA regulations. These include: transportation by federal, state, and local governments; fire trucks; apiarian industries; intrastate (Idaho) vehicles transporting farm products, equipment, and supplies; agricultural products, livestock, feed, forest products, sand & gravel, wrecker/tow trucks, airline shuttles, household goods movers, occasional personal property transport, ambulances, hearses, and taxicab operations.

Medical Certificate Submission: Medical certificates can be emailed to [email protected] or faxed to 208-584-4343. Self-certification must be completed before submitting a medical certificate.

CDL Disqualifications – Consequences of Violations

The Idaho Department of Transportation enforces strict CDL disqualification rules. Your CDL privileges can be withdrawn for various periods based on the offense type.

Serious Traffic Violations: Convictions for serious traffic violations while operating a CMV can lead to disqualification:

60 days for two serious violations within three years.
120 days for three serious violations within three years.

Serious traffic violations include: excessive speeding (15+ mph over limit), reckless driving, improper lane changes, following too closely, texting or handheld mobile phone use, violations causing a fatal accident, and operating a CMV without a CDL, without a CDL in possession, or without the correct class/endorsements.

Out-of-Service Order Violations: Violating an out-of-service order results in disqualification:

90 days for a first conviction.
One year for a second conviction within 10 years.
Three years for subsequent convictions within 10 years.

If transporting hazardous materials or passengers (16+ people) at the time:

180 days for a first conviction.
Three years for subsequent convictions within 10 years.

Railroad-Grade Crossing Violations: Violations at railroad crossings result in disqualification:

60 days for a first conviction.
120 days for a second conviction within three years.
One year for a third or subsequent conviction within three years.

Major Offenses (Alcohol, Drugs, Leaving Scene, Felonies): First-time major offenses result in at least one year of CDL disqualification:

DUI in a CMV or non-CMV.
Refusing or failing BAC/drug tests.
Leaving the scene of an accident.
Using a vehicle to commit a felony.
Driving a CMV when CDL is revoked, suspended, or disqualified.
Causing a fatality through negligent CMV operation.

For major offenses while transporting placarded hazardous materials, disqualification is at least three years for the first offense. A second major offense of any kind results in lifetime CDL disqualification. Using a vehicle to commit a felony involving controlled substance manufacture, distribution, or dispensing also results in lifetime disqualification.

Implied Consent and Penalties

Idaho’s Implied Consent law means anyone driving a motor vehicle consents to BAC or drug testing if suspected of DUI. Refusal to test or failing a test can lead to CDL disqualification.

Penalties for BAC/Drug Test Failures:

First Offense (BAC ≥ 0.08% in non-CMV or ≥ 0.04% in CMV):
- CDL: 1-year disqualification.
- Class D: 90-day suspension (no driving for first 30 days).
Second Offense (BAC ≥ 0.08% in non-CMV or ≥ 0.04% in CMV):
- CDL: Lifetime disqualification (with potential for reinstatement after July 1, 2022, under specific conditions).
- Class D: 1-year suspension (no driving of any kind).

For CMV failures (BAC 0.04% to < 0.08%), Class D privileges remain valid. These penalties are separate from court-imposed penalties.

USA Patriot Act Hazardous Materials Regulations

The Idaho Department of Transportation adheres to the USA Patriot Act regulations concerning Hazardous Materials endorsements, further ensuring safety and security in hazardous material transportation.

Need More Information? – Contact the ID Dept of Transportation

For further details or clarification on any aspect of the Idaho CDL program, you are encouraged to contact the CDL Help Desk of the Idaho Department of Transportation directly at 208-584-4343 or via email at [email protected]. They are the primary resource for accurate and up-to-date information regarding CDLs in Idaho.

Your Comprehensive Guide to Idaho Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL) – Insights from the ID Dept of Transportation