A Nevada CDL must be applied for in person, at a commercial DMV office. A CDL license is required in order to operate a commercial vehicle within Nevada, and across state lines. Depending on the class of license, you may be restricted to operating certain types of vehicles. All state requirements must be met prior to applying for a license. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to apply. Certain restrictions are placed on drivers younger than 21 years of age.

Commercial drivers license fees vary, and are based on the applicant’s age and the class of license. Drivers may be subject to test fees, in addition to the permit and licensing fees. Knowledge and skills tests must be completed by all applicants in order gain commercial driving privileges in Nevada.

CDL Requirements in Nevada

The Nevada CDL license requirements must be met by all applicants. Regardless of the CDL class, drivers must be at least 18 years old to apply for a CDL license. In addition, applicants must:

• Be at least 25 years of age to operate vehicles over 70 feet long.
• Be at least 21 years of age to hold an interstate license, a hazardous materials endorsement or a passenger endorsement

CDL requirements state that all drivers must hold their permits before applying for their full licenses. Furthermore, they must pass all applicable tests and practical exams. In some cases, drivers are required to complete physicals and submit medical examiner certificates. This is only required if you certify as non-excepted. Regardless, all drivers must self-certify with the NE DMV.

How to Apply for a CDL Permit in Nevada

An NV CDL permit must be applied for before a full license can be issued. Permits are valid for 180 days, and must be purchased from a commercial driver’s license office. If all of the above CDL requirements are met, drivers may apply for a license by completing the required steps, which include:

1. Submit a CDL permit application form to the DMV. Applicants must self-certify as intrastate excepted, intrastate non-excepted, interstate excepted or interstate non-excepted. Each option reflects the type of commerce in which the driver is involved, and the location of the vehicle.
2. Submit a medical examiner’s certificate, if required.
3. Submit proof of identity, such as a valid United States passport or birth certificate.
4. Submit proof of your Social Security number (SSN), such as an SSN card.
5. Submit proof of residency in two forms, such as a Nevada vehicle registration and a recent utility bill.
6. Submit proof of a name change, if applicable.
7. Take the vision test.
8. Pass all written knowledge tests.
9. Pay the permit fee.

A CDL permit must be held for at least 14 days before a skills test can be booked. During this time, drivers may practice operating their vehicles. However, CDL permit rules state that all drivers must be accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 25 years old, and:

• Holds a valid CDL in the same class.
• Holds all applicable endorsements for the same type of vehicle.
• Has over one year of licensed driving experience in the same type of vehicle.
• Is positioned next to the driver or behind the driver, while in the vehicle.

CDL Written Test in Nevada

The general CDL written test must be taken by all applicants. In addition, tests must be taken for each applicable endorsement. Written tests are available at commercial drivers license offices when a permit application is being submitted. An online CDL test is not available.

However, drivers may study the subjects online, or via the state’s CDL handbook before taking the test. Depending on the type of vehicle being driven and the cargo being transported, drivers may be required to take one or more of the following written tests:

• CDL General Knowledge Test
• Passenger Transport Test
• Air Brakes Test
• Combination Vehicles Test
• Hazardous Materials Test
• Tank Vehicles Test
• Double or Triple Trailers Test
• School Bus Test

Not all of the above CDL written tests are available to drivers applying for their permits. Hazmat written tests are only available to applicants who have completed a federal background check. All knowledge tests must be retaken if you renew your permit, or if it has been expired for more than 30 days.

Nevada CDL Training Schools & Practice Tests

CDL practice test questions are available in the NV  CDL book. While the handbook may be used for CDL prep, the NV DMV recommends additional training. There are multiple private CDL school programs for drivers who wish to enroll in a more in-depth course before taking the practical exam. While CDL training is not mandatory for most licenses, having a deeper understanding of the equipment improves your skills as a driver. Pricing and program details vary between centers.

How to Get a CDL License in Nevada

Drivers may apply for CDL licensure after holding their permits for more than 14 days. Contact your local CDL DMV office to make an appointment for a skills test. The skills test is the final step in receiving a full license. Follow the below steps to get your CDL license after applying for a permit:

1. Take and pass the skills tests
2. Provide proof of identity, Social Security Number and residency
3. Submit a medical examiner’s certificate, if applicable
4. Submit a completed CDL application form
5. Pay the CDL licensing fee

Information on where to get CDL licenses can be found on the state’s DMV website. Opening times vary between locations.

CDL Driving Test in Nevada

The practical CDL test can be taken at a DMV office or via a third-party test center. Appointments must be made at least four days prior to arriving if taken at a third-party location. The road skills exam is the final stage in applying for a license, and tests the driver’s ability to perform a safety inspection, control the vehicle and drive on public roads. Note that the CDL driving test cannot be completed with the aid of an interpreter.

Drivers must complete the CDL driving skills test using the same vehicle for which their license applications are being processed. There are three stages to the test:

1. Vehicle inspection
2. Basic vehicle control
3. On-road driving

Drivers must pass each section before advancing to the next stage.

How to Get a CDL as a Military Member in Nevada

The state accepts military CDL waivers for applicants who have operated similar vehicles while on active duty. The waiver allows drivers to skip the skills test portion of the application. However, drivers must meet certain requirements before applying. Applicants must:

• Be members of the military, National Guard or Reserve.
• Hold a drivers license in Nevada.
• Be currently employed – or formerly employed – by the military within one year of submitting an application.

To apply for a CDL for veterans or military using a waiver, drivers must submit the permit application, take all applicable written tests and submit the skills test waiver form.

CDL Medical Exams in Nevada

The new DOT physical requirements must be met be all drivers. When applying for a permit, drivers must self-certify with the DMV. Depending on the self-certification, you may need to submit a medical examiner’s certificate with your application.

If a CDL physical is required, you must visit a DOT medical examiner and obtain a certificate. The CDL medical exam certificate becomes part of your driving record. Any changes or updates to your health or commerce must be sent to the NV DMV.

Types of CDL Classes in Nevada

There are three types of CDL licenses in Nevada: the Class A license, Class B license and Class C license. Each type refers to the vehicle’s weight and function. You must apply for the class of license that reflects the commerce and size of your vehicle. See below for a brief outline of each CDL class:

1. Class A CDL – Combination vehicles weighing more than 26,000, and trailers weighing more than 10,000 pounds.
2. Class B CDL – Buses and truck weighing more than 26,000, and trailers weighing less than 10,001 pounds.
3. Class C CDL – Vehicles weighing less than 26,001, and trailers weighing less than 10,001 pounds.

Types of CDL Endorsements in Nevada

There are six CDL endorsements available to Nevada residents. An endorsement is added to a CDL if the driver is operating a specific vehicle or carrying certain cargo. The following endorsements are available in Nevada:

• X – Tanker Hazmat Endorsement
• H – Hazardous Materials Endorsement
• P – Passenger Endorsement
• S – School Bus Endorsement
• N – Tanker Endorsement
• T – Double/Triple Trailers Endorsement

Interstate vs. Intrastate Commercial Drivers Licenses in Nevada

An intrastate CDL can be used to operate a commercial vehicle within the borders of Nevada. In contrast, an interstate CDL license can be used to operate commercial vehicles within Nevada and outside of state lines. Drivers under the age of 21 cannot apply for the interstate license, however.

Commercial Driving License Fees in Nevada

The CDL license cost varies, depending on the length of the license and the number of endorsements being added. The CDL permit cost is often broken into two parts. The first payment is made during the permit application, and the second payment is made after completing the skills test.

See below for a breakdown of CDL fees in Nevada:

• Original CDL license (with knowledge and skills tests): $142.35
• Original CDL license (without skills test): $112.25
• CDL permit: $58.25
• Completion of permit: $58.25
• Endorsement added: $18.25
• Driving skills test: $31, plus a $3.25 photo fee
• Written test retake fee: $3
• Driving test retake fee: $25

California Privacy R. Request

California Opt-Out