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Welcome - today is Saturday, March 25, 2023 - our CDL Package is guaranteed current for the next 90 days.

Apply for a New Hampshire CDL (commercial drivers license)

Drivers who currently hold a valid New Hampshire operators license and wish to add commercial classifications, may appear at any New Hampshire DMV office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to begin testing and must bring:

• A current valid New Hampshire license.
• An application for CDL
• A valid, up-to-date Medical Card.

Every applicant is required to pass a vision test and the New Hampshire CDL General Knowledge Test. Additional knowledge tests are required based on the desired Classifications and Endorsements. Drivers should thoroughly review the Commercial Driver License Manual Adobe Acrobat Reader Symbol before applying for a CDL.

Once the required knowledge tests have been passed, the applicant will be scheduled for a New Hampshire CDL Road Skills Test based on the desired class and endorsements.

Add Endorsements to a New Hampshire CDL License

Drivers who have a valid New Hampshire CDL license and who wish to add additional endorsements must pass a vision test and the appropriate knowledge test for the endorsement. Applicants may go to any DMV office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. with:

• A current valid New Hampshire CDL license.
• An application for New Hampshire CDL.

Once the required knowledge tests have been passed, the applicant will be scheduled for the appropriate road skills test if applicable. Drivers applying for a hazmat endorsement must receive a Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) Fingerprint Clearance before applying.

Transfer a CDL License from another State

Written tests are generally not required to transfer a valid out-of-state CDL to a New Hampshire CDL with the same class and endorsements except in the case of Hazmat endorsements. Drivers transferring a Hazmat endorsement must be fingerprinted prior to coming to the DMV and take the Hazmat knowledge test.

Renew a New Hampshire CDL License

To renew a New Hampshire Commercial Driver License, appear in person at any DMV office with:

• An application for New Hampshire CDL.
• A current valid New Hampshire CDL license.

All applicants for New Hampshire CDL renewal must pass the vision test, and based on their endorsements, there may be the following additional requirements:

• Hazardous Material (Hazmat): Renewal of a Hazmat endorsement requires:
• Clearance from TSA via fingerprinting prior to coming to the DMV and then;
• Passing the Hazmat knowledge test.
• New Hampshire School Bus Certificate: Renewal of a school bus certificate requires:
• Proof that you have been trained and are currently on a school bus company roster for the current school year.
• Passing the school bus certificate knowledge test.

New Hampshire Commercial Driver Learner Permit

Pursuant to New Hampshire laws RSA 263:88, and 263:25, Administrative Rule Saf-C 1810.01, and Federal law 49CFR 383.25, a New Hampshire Commercial Driver Learner Permit is provided to applicants who are applying for a New Hampshire Commercial Driver License (CDL), or who currently hold a CDL but wish to upgrade, or remove restriction.

The holder of a New Hampshire Commercial Driver Learner Permit may drive a commercial motor vehicle only when accompanied by a person 25 years of age or older who holds a Commercial Driver License for the type of vehicle driven, and who must occupy the seat immediately adjacent to the individual holding the permit. In the case of a school bus or motor coach, the CDL holder shall occupy the seat directly behind or in the first row behind the driver.

A New Hampshire Commercial Driver Learner Permit is valid for 180 days; however, it may be renewed one time as long as the required knowledge examinations were successfully completed within a one year period. If your knowledge examinations were taken more than one year ago, you must re-take the knowledge tests to be eligible for the renewed permit.

Eligible drivers may apply for a Commercial Driver Learner Permit in person at any DMV location.

To get a New Hampshire Commercial Driver Learner Permit, applicants must:

• Hold a valid New Hampshire Driver License
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have a valid medical card on file with the DMV
• Bring a completed CDL Application
• Pay the appropriate fees
• Successfully pass all applicable knowledge examinations

New Hampshire CDL Restrictions:

• Permit holders with a passenger (P) endorsement may not carry passengers other than the accompanying CDL holder, Federal/State auditors, inspectors, and test examiners.
• Permit holders with a school bus (S) endorsement are prohibited from operating a school bus with passengers other than the accompanying CDL holder, Federal/State auditors, inspectors, and test examiners.
• Permit holders with a tank vehicle (N) endorsement may only operate an empty tank vehicle and is prohibited from operating any tank vehicle that previously contained hazardous materials that has not been purged of any residue.
• Permit holders are prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle transporting hazardous materials.

How to schedule a New Hampshire CDL road test:

Upon successful completion of all applicable knowledge examinations, the road examination may be scheduled no sooner than fourteen (14) days from the issuance of the Commercial Driver Learner Permit at any DMV office, or you may call (603) 227-4020.

New Hampshire Commercial Driver License Fees

• CDL - A Combination of Vehicles - $60.00
• CDL - B Single Vehicles weighing 26,001 lbs. or more - $60.00
• CDL - C Single vehicle weighing 26,000 lbs. or less, a bus designed to transport 16 or more occupants, a hazardous material or a tank vehicle - $60.00
• CDL Learner's Permit (in addition to appropriate fee above) - $20.00

New Hampshire CDL Endorsements (fee is to be added to the appropriate fee above)

• H - Hazardous Materials - $10.00
• N - Tank Vehicles - $10.00
• P - Passenger Vehicles (16 or more occupants) - $10.00
• S - School Bus - $10.00
• T - Double/Triple Vehicles - $10.00

New Hampshire CDL Written Knowledge Tests
You will need to pass the New Hampshire Knowledge Tests that are required for the class of license, restriction, and endorsements you wish to possess. A general knowledge test for the Class A or Class B and C license must be successfully completed by all CDL applicants. The information needed to pass these tests is contained in the FREE New Hampshire CDL Handbook. Please read and study this manual carefully.

• Class A - 70 Questions (50 GK + 20 Combination Vehicles) - Skills test required.
• Class B - 50 Questions - Skills test required.
• Class C - 50 Questions - Skills test required for bus, school bus and air brakes vehicles.
• Passenger Endorsement - 20 questions - Skills test required in bus.
• School Bus Endorsement - 25 questions - Skills test required in school bus.
• Doubles/Triples Endorsement - 20 questions - No additional skills tests.
• Tank Vehicle Endorsement - 20 questions - No additional skills tests.
• Hazardous Materials Endorsement - 30 questions - No additional skills tests.
• Air Brake Restriction Removal - 25 questions - Additional skills test in vehicle with Air Brakes.

Classes of New Hampshire CDL and Required Tests

CDL Class	Tests Required	Possible Endorsements and Required Tests
Class A (Combination vehicle endorsement required)	General Knowledge Written Exam Combination Endorsement Written Exam Road Exam	H - Hazardous Materials Written Exam N - Tank Vehicles Written Exam P - Passenger Transport Written and Road Exam T - Doubles/Triples Written Exam X - HazMat and Tank Vehicles Written Exam L - Air Brakes Written and Road Exam S - School Bus Written and Road Exam
Class B	General Knowledge Written Exam Road Exam	H - Hazardous Materials Written Exam N - Tank Vehicles Written Exam P - Passenger Transport Written and Road Exam X - HazMat and Tank Vehicles Written Exam L - Air Brakes Written and Road Exam S - School Bus Written and Road Exam
Class C	General Knowledge Written Exam Road Exam Note: If upgrading to a Class C from a Class D, no road test is required UNLESS the endorsement requires one.	H - Hazardous Materials Written Exam N - Tank Vehicles Written Exam P - Passenger Transport Written and Road Exam X - HazMat and Tank Vehicles Written Exam L - Air Brakes Written and Road Exam S - School Bus Written and Road Exam

New Hampshire CDL Endorsements

Exam	Time Allowed (Minutes)	# of Questions on Exam	# of Correct Answers Needed to Pass
General Knowledge	60	50	40
Air Brakes	25	25	20
HazMat	30	30	24
Tank	20	20	16
Passenger	20	20	16
Doubles/Triples	20	20	16
Combination Vehicles	20	20	16
School Bus	20	20	16

What is a CDL?
A "CDL" is a Commercial Drivers License. It meets certain minimum "standards" that are the same for every state. It differs from the New Hampshire "operator's" or "chauffeur's" licenses. It is required if you drive certain kinds of commercial trucks or buses.

What is the COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ACT OF 1986 (CMVSA/86) administered by the FMCSA?
It is a law passed by the United States Congress which requires ALL the individual states to comply with certain standards in regards to the licensing of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. New Hampshire driver licensing standards comply with the law, requiring CMV drivers to obtain a New Hampshire Commercial Driver's License (CDL) when driving applicable trucks and buses. A CDL license can ONLY be issued in the driver's STATE OF LEGAL RESIDENCE, and if you have a CDL, you can have NO OTHER DRIVER'S LICENSE in ANY other state.

When do I need a New Hampshire CDL instead of my regular New Hampshire Drivers License?
A New Hampshire CDL is required if you operate any of the following CMV's . . .
1. A vehicle with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 lbs.
2. A vehicle towing a unit with a manufacturer's GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs. when the GCWR exceeds 26,000 lbs.
3. A vehicle used to . . .(a.) carry 15 or more passengers (excluding the driver), or (b.) carry (15) or less people (including the driver) when carrying children to or from school and home regularly for compensation.
4. A vehicle carrying hazardous materials in amounts requiring placarding.

What are the eligibility requirements to obtain a New Hampshire CDL?
1. You must be 21 years old. (18 years if all commercial driving is done within New Hampshire and if no hazardous materials requiring placarding are transported and if you do not drive double or triple trailer rigs).
2. You must be physically capable (in accordance with the MCSR 49 CFR 391.41 Physical Qualifications for Drivers regulations) of obtaining a valid DOT medical examiner's card (before being issued a CDL permit or taking any CDL skills test).
3. You must otherwise qualify for the license based on your driving record. Any of the following will disqualify you from obtaining a New Hampshire CDL . . .
* If you possess a license from any state other than New Hampshire.
* If you are currently subject to any disqualification of your commercial driving privilege from New Hampshire or any other state.
* If your license is currently suspended, revoked, denied, or cancelled.
* If you have a conviction for operating a commercial motor vehicle while impaired in the 24 months immediately preceding application.
* other technical rules, and further restrictions that pertain only to New Hampshire are covered in detail within the Course.

How do I obtain a New Hampshire CDL?
1. Show your New Hampshire driver license.
2. You must take and pass all New Hampshire examinations that apply to your license class and endorsement requirements.
3. Show proof of social security number.
4. Meet New Hampshire driver record eligibility requirements as determined by the State.
5. Fill out an application including certifications.
6. Provide a DOT medical certificate and pass the required CDL knowledge and vision tests (BEFORE a CDL Temporary Instruction Permit will be issued).
7. Pay the New Hampshire CDL fees.
8. Schedule, take, and pass your New Hampshire CDL skills test.

A separate booklet is included in the New Hampshire CDL Course package which covers information such as fees, locations, contacts, procedures and other items specific to New Hampshire for the written and skills examinations for ALL classes of CDL and ALL available endorsements.

What is a CDL "Skills Test" and how do I take it?
A "skills" test is the practical portion of the exam and includes . . .
1. A vehicle inspection test to measure your ability to perform a vehicle safety check.
2. A basic control skills test.
3. A driving test.
The skills test is normally given at an approved third party testing site in your area. This can vary and the latest procedures are indicated in the New Hampshire CDL Course.

So let's say I get a New Hampshire CDL. Can I use it Out-of-State?
Yes! It is good throughout the entire United States.

Can my New Hampshire CDL be suspended or revoked?
Yes, there are MANY reasons that your New Hampshire CDL can be suspended or revoked. Improper use of alcohol or drugs, traffic violations, and failure to notify top the list. The Course details ALL of the rules regarding suspension or revocation. The point to remember is that alcohol or drug use is not tolerated and your record WILL FOLLOW YOU THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES FOREVER!!!

So let's say that my New Hampshire CDL is revoked. Can't I just apply for a CDL in another State?
No!!! Those days are gone.

Are there any exemptions to being required to have New Hampshire CDL?
Yes, a few . . .
1. Active Duty Military . . . with military licenses operating military vehicles.
2. Firefighters . . . meeting approved training standards and operating authorized emergency vehicles.
3. Farmers . . . in certain cases.
4. Individuals ....operating motor homes or other vehicles used exclusively to transport personal possessions or family members, for non business purposes.

What do the terms Class A, Class B, and Class C mean on my New Hampshire CDL?
It refers to the type of vehicle that you may operate . . .
CLASS A . . . allows you to operate vehicles which tow trailers or other vehicles with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds. A Class "A" license also allows you to operate Class B and C vehicles.
CLASS B . . . allows you to operate single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more OR a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more, towing trailers/vehicles rated at 10,000 pounds GVWR or less. A Class "B" license also allows you to operate Class C vehicles.
CLASS C . . .allows you to operate vehicles under 26,001 lbs. GVWR, that would normally not require a CDL; except when they are designed to transport 16 or more persons including the driver; or that carry 15 or less people (including the driver) transporting children to or from school and home regularly for compensation, or carry hazardous materials in amounts requiring placarding. Applicable endorsements are required.

What are Endorsement Codes and when do I need them on my New Hampshire CDL?
Endorsements are necessary for certain commercial driving requirements as follows . . .
(T) DOUBLE or TRIPLE TRAILERS.
(P) PASSENGER. For vehicles which are designed to carry 16 or more people (including the driver); or those which carry 15 or less people (including the driver) transporting children to or from school and home regularly for compensation.
(N) TANK VEHICLES. For vehicles designed to haul liquids or liquefied gases in bulk in permanently mounted tanks or portable tanks rated at 1,000 gallons or more.
(H) HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. To carry hazardous materials in amounts requiring placards.
(X) Endorsement code designating a Tank (N) vehicle that carries Hazardous Materials (H).

I'm over 18 years old, but not 21 years old yet. Can I get a New Hampshire CDL license?
Yes . . . with restrictions. You are limited to INTRAstate driving of commercial vehicles (you cannot drive a commercial truck or bus out of New Hampshire). You cannot drive a vehicle requiring HAZ MAT placarding, cannot drive double or triple trailer rigs and cannot drive a School Bus with children on board until you turn 21 years of age.