Looking for a complete guide to New Jersey CDL requirements?
Welcome!
Here, we’ll talk about everything you need to know before getting your CDL — from CDL classes and endorsements to eligibility requirements.
From there, we’ll walk you through ALL the steps — from getting your permit to your official CDL.
And if that’s not enough, we’ll even answer the most frequently asked questions about CDLs in New Jersey.
Talk about a complete guide!
So without further ado, let’s begin…
CDL Classes in New Jersey
Before anything else, you need to determine what CDL class you need/want.
Now, in New Jersey, there are 3 classes:
- Class A CDL
- Class B CDL
- Class C CDL
But what separates them?
Let’s take a look.
Class A CDL
A Class A CDL allows you to operate a combination vehicle with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. The towed unit should weigh 10,000 pounds or more.
Some examples of Class A vehicles include:
- Tractor-trailers
- Double and triple trailers
- Tanker vehicles
Also, since Class A is the highest form of commercial driver’s license, you are allowed to drive Class B and Class C vehicles with it (provided you get the right endorsement).
Class B CDL
As for a Class B CDL, it can operate single vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. However, if towing a unit, it should not exceed 10,000 pounds.
Some examples of Class B vehicles are:
- Straight trucks
- Box trucks
- City or tour buses
A Class B CDL can also operate Class C vehicles (if you have the right endorsement), but not Class A vehicles.
Class C CDL
A Class CDL allows you to operate a vehicle that fulfills one of the following:
- Any vehicle that transports hazardous materials
- Any vehicle that is designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver
- Any vehicle (commercial or private) that is used to transport children to and from school or any school-related activities.
- Any vehicle for hire that transports 8 or more passengers but less than 16, including the driver
CDL Endorsements in New Jersey
Certain vehicles or loads require special training. And to prove that you underwent that training (and thus can operate that vehicle or carry that load), your CDL should have an endorsement.
In New Jersey, there are 6 endorsements. We detail them in the table below.
| Endorsement | Meaning | Requirements |
| H | Can transport hazardous materials | Written test |
| N | Can operate tank vehicles | Written test |
| P | Can operate vehicles that carry passengers | Written and skills tests |
| S | Can operate a school bus | Written and skills tests for S and P endorsements |
| T | Can carry a double/triple trailer | Written test |
| X | Can operate a tank vehicle that carries hazardous materials | Written tests for X and H endorsements |
NOTE: You can add some endorsements (P, S, and N) to your CDL permit, while other endorsements (H, T, and X) can only be added once you get an official CDL.
CDL Requirements in New Jersey
Hold up…
Are you even eligible to apply for a CDL in New Jersey?
Well, here is a complete list of all the New Jersey CDL requirements:
- Meet the age requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old if driving intrastate
- Be at least 21 years old, with 3 years of driving experience, if driving interstate or getting an H, P, or S endorsement
- Be a US citizen or have lawful permanent resident status
- Hold a basic New Jersey driver’s license
- Have 20/40 vision in each eye (with/without glasses)
- Be able to recognize red, amber, and green colors
- Be physically fit
If you’re able to satisfy all of that, then let’s move on to the steps to getting your New Jersey CDL.
If not, then we suggest you first work on the specific requirement(s) you don’t meet.
How to Get A CDL in New Jersey
To make the steps easier for you, we’ll first look at how to get a CDL permit before moving on to earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL).
So let’s start with the CDL permit.
How to Get A New Jersey CDL Permit
Here are the steps to getting your New Jersey CDL permit:
- Schedule an appointment for your CDL permit.
- On your scheduled date, bring the following documents:
- A filled-out Application for Commercial Driver License form
- A filled-out CDL Holder Self-Certification form
- A valid medical certificate (check the CDL Holder Self-Certification form to see if this applies to you)
- Proof of identity and date of birth
- Proof of New Jersey residency
- Proof of US citizen or legal presence
- Proof of Social Security Number
NOTE: Click here to see what documents are accepted.
- Pay $125 to get your Examination Test Receipt. You can pay with cash, credit card, check, or money order.
- Take and pass the CDL knowledge test.
NOTE: You don’t have to take the test on the spot. If you still need to study the NJ CDL manual, you can simply schedule another appointment for your CDL knowledge test.
NOTE II: If you schedule another appointment for your CDL knowledge test, you must resubmit the documents listed above on the new date.
- Have your Examination Test Receipt validated. Make sure to keep this for your CDL road test.
- Receive your CDL permit.
You can now practice driving a vehicle under your CDL class. But remember, you must be supervised by a licensed commercial driver at all times.
How to Get A New Jersey CDL
Here are the steps to getting your official CDL in New Jersey:
- Hold your CDL permit for at least 14 days.
- Complete an FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) program if:
- You are getting a first-time Class A or Class B CDL
- You are getting a first-time S, P, or H endorsement
- You are upgrading from a Class B CDL to a Class A CDL
- Schedule an appointment for your CDL road test.
- On your scheduled date, bring the following:
- Your valid CDL permit and validated Examination Test Receipt
- A licensed commercial driver with the same CDL class/endorsement as yours
- A vehicle that falls under your CDL class/endorsement (must have valid GVWR placards displayed)
- The vehicle’s registration, insurance, and current inspection sticker
- Proof of identity and date of birth
- Proof of New Jersey residency
- Proof of US citizen or legal presence
- Proof of Social Security Number
NOTE: You can check here what documents are valid.
- Take and pass the 3 parts of the CDL road test:
- Pre-trip inspection
- Basic skills
- Road skills
NOTE: If you fail your CDL road test, you can retake it after 2 weeks. If you keep on failing, then you may need to wait 6 months to do it again.
- Pay the CDL fee of $42 and the endorsement fee of $2 each (if applicable).
- Get your CDL.
You are now officially a commercial licensed driver in New Jersey!
CONGRATS!
FAQS
As promised, we’re going to go over a few of the most frequently asked questions about CDLs in New Jersey.
How long does it take to get a CDL in New Jersey?
The CDL application process can take at least 7 weeks to complete. This already takes into consideration your mandatory 14-day CDL permit hold and completing your ELDT program.
Of course, if you fail either the CDL knowledge or road test (or both), the process will take longer as you have to wait for 1 to 2 weeks to retake them.
How much does it cost to get a CDL in NJ?
The total cost can range from $3,000 to $10,000. The bulk of this expense is for trucking school. Other costs will include the CDL knowledge test ($125), the CDL fee ($42), and the endorsement fee ($2 each).
How long is CDL training in NJ?
The length of your CDL training will depend on your trucking school. On average, it takes 5 weeks to 6 months to complete.
How many questions are on the CDL knowledge test in NJ?
There are 50 questions on the CDL knowledge test (excluding endorsement tests). You will need to get a score of 80% (or 40 questions right) to pass.
How do you get a CDL endorsement in NJ?
CDL endorsements have their own written and skills test. You have to pass each one to add the endorsement to your CDL permit or CDL.
Remember, you can only get an S, P, and N endorsement with your CDL permit. You can get the rest (H, T, and X) once you hold a CDL.
NOTE: If getting an H endorsement, you must first complete an ELDT program before taking the written test.
Conclusion
And that concludes your complete guide to New Jersey CDL requirements.
Yes, the whole process takes time and effort. But if you follow the steps one by one, you’ll soon be on your way to being a licensed commercial driver in the state.
So what are you waiting for?
Now that you know everything you need to know, you can get started right away.
Good luck!