State of Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles

Commercial Driver License (CDL) License Classifications, Endorsements and Restrictions

 
Effective January 1, 2019, there will be a federal criminal history background check fee increase from $12.00 to $13.25 for each Public Service Endorsement applicant.  This fee will be in addition to the $75.00 fee for the State criminal background check for each Public Service Endorsement applicant.
Below are the types of CDL classifications, endorsements and restrictions issued by DMV. Applicants for a new endorsement must self-certify driving type with the DMV and have a current medical certification on file with the DMV.  For specifics on a non commercial license, please see Non-CDL license classification, endorsements and restrictions.
CDL Classifications

Class A CDL:  Holders are authorized to drive any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of twenty-six thousand one (26,001) pounds or more, provided the GVWR of the vehicle being towed is in excess of ten thousand (10,000) pounds.
 
Class B CDL:  Holders are authorized to drive any single vehicle with a GVWR of twenty-six thousand one (26,001) pounds or more, and any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of ten thousand (10,000) pounds.
 
Class C CDL:  Holders are authorized to drive any single vehicle with a GVWR of less than twenty-six thousand one (26,001) pounds or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not in excess of ten thousand (10,000) pounds comprising:
  • Vehicles designed to transport sixteen or more passengers, including the driver, or designed to transport more than ten passengers, including the driver, and used to transport students under the age of twenty-one years to and from school; (additional endorsement required – see below)
  • Vehicles used to transport hazardous materials which are required to be placarded in accordance with 49 CFR 172, Subpart F, as amended. (additional endorsement required – see below)

T – Double/Triples:  “T” endorsement is required if the vehicle being driven requires a Class A CDL  and is towing more than one trailer.

P – Passenger/Transportation:  “P” endorsement is required if the vehicle being driven requires a Class A, B or C CDL and is transporting passengers. Applicants or holders of a public passenger endorsement must have an acceptable driving record. 

N – Liquid Bulk/Tank Cargo:  “N” endorsement  is required if the vehicle being driven requires a Class A or B CDL and is designed to haul a liquid or liquid gas in a permanently mounted cargo tank rated at 119 gallons or more or a portable tank rated at 1,000 gallons or more. A tank endorsement is also required for Class C vehicles when the vehicle is used to transport hazardous materials in liquid or gas form in the above described rated tanks.

H – Hazardous Material:  “H” endorsement is required if the vehicle being driven is transporting hazardous materials which are placarded. You must be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or hold a valid Employment Authorization Document to obtain a hazardous material endorsement.  

X – Hazardous Material and Tank, Combined:  “X” endorsement is required if the vehicle being driven is transporting hazardous materials via a tank.  You must be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or hold a valid Employment Authorization Document to obtain a hazardous material endorsement.

S – School Bus:  “S” endorsement is required before operating a school bus.  “P” endorsement is also required.  Applicants or holders of a public passenger endorsement must have an acceptable driving record.

V – Student Transportation Vehicle:  “V” endorsement is required for operation of a student transportation vehicle; transporting students to and from school, including vehicles transporting special education students. Applicants or holders of a public passenger endorsement must have an acceptable driving record. (A “P” endorsement is required if the vehicle being driven requires a Class A, B or C CDL and is transporting passengers).

A – Activity Vehicle:  “A” endorsement is required prior to operating a student transportation vehicle (or other vehicle that requires a “F” endorsement) used in connection with school sponsored events and activities, but not used to transport students to and from school.  Applicants or holders of a public passenger endorsement must have an acceptable driving record. (A “P” endorsement is required if the vehicle being driven requires a Class A, B or C CDL and is transporting passengers).

F – Taxi, Livery, Service Bus, Motor Bus or Motor Coach:  “F” endorsement is required for operation of a taxi, livery vehicle, service bus, motor bus or motor coach. Applicants or holders of a public passenger endorsement must have an acceptable driving record. (A “P” endorsement is required if the vehicle being driven requires a Class A, B or C CDL and is transporting passengers).
 
Restrictions
        
3 = With "M" endorsement allows operation of three-wheeled motorcycle.
B = Corrective lenses
C = Mechanical Aid
D = Prosthetic Aid
E = Automatic Transmission only
F = Duel Outside Mirror
G = Daylight only operation
K = CDL Intrastate only
L = Vehicles without air brakes
M = Group B or Group C passenger vehicles
N  = Group C passenger vehicles only
O = No fifth wheel (Combination vehicles)
P = Commercial Learner's Permit Only - No passengers other than trainer, additional trainees or test examiner.
U = Hearing aide required
V = Medical variance required
W = Medical waiver required
X = Commercial Learner's Permit Only - No cargo in tank vehicle and tank must be purged. Restricts "N" endorsement.
Z = No full air brake equipped commercial motor vehicle.

A Medical Certificate (MCSA-5876) is required to be on file with DMV to operate the following vehicle weights with a Class D license:

Driving Intrastate  

18,000 GVWR to 26,000 GVWR

Driving Interstate

10,000 GVWR to 26,000 GVWR