How to Get Your CDL in Louisiana and Missouri

If you live in Louisiana or Missouri, check this round up of state guidelines and see what you’ll need to do to be certified to drive safely behind the wheel of a commercial job. For information on all other states, TheJobNetwork has published a guide on how to apply for a CDL in every state of the country.

Louisiana

The following vehicles require you to have a CDL:

• If you will drive a combination vehicle (truck and trailer) whose trailer has a GVWR of 10,001+ lbs. total weight with the truck of 26,001+ lbs, you will need a Class A CDL.
• If you will drive a vehicle with GVWR is 26,001+ lbs., you will need a Class B CDL. With this license, you can also tow a trailer with weight that does not exceed 10,000 lbs.
• If you will transport hazardous materials or 16+ passengers (including the driver) in a vehicle with GVWR 26,000 lbs. or less, you will need a Class C CDL.

To obtain a CDL, you must:

• Possess and provide a valid picture driver’s license
• Provide a Supplemental Application Form (DPSMV 2211)
• Undergo a current, complete Physical Examination (DPSMV 2219)
• Possess and provide proof of liability insurance on personally owned vehicle(s)
• Possess and provide proof of Social Security number
• Provide a $15 application fee

Knowledge Test

The desired class of license and endorsements you seek will determine what CDL knowledge tests are required. You must obtain an 80% passing score on each required test. You must provide a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT Card) or a valid Intrastate State/Interstate Waiver.

• The General Knowledge Test is required by all applicants, and you must pass it to take additional knowledge tests.
• The Air Brake Knowledge Test is required if your vehicle is equipped with air brakes.
• The Combination Vehicles Knowledge Test is required if you want to drive combination vehicles.
• The Tanker Knowledge Test is required if you want to haul liquids in bulk.
• The Double/Triples Knowledge Test is required to pull double or triple trailers.
• The Passenger Knowledge Test is required by all bus drivers and school bus operators. In addition, school bus operatiors must pass the School Bus Knowledge Test.
• The Hazardous Materials Knowledge Test is required if you wish to haul hazardous materials.

Upon passing required test(s), applicants will be issued a 60 day learner’s permit.

Skills Test

This test consists of a pre-trip inspection to include an air brake test if vehicle is equipped with air brakes, a basic maneuvers test, and a public road test. You must pass each level before moving on to the next.

Missouri

The following vehicles require you to have a CDL:

• If you will drive a combination vehicle (truck and trailer) whose trailer has a GVWR of 10,001+ lbs. total weight with the truck of 26,001+ lbs, you will need a Class A CDL.
• If you will drive a vehicle with GVWR is 26,001+ lbs., you will need a Class B CDL. With this license, you can also tow a trailer with weight that does not exceed 10,000 lbs.
• If you will transport hazardous materials or 16+ passengers (including the driver) in a vehicle with GVWR 26,000 lbs. or less, you will need a Class C CDL.

Knowledge Test

The desired class of license and endorsements you seek will determine what CDL knowledge tests are required. You must obtain an 80% passing score on each required test. You must provide a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT Card) or a valid Intrastate State/Interstate Waiver.

• The General Knowledge Test is required by all applicants, and you must pass it to take additional knowledge tests.
• The Air Brake Knowledge Test is required if your vehicle is equipped with air brakes.
• The Combination Vehicles Knowledge Test is required if you want to drive combination vehicles.
• The Tanker Knowledge Test is required if you want to haul liquids in bulk.
• The Double/Triples Knowledge Test is required to pull double or triple trailers.
• The Passenger Knowledge Test is required by all bus drivers and school bus operators. In addition, school bus operatiors must pass the School Bus Knowledge Test.
• The Hazardous Materials Knowledge Test is required if you wish to haul hazardous materials.

Upon passing required test(s), applicants will be issued a 60 day learner’s permit.

Skills Test

This test consists of a pre-trip inspection to include an air brake test if vehicle is equipped with air brakes, a basic maneuvers test, and a public road test. You must pass each level before moving on to the next.