Oregon CDL Requirements

Age Requirements

Oregon follows federal age requirements for CDL licensing:

• 18 years old: Intrastate commercial driving (Oregon only)
• 21 years old: Interstate commercial driving (all states)

Unlike some states, Oregon does not have different age requirements for Class A, Class B, or Class C licenses. The distinction is based solely on whether you plan to drive within Oregon only (intrastate) or across state lines (interstate).

License Classes and Endorsements

CDL Classes

• Class A: Combination vehicles with GVWR of 26,001+ lbs
• Class B: Large trucks, buses, and segmented buses
• Class C: Smaller commercial vehicles and those requiring special endorsements

Available Endorsements

• H - Hazardous Materials: Requires written test and TSA background check
• P - Passenger: Requires knowledge and skills test
• S - School Bus: Must hold P endorsement plus additional Oregon requirements
• N - Tank Vehicle: Written test required
• T - Doubles/Triples: Written test required
• X - Hazmat + Tank: Combination of H and N endorsements

Oregon-Specific School Bus Requirements: In addition to federal requirements, Oregon requires 15 hours of Oregon Department of Education (ODE)-approved behind-the-wheel training and ODE driving and criminal record checks.

Knowledge Test Requirements

Oregon implemented modernized CDL knowledge testing on October 1, 2025, with updated questions focusing on current safety technology and procedures.

Required Tests

• General Knowledge: Required for all CDL applicants
• Combination Vehicles: Required for Class A licenses
• Air Brakes: Required if operating vehicles with air brakes
• Endorsement-specific tests: Required for each endorsement sought

Test Topics

The updated knowledge tests cover:

• Vehicle inspection procedures
• Basic control skills concepts
• Modern in-cab technology and safety systems
• Hazardous materials handling (H endorsement)
• Passenger safety (P endorsement)
• School bus operations (S endorsement)

Important: All CDL tests in Oregon are available in English only. Knowledge test results are valid for six months.

Skills Test Requirements

Oregon requires a comprehensive skills test consisting of three parts, updated with new AAMVA standards as of October 2025:

Pre-Trip Inspection

Demonstrate ability to identify mechanical and safety issues using updated checklists and scoring methods.

Basic Control Skills

Perform backing, turning, and stopping maneuvers in a controlled area with updated scoring standards.

On-Road Driving

Safe operation in traffic including lane control, speed management, intersections, and railroad crossings.

Vehicle Requirements: You must test in a vehicle representing the class and endorsements you're seeking, or your license will carry restriction codes.

Transition Period: The current on-site skills test format will be available until June 2026, after which Oregon will fully transition to the new modernized approach.

Medical Certification Requirements

All Oregon CDL and CLP holders must maintain valid medical certification:

Medical Examiner Requirements

• Examination by FMCSA-registered medical examiner
• Compliance with 49 CFR 391.41-391.49 standards
• Electronic transmission to National Registry (required since May 12, 2025)

Certification Types

• Non-excepted Interstate: Standard DOT physical required
• Excepted Interstate: May qualify for exemptions
• Non-excepted Intrastate: May qualify for Oregon medical waivers

Important Change: Oregon no longer accepts paper medical certificates as of May 12, 2025. All medical certification must be transmitted electronically from the National Registry.

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Federal ELDT requirements apply to Oregon CDL applicants in the following situations:

• Obtaining your first Class A or Class B CDL
• Upgrading from Class B to Class A
• Adding H, P, or S endorsements

Approved Training Providers

Training must be completed through FMCSA-registered providers listed in the Training Provider Registry (TPR). Oregon schools offering ELDT-compliant programs include:

• Chemeketa Community College
• Elite Truck School
• Other registered providers

Oregon DMV verifies ELDT completion electronically through FMCSA systems before allowing skills testing.

Fees and Costs

Note: Fees are subject to change. Verify current fees on the Oregon DMV website before applying.

Testing Locations and Scheduling

Knowledge Tests

Available at multiple Oregon DMV field offices that provide CDL services. Testing is typically by appointment.

Skills Tests

Conducted at:

• Designated DMV CDL testing sites
• Authorized third-party examiners
• Some truck driving schools

Scheduling: Use the Oregon DMV online appointment system or call customer service. Skills tests require advance scheduling and you must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before testing.

Oregon-Specific Requirements

Driving Record Standards

Oregon expects CDL applicants to maintain high driving standards:

• No more than 3 moving violations in past 3 years
• No serious at-fault crashes in past 5 years
• No DUI or reckless driving in past 3 years
• No speeding 15+ mph over limit in past 3 years
• At least 1 year of prior licensed driving experience

Important Restrictions

• CDL holders cannot use traffic diversion programs
• No non-domiciled CDL/CLP issuance (ended September 29, 2025)
• Hazmat (H) and Doubles/Triples (T) endorsements not available on CLPs

Interstate Reciprocity

Oregon honors valid out-of-state CDLs under federal reciprocity standards. When moving to Oregon, you must transfer your out-of-state CDL within the required timeframe and may need to complete knowledge tests, vision screening, and provide proof of medical qualification.

Military Experience

Oregon may waive certain testing requirements for applicants with qualifying military commercial motor vehicle experience under OAR 735-063-0280.

How to Apply

Step 1: Prepare for Knowledge Tests

• Study the Oregon Commercial Driver Manual
• Review updated test materials (effective October 2025)
• Ensure you meet age and driving record requirements

Step 2: Complete ELDT Training (if required)

• Enroll in FMCSA-registered training program
• Complete required theory and behind-the-wheel training
• Verify completion is recorded in Training Provider Registry

Step 3: Obtain Medical Certification

• Schedule exam with FMCSA-registered medical examiner
• Ensure examiner submits results electronically to National Registry
• Verify certification appears in your CDLIS record

Step 4: Apply for CLP

• Schedule appointment at DMV office
• Bring required documents (identity, residency, Social Security)
• Pass required knowledge tests
• Pay CLP fee ($23-$25)

Step 5: Practice and Schedule Skills Test

• Hold CLP for minimum 14 days
• Practice with qualified instructor or employer
• Schedule skills test appointment
• Arrange appropriate test vehicle

Step 6: Take Skills Test and Receive CDL

• Pass all three parts of skills test
• Pay CDL license fee ($75-$110)
• Receive temporary license and wait for permanent card

For the most current information and to schedule appointments, visit the Oregon DMV website at https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/ or contact DMV customer service.