CDL Endorsements and Restrictions can be part of Commercial Driver License. To become Permit Holders, you need to study specific endorsement or restriction sections.
1. CDL Endorsements
1.1. What is a CDL Endorsement?
If Commercial Drivers want to operate special types of Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs), they need to pass CDL Endorsements. There are many types of endorsements besides the Class A, B or C CDL requirements.
1.2. Types of CDL Endorsements
There are many types of CDL endorsements (Source: Collected)
H Endorsement
The H endorsement is required to operate a vehicle that contains hazardous materials. A written knowledge test is needed to obtain a hazmat endorsement.
N Endorsement
The N endorsement allows CDL drivers to operate a tank vehicle (a vehicle that transports liquids or gases). A written knowledge test is required to obtain a tank vehicle endorsement.
P Endorsement
The P endorsement is needed to operate a vehicle that seats 16 or more people, including the driver. A written knowledge test and a road skills test are required for a passenger endorsement.
S Endorsement
The S endorsement allows drivers to operate a school bus. Prior to obtaining an S endorsement, a P endorsement must be earned. A written knowledge test, road skills test, separate application forms, fees, and a background check are required for a school bus endorsement.
T Endorsement
The T endorsement is necessary for CDL drivers looking to tow a double or triple trailer. A written knowledge test is required to obtain a double/triple trailer endorsement.
X Endorsement
The X endorsement is a combination endorsement for tank vehicles and hazardous materials. A written knowledge test is required to earn a combination tank vehicle and hazmat endorsement.
1.3. Steps to take endorsement exams
- Prepare for the written test:
- Bring the following items to your appointment:
- Primary ID
- Two Valid Proofs of Oklahoma Residency
- Current valid Oklahoma CDL
- A valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT medical card), if you plan to operate in non-excepted interstate commerce (i.e. leaving Oklahoma with CDL vehicles)
2. CDL Restrictions
2.1. Why do we have CDL Restrictions?
Additional restrictions may apply depending on the state in which you legally operate (Source: Collected)
2.2. Types of CDL Restrictions
E Restriction
CDL truck drivers are not allowed to operate a car with a manual transmission due to an E restriction. An E restriction will be given if a skill test is done using an automatic transmission.
L Restriction
The operation of a vehicle with a full air brake system is prohibited by a L restriction. An L restriction will be issued if the skill test is not taken with a full air brake system, air brake systems are not properly checked, or air brake system components are not correctly identified. Drivers who fail the air brake knowledge test will also be issued a L restriction.
M Restriction
A driver with a M restriction can only operate a Class B or C passenger vehicle or a school bus. An M restriction will be issued if a driver has a Class A CDL but obtains their passenger endorsement (P) or school bus endorsement (S) in a Class B vehicle.
N Restriction
A driver with a N restriction can only operate a Class C passenger vehicle or a school bus. An N restriction will be issued if a driver has a Class B CDL but obtains their passenger endorsement (P) or school bus endorsement (S) in a Class C vehicle.
O Restriction
Drivers are not permitted to operate a Class A vehicle with a fifth wheel connection due to an O restriction. If a driver takes the skills test in a Class A vehicle with a pintle hook or non-fifth wheel connection, an O restriction will be given.
V Restriction
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a V restriction is given when a driver experiences a medical variance. Diabetes, hearing, seizure, or vision problems are examples of medical variance.
Z Restriction
A CMV with full air brakes is not allowed to be operated by drivers due to a Z restriction. If the driver does not take the test with an air over hydraulic brake system, a Z restriction is imposed.
CDL Endorsements and Restrictions are necessary steps you have to pass to finally become CDL Permit Holders. To do that, the first step is to know which class you are in to get the right endorsements and know what restrictions they have. But do you find preparing for the CDL test hard? There are too many things to learn, but you don’t know where to start? Here, we – CDL Prep Test: Drivers ed offers you a full study package right on your phone. You can LEARN ANYWHERE, ANYTIME but still pass on the FIRST TRY!
