So, you’re preparing to get your commercial driver’s license — that’s great!
But do you know what class you need? And whether or not you should apply for endorsements?
Do you know where to go and what to bring?
Yes, getting a CDL can seem overwhelming.
That’s why we’re here to help.
In this article, we’ll show you how to get a CDL in Oklahoma. We’ll talk about CDL classes and endorsements, walk you through all the steps, as well as answer some FAQs.
This is your complete guide.
So let’s begin!
CDL Classes in Oklahoma
Unlike a standard license which only has one class, you’ve got three options when it comes to a commercial license. These are:
- Class A CDL
- Class B CDL
- Class C CDL
The CDL class you need depends on what commercial motor vehicle (CMV) you are planning on driving.
Let’s go through each one so you can determine this.
Class A CDL
A Class A CDL allows you to drive combination CMVs.
These commercial vehicles should have a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of over 26,000 pounds. And as combination vehicles, it should tow units weighing over 10,000 pounds.
Not only that, a Class A CDL can operate lower CMVs as long as you have the proper endorsement.
So this is an excellent choice if you think you’ll be driving different CMVs.
Class B CDL
A Class B CDL, on the other hand, operates heavy, straight CMVs.
These should have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) exceeding 26,000 pounds. If it tows a unit, make sure that the weight does not exceed 10,000 pounds.
Some examples of Class B CMVs are dump trucks, boxed vans, and city buses.
Holding a Class B CDL allows you to drive smaller CMVs, too — those falling under Class C.
Class C CDL
Not all CMVs are heavy. Some have a GVWR of fewer than 26,000 pounds and tow fewer than 10,000 pounds.
If this is the case, then a Class C CDL can suffice.
Take note, however, that Class C CMVs need an H or P endorsement. It means you use it to transport large quantities of hazardous materials (H endorsement), or its design allows it to carry more than 15 passengers (P endorsement).
CDL Endorsements in Oklahoma
We’ve mentioned endorsements, and you might be wondering what that is.
An endorsement proves that you have specialized knowledge or skills for a specific load or CMV.
In Oklahoma, there are 6 endorsements that are required for these specific loads and CMVs:
- N endorsement — for tank vehicles
- S endorsement — for school buses
- P endorsement — for passenger vehicles
- H endorsement — for hazardous materials
- T endorsement — for double or triple trailers
- X endorsement — for tank vehicles carrying hazardous materials
Remember, each endorsement you apply for increases the number of written exams you’ll take. Some endorsements, like P and S, require a specific road test as well.
Out of the 6 endorsements listed, you can only get the first 3 with your permit. The rest only becomes available when you receive your official commercial license.
CDL Requirements in Oklahoma
Before you can start the process, you first need to meet these basic CDL requirements:
- Your English proficiency level allows you to speak and write with it.
- You meet the age requirement — 18 to drive within Oklahoma and 21 to carry passengers, haul hazardous materials, or cross state lines.
- You are an American citizen or a permanent resident.
- You are a resident of Oklahoma.
- You have an Oklahoma-issued Class D license.
- Your driving privileges are active (you cannot apply for a CDL until you’ve fulfilled a suspension, revocation, or cancelation)
Go through the list and see if there’s anything that you need to work on first.
If you’ve already checked off everything, it’s time to get to the actual steps…
The Steps to Getting A CDL in Oklahoma
The best way to navigate the application process is to divide it into two phases:
- Phase One: Getting your CDL permit
- Phase Two: Earning your CDL
This way, instead of looking at it as one extremely long process, it’ll look like two manageable goals. Trust us — it comes out less overwhelming.
So let’s go over phase one first.
How to Get Your Oklahoma CDL Permit
To get a CDL permit in Oklahoma, follow these steps:
- Ensure you’ve complied with Oklahoma’s eligibility requirements (refer to the requirement list above)
- Complete an Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) program that is FMCSA-approved.
| NOTE: You can complete this at any time before taking the CDL skills test. However, the OK DPS highly recommends taking it before the CDL knowledge test. Also, this is only required for: *First-time applicants for a Class A or B CDL *Applicants currently holding a Class B CDL but want to upgrade to Class A *First-time applicants for P, S, or H endorsements |
- Visit a Licensing Office to begin your application. Use the DPS Inline Online site to make an appointment.
- Present documents to prove the following:
- Your valid Class D driver’s license
- A DOT Medical Card (you can check here if this is required for you)
- ELDT Certificate of Completion (if applicable)
- Primary ID
- Proof of Oklahoma residence
Click here to see what documents are accepted.
- Pass the vision screening AND all necessary CDL knowledge tests.
- Receive a DL-18 certificate and bring it to a Licensed Operator. They will be the ones to print the CDL permit for you.
- Pay the application fees:
- Class A CDL – $25
- Class B and C CDL – $15
- Receive your CDL permit.
And just like that, you’re done with phase one!
Your CDL permit allows you to accumulate behind-the-wheel experience. However, always have a licensed commercial driver (with the same CDL class) accompany you when you drive.
How to Get Your Oklahoma CDL
Next, let’s work on your official commercial driver’s license. Here’s how to do it:
- Comply with the following requirements:
- You must have had your CDL permit for 14 days or more
- Your CDL permit must be valid (it will expire 6 months after issuance)
- You must complete the required ELDT program (if you haven’t already)
- Schedule your CDL skills test. Here are your scheduling options:
- Call the DPS at (405) 425 2196
- Make an appointment with a third-party examiner
- During your CDL skills test, bring the following:
- Primary ID and proof of Oklahoma residency
- DOT Medical Card (check here if this is applicable)
- Your valid Class D driver’s license
- Your valid CDL permit
- A DL-18 showing your scores on the CDL knowledge test
- A CMV in the CDL class you are getting
- Pass all parts of the CDL skills test.
- Have the examiner stamp your DL-18 certificate.
- Go to a Licensing Officer or Licensed Operator and present the stamped certificate.
- Pay the CDL fees. Check the table below for details.
| 4-year validity: | 8-year validity: |
| Class A CDL – $56.50 | Class A CDL – $113 |
| Class B CDL – $56.50 | Class B CDL – $113 |
| Class C CDL – $46.50 | Class C CDL – $93 |
- Receive your official Oklahoma CDL.
Guess what? You’ve finished the whole process!
Congratulations!
FAQs
As promised, we’re going to go over a few FAQs. This way, you get even more information.
How much does it cost to get a CDL in Oklahoma?
Prepare to spend around $4,600 to get your CDL in Oklahoma.
The application and licensing fees are predetermined (see the table below for details):
| CDL Class | Application Fee | Licensing Fee (4-year) | Licensing Fee (8-year) |
| Class A CDL | $25 | $56.50 | $113 |
| Class B CDL | $15 | $56.50 | $113 |
| Class C CDL | $15 | $46.50 | $93 |
However, most of your expense goes to the tuition for your ELDT program. The average cost of a trucking school in Oklahoma is around $4,215.
How long is CDL school in Oklahoma?
Most CDL schools take 160 hours, typically spread across 4 weeks. However, some schools offer flexible options — for example, someone who can’t attend trucking school full-time may prefer night or weekend classes. As you might expect, this will take longer to finish.
How long does it take to get a Class A CDL in Oklahoma?
You can get your Class A CDL in under 6 months, assuming everything falls into place. That includes passing your CDL tests (written and skills) on your first try, scheduling your driving test as soon as you’ve had your CDL permit for 14 days (and getting a schedule immediately), and completing your ELDT in 4 weeks.
Do you need a DOT physical to get a CDL permit in Oklahoma?
It depends on your self-certification.
Here is a table detailing this:
| Your CDL status is Excepted (E) and you are driving Interstate (I): | DOT Medical Card NOT Required |
| Your CDL status is Excepted (E) and you are driving Intrastate (A): | DOT Medical Card NOT Required |
| Your CDL status is Non-Excepted (N) and you are driving Interstate (I): | DOT Medical Card IS Required |
| Your CDL status is Non-Excepted (N) and you are driving Intrastate (A): | DOT Medical Card is NOT Required |
As you can see, you only need a DOT Medical card if your status is NI.
If you’re not sure what’s excepted/non-excepted and interstate/intrastate, you can check their meanings here.
How do I get a DOT Medical Card in OK?
Only commercial drivers that self-certify as Non-Exempted Interstate (NI) need a DOT Medical Card.
If you’re one of them, you must find a Certified Medical Examiner to complete the physical test.
What disqualifies you from a CDL in Oklahoma?
CDL disqualifications can be from several things. These include the following:
- Having a BAC level higher than 0.04% while operating a CMV
- Committing a felony using a commercial vehicle
- Causing an accident with your CMV and leaving the scene
- Committing grave traffic violations while driving a commercial vehicle
- Operating a CMV after receiving Out-of-Service Orders
- Committing a Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing violation
- Losing your driving privileges on your Class D license
Do you need a CDL for a truck under 26,000 lbs with air brakes in Oklahoma?
No, you do not need to carry a commercial driver’s license to drive a truck with a GVWR under 26,001 pounds, even if it has air brakes.
However, a CDL is necessary if you use it to transport hazardous materials in quantities that require placarding OR transport more than 15 passengers.
The Wrap Up
And that is how to get a CDL in Oklahoma.
Remember, it all begins with deciding on your CDL class and endorsements, as well as checking your eligibility.
After that, you can work on the steps.
To make it easier, think of the process as 2 phases. Work on each phase step by step…
Before you know it, you’ll have your Oklahoma CDL.
So good luck!