Nevada CDL Requirements (A Complete 2023 Guide)

So you’re planning on becoming a commercial driver in Nevada.

That’s an excellent idea!

But you might be wondering, “What are the steps and requirements to get a commercial driver’s license?”

This is where we come in.

Today, we’re going to give you a complete guide to Nevada CDL requirements. We’re going to list everything down, from the classes and endorsements to the requirements and steps.

Remember, requirements and steps vary between states, so it’s best to know the specifics for Nevada. This way, you can ensure you’re on the right track.

And with this, you’ll know EXACTLY what you need to do.

So let’s dive right in!

CDL Classes in Nevada

Now, there are two types of commercial driver’s licenses in Nevada:

Class A CDL
Class B CDL

The one you get will determine the type of vehicle you operate. So let’s take a look at each one.

Class A CDL

You need a Class A CDL if you’re planning to operate combination vehicles that have a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) exceeding 26,001 pounds. These vehicles also tow a unit weighing more than 10,000 pounds.

Examples of Class A vehicles are double or triple trailers.

The best thing about Class A CDL is that you can also operate Class B vehicles with it, as long as you have the right endorsement.

Class B CDL

If you’re driving a single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 26,001 pounds, you must carry a Class B CDL. If the vehicle tows a unit, it should weigh fewer than 10,000 pounds.

Large city buses, straight trucks, and box vans (among others) are Class B vehicles.

CDL Endorsements in Nevada

You’ll come to several decision points before you even begin working on your CDL. Figuring out which CDL class you need is only one of them.

Besides that, you must also know whether or not you should apply for endorsements. Having one on your CDL means you underwent additional training for specific vehicles or loads.

In Nevada, there are 6 endorsements, namely:

P — for large passenger vehicles
S — for school buses
N — for tank vehicles
H — for vehicles carrying hazardous materials
X — for tank vehicles hauling hazardous materials
T — for double or triple trailers

Remember that only the first three can be on your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). You can only get your H, X, and T endorsements when you get your CDL.

CDL Requirements in Nevada

Next, let’s work on your eligibility.

Go through this list and see how many items you can check off:

You meet the age requirement:
- At least 18 to drive intrastate
- At least 21 to drive interstate
- At least 25 to operate a combination vehicle longer than 70 feet
You are a U.S. citizen or have permission to work in the country.
You are a resident of Nevada.
You don’t have more than one driver’s license.
Your driver’s license must be active, and you must have full driving privileges.
You must be compliant with the FMCSA’s health standards.
Your proficiency level in English must allow you to speak and read in the language.

You must have a check in all the boxes to begin your CDL application.

However, if you left some blank, don’t worry. At least now you know what to work on before moving to the next phase — going through the steps to get your CDL in Nevada.

How to Get A CDL in Nevada

You can divide the process of getting a CDL in Nevada into two stages:

Getting your CLP
Getting your CDL

Let’s go through each stage in detail.

How to Get Your Nevada CLP

Here are the steps to getting a Nevada commercial learner’s permit (CLP):

Ensure you meet the qualification requirements for a CDL (see above).

Determine your CDL class and endorsements.

Use Nevada’s online appointment system to schedule a CDL Knowledge/Written Testing.

NOTE: You can walk in if you choose to go to a rural office. Click here to see all locations in Nevada.

Bring the following on your visit:
1. Proof of identity
2. Proof of residency in Nevada
3. Your valid Nevada-issued driver’s license
4. A completed Application for Commercial Driving Privileges form
5. A valid Medical Examiner Certificate (if necessary)

NOTE: Click here to see which documents are acceptable to the Nevada DMV.

Pass the vision screening.

Pass all necessary knowledge exams.

NOTE: If you are applying for endorsements, each has a separate knowledge and/or skills test.

Pay the required fees:
1. CDL permit fee – $57.25
2. Endorsement fee: $14 each

Receive your commercial learner’s permit.

And that completes stage one!

Now you can start practicing how to drive a vehicle under your class. But remember, a licensed commercial driver (at least 25 years old) must supervise you at all times.

How to Get Your Nevada CDL

Getting your CLP is an achievement, but now it’s time to work on the main thing — your CDL.

Here’s what you need to do:

Ensure you’ve had your CLP for more than 14 days.

NOTE: Your CLP will expire 180 days after issuance. If you are not ready to take the skills test after 14 days, then you still have time to practice. Just make sure your CLP doesn’t expire before you take the test.

Complete an Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) course from an FMCSA-approved provider.

NOTE: You can apply for the ELDT before you get a CLP. However, you must ensure that you complete it before taking the CDL skills test.

Schedule your CDL skills test through the DMV online portal.

NOTE: The DMV uses a different system to schedule written and skills tests. Make sure you use the right one.

NOTE II: You can also take your CDL skills test from your trucking school (if it provides one) or from an authorized company or organization.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your schedule with the following:
1. Your valid CLP
2. The vehicle you’ll be using to undergo the skills test
3. Your vehicle’s registration and insurance documents
4. A pointer for the vehicle inspection

NOTE: If you’re renting a CMV, let the DMV know ahead of time. They’ll send you a list of requirements.

Pass the CDL skills test.

NOTE: To get your CDL, you must pass all three parts — pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road skills.

Pay the licensing fee:
1. CDL fee – 141.25
2. CDL skills test fee – $30 (plus a $3.25 photo fee)

Get your CDL.

And you’re done! Congratulations — you’re officially a commercial driver in Nevada!

FAQs

For more information, let’s go through a few frequently asked questions about CDLs in Nevada.

How long does it take to get your CDL in Nevada?

It can take anywhere between two months to a year for you to get your CDL in Nevada. Several factors affect this timeline:

Your CLP’s validity. Although you only need to hold your CLP for 14 days before scheduling a CDL skills test, you can maximize its validity. Remember, your CLP remains valid for 180 days.

How soon you get an appointment. An online schedule is necessary to undergo the written and skills test (unless you go to a rural office). Nevada’s appointment system shows available dates within 90 days — if you can’t get a slot immediately, it’ll prolong the process.

The ELDT program. The course length varies between providers. Some schools run it for 4 weeks, others 6. Some providers give students a maximum of 3 months to complete it.

What disqualifies you from a CDL in Nevada?

Several things can cause CDL disqualifications in Nevada. These are as follows:

Having a BAC level of 0.04% or higher
Committing a felony using a CMV
Leaving the scene of an accident if it involved a commercial vehicle
Committing severe traffic violations while operating a CMV, such as excessive speeding or reckless driving
Violating Out-of-Service Orders and Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Regulations
Having too many violations on your standard license

Can a felon get a CDL in Nevada?

Yes, you can still get a CDL even if you’ve committed a felony. However, it must not have involved a vehicle (commercial or not).

For example, you can’t get a CDL if you’ve caused an accident that resulted in a fatality. The same applies if you have a DUI conviction.

How much does a CDL cost in Nevada?

Prepare to spend around $3,000 while working on your commercial driver’s license in Nevada. Although the permit and licensing fees are standard, the most significant variable is the cost of a trucking school.

Here’s a breakdown of your estimated costs:

Trucking school – an average of $2,500
CDL permit fee – $57.25
Endorsements – $14 each
CDL fee – 57.25
CDL skills test fee – $30
Photo fee – $3.25

How many questions are on the Nevada CDL test?

There are 50 multiple-choice questions in the Nevada CDL written test. You must answer 40 correctly to pass. Remember that this only refers to the general knowledge portion.

Each endorsement requires a separate written exam. The passing score for each is 80%.

What are the best trucking schools in Nevada?

Here is a list of the best FMCSA-approved trucking schools in the state:

RTDS Trucking School (4.9 rating from 607 Google Reviews)
Desert Knight Trucking School (4.7 rating from 24 Google Reviews)
DTR School of Trucking (4.6 rating from 136 Google Reviews)

The Wrap Up

There you go — all the information you need on Nevada CDL requirements.

It may seem overwhelming because of the many steps — but if you take it one at a time, the whole process will be a breeze.

Whenever you find yourself stuck, return to this page to figure out your next step.

Good luck!