Louisiana Commercial Driver’s License: What Drivers Should Know
It is important that you are knowledgeable about the rules and regulations of obtaining your Commercial Driver’s License in the state of Louisiana . Louisiana has specific guidelines and laws that you must adhere to in order to become a commercial driver.
Medical Examination
You should know that in order to obtain your Commercial Driver’s License , you will need to pass a medical examination, as required by the state of Louisiana. You will need to provide the CDL Physical Examination Form (DPSMV 2219), the Medical Examination Form (DPSMV 2032), and the Vision Examination Form (DPSMV 2002). These forms will need to be completed by both you and your doctor.
The CDL Physical Examination Form is a general form which is eight pages long. It has a section that asks about your personal information in which you will fill out. It also has a section that your doctor must fill out. The health questions for your doctor include hearing and vision evaluation, blood pressure, lab work, and a physical examination. You will then need to carry your Medical Examiner’s Certificate when operating a commercial vehicle at all times. You can find the form here
The Medical Examination Form is a general form which is two pages long. It asks for your personal information and has a section that your doctor fills out. It asks basic questions about your health and overall abilities. You can find this form here
The Vision Examination Form is a general form which is one page long. It asks your doctor about the results of your eye exam. You only need to sign the bottom of the form. You can find this form here
New Federal Requirements
It is important to keep up to date with the most recent laws, requirements, and regulations. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles recently had some of these changes. The new Federal Requirements is that your type of vehicle operation must be self-certified with the Louisiana Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections. You will need to be self-certified for these particular categories:
- Non-Excepted Intrastate
- Excepted Intrastate
- Non-Excepted Interstate
- Excepted Interstate
You will need to provide the Department of Public Safety with your Federal Medical Certificate if you choose Non-Excepted Interstate.
Vehicle Classes
It is important to know about the vehicle classes when pursuing a career in becoming a commercial driver. These classes are broken down into three categories: Class A, Class B, and Class C.
- You must have a Class A CDL if you are driving a combination of vehicles with a gross weight of 26,001 pounds or more. This also includes towing of a vehicle of 10,001 pounds or more.
- You are required to have a Class B CDL if you are driving a vehicle with a gross weight of 26,000 pounds or less. This includes towing a vehicle that is 10,000 pounds or under.
- You will need to have a Class C CDL if you are driving a vehicle that does not meet the requirements of Class A or Class B, but are transporting at least 16 passengers including the driver, or has a placard for hauling hazardous materials.
The Hazmat Requirements
When you choose to haul hazardous materials or waste, you will need to fulfill certain requirements. This can be a great choice as drivers that haul hazardous materials usually have a higher rate of pay. If you choose to go down this career path you will need to pass a background check given by the Transportation Security Administration. You can have this done online or by contacting a Transportation Security Administration agent—they will need certain documents which include:
- Your Commercial Driver’s License or CDL Number
- Your Proof of Legal Status
- Proof of Your Identity
Once the TSA receives these documents, they will ask you to have your finger prints taken. Both the TSA and also the FBI will conduct a thorough background check. You will have to pay all of the appropriate fees for the process.
Special Endorsements
Certain types of vehicles require special endorsements with additional tests that must be taken and passed. Some of these special endorsements are:
- Class C Vehicle with a P Endorsement . This endorsement is for vehicles and drivers that are carrying at least sixteen passengers including the driver.
- Class C Vehicle with an H Endorsement . This is for hauling hazardous materials.
- School Bus S Endorsement . This is for driving school busses.
- Doubles and Triples T Endorsement . This is for if you plan on hauling two or three trailers.
- Tankers and Hazmat X Endorsement . This if for drivers who will be hauling hazardous materials in tankers.
As you can see a little bit of knowledge goes a long way when obtaining your Commercial Driver’s License. It is helpful to know what your career is going to be when you decide that you want to be a commercial driver.