New Jersey Rules for Commercial Drivers Licenses

Driving a large commercial vehicle in New Jersey, or any other state for that matter, comes with a lot of responsibility. New Jersey has strict rules and a lengthy application process for those who wish to get their commercial driver’s license to operate a commercial vehicle safely. Truck crashes are some of the most severe motor vehicle accidents, and these laws help to protect everyone on the road by requiring strict standards for those operating the largest, heaviest vehicles.

The requirements to obtain a commercial truck driver’s license

As of July 2023, there are updated requirements for the skills portion of the CDL test. To get a CDL in New Jersey, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be a US citizen or a non-US citizen with permanent resident status.
• Hold a basic New Jersey driver’s license.
• Possess at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without glasses.
• Be found physically fit and submit a valid medical examiner certificate.
• Be able to recognize red, green, yellow, and amber colors.

Who needs a commercial driver’s license?

In the state of New Jersey, a driver will need a commercial driver’s license if any of the following vehicles are operated:

• A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more.
• Combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more if the towed vehicle weighs over 10,000 pounds.
• A vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers with the driver included.
• Any vehicle used to transport hazardous materials requires federally mandated placards.

Disqualifications for a CDL in New Jersey

Drivers who participate in any of these actions will be more likely to receive a temporary suspension or permanent loss of their CDL, depending on the severity of the offense.

• Driving under the influence, with a BAC of 0.04% or higher. Those who refuse to take the BAC test can also lose their license.
• Driving under the influence of drugs or controlled substances.
• Leaving the scene of an accident that involves a commercial vehicle.
• Using a truck or a bus to commit a felony or causing a fatal crash while driving a commercial vehicle.
• Driving a truck or bus with a suspended CDL.
• Committing serious traffic violations such as reckless driving, erratic driving, improper lane changes, or driving 15 mph or more over the speed limit.
• Driving a commercial vehicle that is out of service violates an out-of-service order.

Classes of commercial driver’s licenses

Commercial driver’s licenses come in various classes, and the type a person must obtain depends on the vehicle they will drive.

1. Class A: This class covers any vehicle combination weighing 26,001 pounds or more, including towed units of over 10,000 pounds. With this class, a driver can operate class B or C vehicles with the proper endorsements.
2. Class B: Class B includes vehicles that weigh 26,001 pounds or more, solely based on actuarial weight, registered weight, or listed weight. Drivers with this license can also operate Class C vehicles if the necessary endorsements are granted.
3. Class C: This class of license applies to vehicles transporting hazardous materials that can require placards, vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers, and vehicles used to transport children to school or similar activities. It can also cover vehicles with only 8 to 15 passengers, including the driver.

How to apply for a commercial driver’s license

To get a CDL in New Jersey, applicants must complete three exams covering basic knowledge, skills, and on-road driving.

Take the knowledge test

Drivers need to study for the New Jersey CDL manual to fully prepare for this test. It covers the basics of driving a commercial vehicle. Other additional tests may be required depending on what vehicle a person wishes to drive. These additional tests could include exams for brakes, tanker truckers, or hazardous materials.

Take the skills test

Once a driver passes the knowledge test, they must then demonstrate their skills behind the wheel. The skills test forces drivers to prove that they can safely operate a commercial vehicle. The parts of this test include the following:

• Vehicle inspection test: The applicant will need to inspect their vehicle and explain to the instructor how they know it’s safe to drive.
• A basic control test: The applicant must show that they can handle the vehicle by performing basic maneuvers like backing up, turning, and parking.

If a driver passes the skills test, they will receive a commercial learner’s permit, valid for 180 days. This permit will allow them to practice their driving skills under supervision.

Additional training became required in February of 2022. This additional entry-level driving training can be done through an FMCSA-approved provider.

Complete the on-road test

An on-road test must be completed for the final part of the skills test. In this test, the driver will be asked to operate a commercial vehicle in real-world driving scenarios.

The instructor will evaluate the driver’s ability to handle specific situations such as:

• Making left and right turns
• Taking curves safely
• Driving near railroad crossings
• Merging onto highways and traveling at increased speeds.

This test must be completed at least 14 days after the driver passes the knowledge and skills tests.

The restrictions for a CDL

Even with this license obtained, there are some restrictions. Here is a simple breakdown of the restrictions each CDL holder must follow:

For those under the age of 21

• The CDL will only be valid in the state of New Jersey.
• Commerce category 3 or 4 must be selected on the CDL holder self-certification form.
• A hazmat or passenger endorsement cannot be obtained.

Commercial learner’s permit restrictions

When a driver obtains a commercial learner’s permit, similar to a learner’s permit for a regular driver’s license, they must follow certain restrictions. The driver:

• Can only drive within New Jersey.
• Cannot drive vehicles with air brakes.
• Cannot carry passengers, even if the CLP has a passenger endorsement.
• Have a medical variance and the completed paperwork issued by FMCSA.
• Cannot carry cargo in the tank vehicles, even if the CLP has a tank endorsement.

CDL restrictions

Similar to the permit above, some restrictions need to be abided by:

• Manual transmission vehicles are not allowed to be operated if the test was taken in an automatic vehicle.
• Intrastate driving only within New Jersey.
• No tractor-trailer vehicles are allowed.
• Only 15 passengers or less can be transported.
• If the driver is under 21, they are a probationary driver. This means that supervision is required, and no driving in the evening with passengers is allowed.
• Medical variance is still required, the same as the CLP.
• No vehicles with full brakes are allowed.

Injured in a truck accident? Contact Ferrara & Gable today

Truck accidents can happen anytime and leave you to face severe losses. If you have been involved in an accident like this, we can help. At Ferrara & Gable, our lawyers work tirelessly to assess your damages accurately, leading you down the path to recovery.

For more information about what we can do for you and to schedule your free consultation, contact us today.