Massachusetts CDL Requirements

You must get an Massachusetts commercial driver’s license (CDL) to be able to drive commercial vehicles in Massachusetts. For Federal CDL Requirements applicable to every state, click here.


Massachusetts adopted the Federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986, and is part of a nationally uniform system of classifying, testing, and licensing commercial vehicle drivers.

When is an Massachusetts CDL Required

You need an Massachusetts CDL when you operate the following vehicles:

CLASS A – Applies only to “combination” vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) more than 26,000 pounds, and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is more than 10,000 pounds. A driver with a Class A CDL (plus any appropriate endorsements) can also operate all vehicles included in Class B, C, and D (below)

CLASS B – Includes single or combination vehicles where the GVWR of the single vehicle is more than 26,000 pounds. The vehicle being pulled must not be more than 10,000 pounds. A driver with an Massachusetts Class B CDL (plus appropriate endorsements) can also legally operate all vehicles in Class C or D.

CLASS C – Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that meets neither the definition of Group A nor that of Group B as contained in this section, but that either is designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or is used in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous for the purposes of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and which require the motor vehicle to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR part 172, subpart F).

CLASS D – Private passenger, regular operator.

Massachusetts CDL Age Requirements

You must be at least 18 years of age to drive within state lines (intrastate).

You must be at least 21 years old to:

  • drive commercial vehicles across state lines (interstate)
  • haul hazardous materials

How to Apply for an Massachusetts CDL

See CDL Documentation and Identification Requirements (and other key forms) for Massachusetts here.

Documentation Requirements

If you do not have an existing Massachusetts license at the time of application and you are 18 years of age or older, you must present all of the following:

  • Document proving date of birth
  • Document proving signature
  • Document proving Massachusetts residency

All documents must be originals. Photocopies will not be accepted.

Federal law requires that commercial drivers have a social security number. Your Social Security Number must verify with the Social Security Administration.

Your application will be processed through the National Driver Register and the Commercial Driver License Information System to verify the status of your operating privileges in other jurisdictions.

How much does the Massachusetts CDL cost?

The fees are as follows:

The fee for the CDL general knowledge written test is $30.00. The fee for each CDL endorsement test you take at the same time as the general knowledge test is $10.00.

If you take a CDL endorsement test after the CDL permit or license has been issued, the fee will be $30.00. Each additional endorsement test you take during this same transaction will be an additional $10.00.

The fee for a road test is $35.00.

Sources:
Official Massachusetts CDL Manual
Massachusetts DMV/DPS
FMSCA Guidelines