According to the FMCSA, a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) is a temporary, state-issued permit that allows the holder to operate — for training purposes — a CMV that normally requires a CDL. CLPs are valid for up to 180 days and a driver must hold a CLP for at least 14 days before obtaining a CDL or any CDL upgrade that requires a skills test.
While CLP holders may operate most CDL required vehicles, they are not allowed to operate vehicles used in the transportation of hazardous materials. However, if the CLP holder has a tank vehicle endorsement, the driver can train on tank vehicles as long as any type of hazardous residue is removed from the vehicle.
With that said, the only endorsements allowed on a CLP are P (passenger vehicles), N (tank vehicles), and S (school buses). Even though a CLP allows P and S endorsements, CLP holders are prohibited from transporting most passengers.
The FMSCA outlines 4 conditions a CLP holder must have for his or her CLP to be considered a valid CDL. These conditions include:
Certain drivers with less than one year of experience are designated “entry-level drivers” and may need training before operating a CMV. The FMCSA defines an entry-level driver as any driver with less than one year of experience operating a CMV with a CDL (commercial driver’s license) in interstate commerce.
Entry-level drivers must be trained in the following four areas:
While the FMSCA does not specifically state a length of training, they do require an average of 10 hours. Of those 10 hours, 5.5 hours should be spent on driver qualifications and hours of service, 4 hours on driver wellness, and 30 minutes on whistleblower protections.