Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers | June 13, 2025 | Ohio Law
Have you wondered how hard it is to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Ohio? A CDL requires additional training and knowledge than a regular driver’s license. The requirements for a CDL depend on the type of CDL you want to obtain. There are three types of commercial driver’s licenses in Ohio.
This blog looks at each one and the requirements for a license to drive a commercial truck or bus.
What Are the Types of Commercial Driver’s Licenses in Ohio?
The type of truck you want to drive dictates the type of CDL you must obtain. The three types of CDLs in Ohio are:
- Class A: For trucks and multiple vehicles with a GCWR over 26,000 and a GVWR over 10,00 for the towed vehicle.
- Class B: For trucks with a GVWR of more than 26,000 and a trailer weighing no more than 10,000 pounds.
- Class C: Vehicles that do not fall into Class A or B that carry hazardous materials or transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
Requirements for Commercial Drivers in Ohio
Commercial trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds. A passenger vehicle is no match for a large truck in an accident. Therefore, state and federal regulations have strict requirements to ensure CDL holders have the training to operate a truck safely.
CDL requirements include:
- Pass a vision test and meet the physical qualifications set by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)
- A knowledge test is required for each CDL class and any endorsements
- Skills tests include pre-trip inspection, road test, and basic maneuverability test
Individuals who apply for a CDL for the first time after February 7, 2022, are subject to Entry Level Driving Training (ELDT) regulations. They are required to complete training from a registered training provider before taking their CDL skills test.
Endorsements and Restrictions for Commercial Driver’s Licenses
In addition to your CDL, you can apply for various endorsements. CDL endorsements permit you to operate certain types of vehicles or carry specific types of cargo. The CDL endorsements in Ohio are:
- Hazmat (H): Allows a driver to transport hazardous materials.
- Tanker (N): Allows a driver to operate a tank vehicle.
- Double and triple trailers (T): Allows a driver to operate a vehicle with double or triple trailers.
- Passenger (P): Allows a driver to operate a vehicle that transports 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
- Tanker and hazmat (X): Allows a driver to operate a tanker truck carrying hazardous materials.
- School bus (S): Allows a driver to operate school buses that transport children.
A person may have certain restrictions placed on their commercial driver’s license. The restrictions limit the types of vehicles they may operate.
For example, a driver may be restricted from operating a commercial motor vehicle that has a manual transmission or no air brakes. The driver may be prohibited from operating Class A or B vehicles or tractor-trailers.
Another restriction may limit the driver to operating a commercial vehicle only within the state of Ohio.
Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents in Ohio
Even with training and experience, a truck driver may make mistakes that result in a truck accident. Examples of driver negligence that can cause a large truck accident include:
- Distracted driving, including texting while driving
- Fatigued and drowsy driving, such as exceeding the maximum hours of service regulations
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Failure to check blind spots before turns or changing lanes
- Backing up without sufficient clearance
- Misjudging the distance required to make a turn
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
The truck driver may be liable for economic and non-economic damages caused by a truck accident. However, the trucking company and other parties could share liability for the crash.
Recovering Compensation for a Truck Accident
Truck accident cases are complex. They often involve multiple parties, large corporations, and massive insurance companies. The parties aggressively defend themselves against liability claims. A Columbus truck accident lawyer has the resources to pursue a claim, including hiring expert witnesses to assist with the case and gathering evidence.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced lawyer at Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Columbus, OH, and Charleston, WV.
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