Oregon DMV CDL Endorsements & Restrictions

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Oregon DMV

CDL Endorsements & Restrictions

Overview

This page lists the Commercial Driver License (CDL) endorsements and restrictions with related qualifications.

Use any of the links below to go directly to any section:

Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HAZMAT)

A Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HAZMAT) authorizes the operation of any vehicle carrying hazardous materials.

To Qualify/Apply
You must apply in person at a DMV office, and you must:

Meet the qualifications for, or have a CDL;
Present proof of your full legal name;
Present proof of your citizenship or permanent legal presence in the U.S., identity and date of birth;
Provide your Social Security Number on the application;
Present a valid medical examiner's certificate and, when required, a medical waiver or exemption;
Pass the Hazardous Materials Endorsement Knowledge Test;
Pass a vision screening as defined in OAR 735-062-0050;
Pay the applicable testing and issuance fees (see note on test fees);
Pay fees for, and pass a TSA Criminal Background Check (see additional information provided below). You may complete all other requirements prior to this step, except payment of the HAZMAT endorsement fee, if required; and
Have your photograph taken.

Note: You are required to pass the Hazardous Materials Endorsement Test every time you renew your license.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Criminal Background Check
On May 5, 2003, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and TSA published regulations under the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 requiring all commercial motor vehicle operators to submit fingerprints and pass a TSA criminal background check to obtain a security clearance from TSA before issuance of a CDL that includes a HAZMAT endorsement:

Applicants for a HAZMAT endorsement (including some applicants exchanging an out-of-state license that contains a HAZMAT endorsement) will be required to obtain a security clearance from TSA before issuance of a HAZMAT endorsement. Applicants must obtain an Oregon Driver License before contacting the TSA Agent to begin the criminal background check.
HAZMAT endorsement holders must obtain a security clearance every five years to retain their HAZMAT endorsement.

The criminal background check can take 60 days or more to complete.

Applicants that currently have a HAZMAT endorsement in another state and wish to obtain an Oregon CDL with HAZMAT endorsement must obtain another background check unless DMV can verify that a HAZMAT security clearance was granted within the previous four years, nine months. If between four years, nine months and five years has elapsed since the security clearance was granted, the applicant may be eligible for a 60-day temporary permit authorizing them to haul hazardous materials while completing a new background check. If you have already completed a background check in the previous state, DMV will verify the date of the check with TSA. If DMV cannot verify the background check results, DMV cannot issue a CDL with HAZMAT endorsement or issue a temporary permit.

Only one 60-day temporary permit will be issued.

Applicants issued a CDL without a HAZMAT endorsement may be eligible for a no-fee replacement to add the HAZMAT endorsement upon receipt of a favorable background check. If the original CDL issuance date and the date the applicant starts the background check are within 30 days of each other, the applicant is eligible for a no-fee replacement to add the HAZMAT endorsement.

If you have completed a background check for a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC), you may be eligible for a reduced fee HAZMAT background check. When you initiate the HAZMAT background check, as described below, you'll have the opportunity to determine whether that option is best for you.

In Oregon, the HAZMAT background checks must be initiated online with TSA at https://hazprints.tsa.dhs.gov or by calling (877) 429-7746. At that time you will complete an application, arrange for payment of appropriate fees, establish identification requirements and select a fingerprint collection site. Fingerprint collection sites are scattered across the country and you may schedule submission of your fingerprints and proofs of identity at any of those that are operated by the TSA contract agent.

Note: If you already have a HAZMAT endorsement, do not initiate a background check until notified by DMV that you need to do so.

Tips for Completing Your Application

Make sure you include your home address and telephone number in case the TSA agent needs to contact you with questions about your application.
If you have ever been issued an Alien Registration Number, include the number on the application, even if you are now a citizen of the United States and have a Social Security Number. The Alien Registration is not your Naturalization Number. Do not include the "A" in front of your Alien Registration Number - only enter the 9 digits. If your number only has 8 digits enter a "0" at the front of the number.
When filling in number fields, do not use dashes, spaces or hyphens. Only enter the numbers.
Be sure to list military service and approximate date of discharge. Do not enter a month and year only or just the year. You must enter a complete date in the date of discharge field.

At the time you submit fingerprints for the criminal background check, you will be required to show the TSA representative your Oregon Driver License and proof of legal presence.

For additional information on requirements for the criminal background check, location(s), hours of operation of a fingerprint collection site, to complete the application, submit fees, fingerprints, or check the status of your background check, visit the TSA Web site or call (877) 429-7746.

TSA will send the results of the background checks to you and DMV. If TSA grants the clearance and you are applying for an original hazardous materials endorsement, contact DMV to complete requirements.

For additional information go to www.tsa.gov and search for "HAZMAT".

About Hazardous Material
The classification of hazardous material is very broad. It includes many items that do not present any immediate toxic or explosive effect. Food coloring, cottonseed, and bleach are common items that are classified as hazardous materials.

More Information on HAZMAT Endorsements
HAZMAT Endorsement phone inquiries: (503) 945-5400.

Passenger Endorsement

A passenger endorsement authorizes the operation of a vehicle that is not a school bus, but is designed to seat 16 or more persons, including the driver.

To Qualify/Apply
You must apply in person at a DMV office, and you must:

Meet the qualifications for, or have a CDL;
Present proof of your full legal name;
Present proof of your legal presence in the U.S., identity and date of birth;
Provide your Social Security Number on the application;
Pass a Passenger Endorsement Knowledge Test;
Present a valid medical examiner's certificate and, when required, a medical waiver or exemption;
Pass a vision screening as defined in OAR 735-062-0050;
Pass pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control skills and drive test in a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver (if you pass a test in a vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less, you will be restricted to operation of passenger vehicles that have a GVWR of no more than 26,000 pounds);
Pay the applicable testing and issuance fees (see note on test fees); and
Have your photograph taken.

Passenger Endorsement Restriction

Passenger endorsement restrictions restrict the operation of passenger vehicles to the same or lower class of passenger vehicle as that used for the drive test.

An "M" restriction means you may operate Class B (GVWR or GVW > 26,000 pounds) and Class C (GVWR and GVW < 26,000 pounds) passenger vehicles only.

An "N" restriction means you may operate Class C (GVWR and GVW < 26,000 pounds) passenger vehicles only.

Note: DMV is unaware of any Class A passenger vehicles currently operated within the State of Oregon and all passenger endorsements are currently restricted.

To change an "N" restriction to an "M" restriction, the applicant must:

Present a valid medical examiner's certificate and, when required, a medical waiver or exemption;
Present proof of your full legal name;
Present proof of your legal presence in the U.S., identity and date of birth;
Provide your Social Security Number on the application;
Pass a vision screening as defined in OAR 735-062-0050;
Pass pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control skills and drive tests in a commercial motor vehicle with a GVWR of greater than 26,000 pounds and designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver;
Pay the applicable testing and issuance fees (see note on test fees); and
Have your photograph taken.

School Bus Endorsement

A school bus endorsement authorizes the operation of any vehicle used to transport pre-primary, primary, or secondary school students from home to school, from school to home, or to and from school-sponsored events. A school bus endorsement is not needed when the operator is a school bus manufacturer, school bus dealer or school bus mechanic and the vehicle is not being used to transport students. School bus does not include a bus used as a common carrier.

To Qualify/Apply
You must apply in person at a DMV office, and you must:

Meet the qualifications for, or have a CDL with passenger endorsement;
Present proof of your full legal name;
Present proof of your legal presence in the U.S., identity and date of birth;
Provide your Social Security Number on the application;
Present a valid medical examiner's certificate and, when required, a medical waiver or exemption;
Pass a School Bus Endorsement Knowledge Test;
Pass a vision screening as defined in OAR 735-062-0050;
Pass a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control skills and drive tests in a school bus of the same vehicle group as the school bus applicant will drive (skills tests in a school bus that is designed for 16 or more persons including the driver, also satisfies the drive test requirement for a passenger endorsement);
Pay the applicable testing and issuance fees (see note on test fees); and
Have your photograph taken.

Doubles/Triples Endorsement

A doubles/triples endorsement authorizes the operation of any vehicle pulling double or triple trailers.

To Qualify/Apply
You must apply in person at a DMV office, and you must:

Meet the qualifications for, or have a Class A CDL;
Present proof of your full legal name;
Present proof of your legal presence in the U.S., identity and date of birth;
Provide your Social Security Number on the application;
Present a valid medical examiner's certificate and, when required, a medical waiver or exemption;
Pass the Doubles and Triples Endorsement Knowledge Test;
Pass a vision screening as defined in OAR 735-062-0050;
Pay the applicable testing and issuance fees (see note on test fees); and
Have your photograph taken.

Tank Endorsement

A tank vehicle endorsement authorizes the operation of any commercial motor vehicle carrying liquids or gaseous materials. A tank vehicle endorsement is not required for portable tanks having a rated capacity under 1,000 gallons.

To Qualify/Apply:
You must apply in person at a DMV office, and you must:

Meet the qualifications for or have a CDL;
Present proof of your full legal name;
Present proof of your legal presence in the U.S., identity and date of birth;
Provide your Social Security Number on the application;
Present a valid medical examiner's certificate and, when required, a medical waiver or exemption;
Pass the Tanker Endorsement Knowledge Test;
Pass a vision screening as defined in OAR 735-062-0050;
Pay the applicable testing and issuance fees (see note on test fees); and
Have your photograph taken.

Air Brake Restriction Removal

An Air Brake Restriction restricts the operation to any vehicle not equipped with air brakes. To operate a commercial motor vehicle that is equipped with air brakes, you must have the Air Brake Restriction removed.

To Qualify/Apply:
You must apply in person at a DMV office, and you must:

Present a valid medical examiner's certificate and, when required, a medical waiver or exemption;
Present proof of your full legal name;
Present proof of your legal presence in the U.S., identity and date of birth;
Provide your Social Security Number on the application;
Pass the Air Brakes Knowledge Test;
Pass a vision screening as defined in OAR 735-062-0050;
Pass pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control skills and drive tests in a commercial motor vehicle equipped with air brakes;
Pay the applicable testing and issuance fees (see note on test fees); and
Have your photograph taken.

Note: You do not need a CDL to operate a vehicle equipped with air brakes unless the vehicle otherwise meets the definition of a commercial motor vehicle.

Related Information

Additional information that may be relevant includes:

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