Obtaining a Commercial Learner Permit (CLP)
Effective October 1, 2019 the Connecticut DMV will issue a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) that is valid for one year from the date of issue. If you do not obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) before the CLP expires, you must retake and pass all knowledge tests again in order to obtain a new permit.
This fee will be in addition to the $75.00 fee for the State criminal background check for each Public Service Endorsement applicant.
- Required Documentation (to apply)
- General Knowledge Testing
- Endorsement Testing
- Fees
- Failing a Test
- CLP Term
- Obtaining a Duplicate CLP
- School Bus Operators
- Your valid Connecticut Driver’s License. Be sure you meet CDL age requirements.
- You will be required to provide additional identity documents. See here for more information.
- Your Social Security card (laminated or metal cards not accepted) or most recent W-2 form.
- You must have a current, legible, unexpired medical certificate completed by a Certified Medical Examiner on file with the DMV prior to renewal. Please upload your current card to Connecticut's Online Medical Certification System.
- Printed confirmation notice of self-certification with DMV. Applicants must self-certify through the DMV website and print confirmation notice.
- You will be required to complete the Application for Commercial Driver's License (DMV Form R-229a). Request the form to be mailed to you.
- Military Personnel: See special instructions and exemptions.
You will not receive a permanent driver license or ID card while at a DMV office. It will arrive through the mail. You may retain your expiring license or ID provided there are no changes other than address. For more on this, please see Central Issuance. After visiting an office, you can track the delivery of your new card.
General Knowledge | Air Brakes | Combination | Passengers "P" Endorsement |
School Bus "S" Endorsement |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Class A | X | If equipped | X | If carrying passengers | If driving school bus |
Class B | X | If equipped | If carrying passengers | If driving school bus | |
Class C | X | If equipped | If carrying passengers | If driving school bus |
- The Hazardous Materials Endorsement test has 30 questions (need 24 correct to pass).
- The Air Brakes endorsement test has 25 questions (need 20 correct to pass).
- The Combination Vehicle, School Bus, Passenger, Tanker, and Doubles and Triples endorsement tests have 20 questions (need 16 correct to pass).
Test | Fee |
General Knowledge | $16 |
Air Brakes | $5 |
Combination | $5 |
All other endorsements (S-school bus, T-doubles/triples, P-passenger, N-liquid bulk/tank cargo, H-hazardous materials and X-hazardous material and tank, combined) | $5 for each endorsement requested |
Skills Test | $30 (paid at time of knowledge test) |