Ohio

Ohio Trucking Schools and Programs

There are many truck driving careers in Ohio. From Dayton to Cincinnati and everywhere in between, you can find yourself driving all over the state – and sometimes all over the country. Many industries are out there and the only education you need is the CDL course that is available in the state. Once you obtain your license, the path to your new career is wide open.

Anyone driving a commercial vehicle is required to have a CDL. Anyone who is physically able, over 18 years of age, and able to pass knowledge and driving tests, can apply for a commercial driver’s license. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles has a list of convictions that can disqualify an applicant.

Exemptions from commercial licensing include:

• • Farm truck on farm business

• • Fire and public safety equipment

• • Recreational vehicle

• • Military vehicles

How to Apply

A CDL applicant must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license for the state of Ohio. A written test, a driving test, and an eye exam, are required. The applicant must provide a vehicle for testing that is in the same class. Applicants must be prepared to pass a general knowledge test and class specific knowledge tests.

The following documents will be needed to process an application.

• • An original social security card

• • Ohio driver’s license

• • Payment

CDL Classes

The three different classes of CDL have different requirements and fees. A higher class of license automatically allows the holder to drive in the lower classes. Ohio Class A and B commercial licenses are categorized by vehicle weight. Class C licenses are issued for transporting passengers or hazardous materials. Special endorsements are necessary for bus drivers, double or triple-trailer drivers, or drive tank vehicles.

CDL Tests

Applicants must have a solid base of knowledge about driving commercial vehicles. A general health exam is required with good vision results for interstate drivers. Online study materials can be used to increase general knowledge. Truck driving schools offer courses for learning how to drive commercial vehicles.

• • General Knowledge

• • Pre-Trip Inspection

• • Vehicle Control Test

• • Driving Test

Endorsements

Special circumstances require special training and testing. Applicants need knowledge of the following subjects for special license endorsements.

• • Air brakes

• • Passengers

• • Hazardous materials

• • Tanker

• • Combination Vehicles

• • Double or triple-axle trailers

You need a CDL if you operate any of the following vehicles:

• • Any combination of vehicles with a combined gross vehicle weight rating of twenty-six thousand one pounds or more

• • Any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that is not a class A or class B vehicle, but that either is designed to transport sixteen or more passengers including the driver

• • Any school bus with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than twenty-six thousand one pounds that is designed to transport fewer than sixteen passengers including the driver

• • Is transporting hazardous materials for which a placard is required