You must have a valid CDL or Commercial Drivers Learner’s Permit to drive a commercial motor vehicle.
A Vermont Commercial Learner’s Permit allows a person to receive commercial driving instruction and behind-the-wheel driving experience on public highways. While driving on the road, the holder of a Commercial Learner’s Permit must be accompanied by a person who holds a valid CDL for the type of vehicle driven, including any endorsements, and who occupies a seat beside the individual, or in the case of a vehicle designed to transport more than 15 passengers, occupies a seat directly behind, or in the first row behind the driver, for the purpose of giving instruction in driving the commercial motor vehicle.
A Commercial Learner’s Permit will be valid for one year from the date of issue. No renewals will be allowed. In order to obtain another CLP, you will be required to retake the knowledge tests. (23 V.S.A. § 4108).
A person must hold a valid Vermont Operator’s License and pass the knowledge tests for the class of license for which s/he is applying to qualify for a Commercial Learner’s Permit. Knowledge tests may be required to operate certain types of vehicles, which require a separate endorsement on the Commercial Driver’s License. A skills test must be taken in a vehicle that represents the license class for which you have applied.
You must carry your Vermont Class D Operator’s License along with your Commercial Leaner’s Permit.
Note: You must hold a Commercial Learner’s Permit for 14 days before you can obtain a Commercial Driver’s License.
A Commercial Learner’s Permit holder has certain restrictions regarding the Hazardous Materials, Passenger, School Bus and Tank Vehicle Endorsements:
- A Commercial Learner’s Permit holder is prohibited from operating a commercial vehicle that is transporting hazardous materials.
- A Commercial Learner’s Permit holder with a Passenger Endorsement must have taken and passed the Passenger Endorsement knowledge test, but are prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle carrying passengers, other than federal or state auditors and inspectors, test examiners, other trainees, and the CDL holder accompanying the Commercial Learner’s Permit holder.
- A Commercial Learner’s Permit holder with a Tank Vehicle Endorsement must have taken and passed the Tank Vehicle Endorsement Knowledge Test, but may only operate an empty tank vehicle and is prohibited from operating any tank vehicle that previously contained hazardous materials that have not been purged of any residue.
- All other federal endorsements are prohibited on a Commercial Learner’s Permit.