Ohio CDL - Class C License w/ Passenger
Commercial vehicle drivers are always in high demand because goods always need to be transported from one area of the country to another. Therefore having a commercial driver’s license can be an exciting asset to possess in today’s economy, as the commercial trucking industry still has many jobs to fill. Not only is acquiring a CDL a low-cost investment, it has a high potential for job security and a competitive salary regardless of the economic climate. If earning your class C CDL license in Ohio is of interest to you, then continue reading this article to learn how you can accomplish this goal!
Description of a Class C CDL License w/ Passenger
The Class C CDL Ohio commercial Driver’s license authorizes the holder to operate “any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles that is not a Class A or Class B vehicle. It is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is transferring hazardous materials in an amount requiring placarding. It also covers any school bus with a gross vehicle weight rating of up to 26,001 pounds that is intended to carry up to 16 passengers, including the driver.
Requirements
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles for the state of Ohio has a basic set of preliminary requirements that applicants must satisfy in order to apply for a CDL. These requirements are as follows:
- Must not be younger than18 years of age
- Possess a valid social security card and number
- Have an up to date Ohio state driver’s license
Steps for Applying for your CDL:
Once the former requirements have been fulfilled and verified by the Ohio BMV, an applicant can begin the process of applying for a CDL and the steps are listed below:
- Step 1: Apply for the temporary CDL permit that lasts 6 months. These 6 months should be used to complete CDL training and it is important to note that a permit can only be held twice during a period of 2 years.
- Step 2: Schedule a CDL test. This test is consistent of two main parts: the first part being a written knowledge exam and the second part being a driving skill test. The skill test has a pre-trip inspection and a maneuverability test that measures the applicant’s on-road and off-road driving capabilities. The applicant must take the test with the appropriate class of vehicle under the license that they are applying for.
- Step 3: Pay all appropriate and necessary fees to the BMV. After the fees have been paid and all tests have been passed, then the BMV will issue the CDL to the applicant.
Testing and Fees
To obtain a Class C CDL, it is necessary that the applicant completes and passes both the skill (driving) and knowledge (written) tests. These tests are used to test an applicant’s comprehensive knowledge and familiarity with the commercial vehicle that he will be using. A written knowledge test is mandatory for: the class of vehicle, each endorsement, and eliminating the air brake restriction. The driving skill test can run up to 90 minutes andis made up of two main components: the first one being a pre-trip inspection and the second being a road test. One important caveat to remember is that the applicant will need to bring the appropriate class of vehicle for the license in which he is applying.
Additionally, once a CDL has been issued, removing a restriction, adding any type of endorsement, or upgrading a license can require supplementary knowledge and skill tests. Furthermore, these processes might require the applicant to pay additional fees. If a driver forfeits his CDL license or any other endorsement in some capacity will have to repay all applicable fees and retake all necessary tests to reacquire a CDL.
In regards to the appropriate fees for an Ohio CDL an applicant will need to pay the following applicable and necessary fees:
- $27.00 for CDL Temporary Permit (lasts 6 months)
- $10.00 for a pre-trip inspection of test
- $10.00 for a off-road maneuvering part of test
- $50.00 for a scheduled appointment time with the Ohio State Patrol
- $30.00 for a on-road maneuvering part of test
- $42.00 for the first CDL license
In order to obtain the Passenger endorsement an applicant will have to pay the following additional fees:
- $43.00 for CDL Add Endorsement
- $34.50 for the passenger endorsement
Overall, applying for a CDL in Ohio can be a great investment! This license provides the holder with greater economic opportunities, as he now has the ability to work for the commercial transportation industry including but not limited to: a school bus driver, commercial truck driver, etc. To find more information refer to the official website for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for the State of Ohio.