Commercial Learner Permit

Commercial Learner Permits

Nevada Residents Only!

Nevada does not issue "Non-Domiciled" Commercial Learner Permits to residents of other U.S. jurisdictions.

Training Requirements

Entry-level commercial drivers must complete training from a provider listed in the federal Training Provider Registry. This includes drivers applying to:

  • obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time;
  • upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL; or
  • obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.

Applicants must successfully complete training before they will be permitted to take the CDL skills test or, in the case of the H endorsement, the knowledge test.

The regulations do not apply to individuals that are not required to have a CDL as outlined in 49 CFR Part 383.3. This includes military members, firefighters and others.

Visit the Training Provider Registry for a list of providers and more details on exemptions and the ELDT program.

Prior to selecting a school to attend in Nevada from the Training Provider Registry, please verify the school is listed in Business License Verification. If the school is not on the list, then your ELDT results may not be accepted by the DMV since the school does not have a DMV business license.

FMCSA Video

CLP Requirements

Nevada issues Commercial Learner Permits (CLP) that are valid for 180 days. You must obtain a CLP if:

  • This is an initial issuance of a CDL
  • You are upgrading a CDL to a higher class, adding an endorsement or removing a restriction that requires a skills test and the upgrade requires a skills test
  • Your CDL privileges have been invalid for more than four years

How to Apply

You must apply in person at a CDL Office and meet the following requirements:

  • Hold a valid Nevada non-commercial or commercial driver's license
  • Present Proof of Identity and Residency as outlined below.
  • Certify the type of driving you will do. See Self-Certification.
  • Present a valid Medical Examination Certificate if required.
  • Pass all of the required knowledge tests for your license class and endorsements.
  • Interpreters are not allowed for testing.
  • List all states where you have held any commercial or non-commercial driver's license in the past ten years. We will check your driving history in each state.
  • You must complete an Application for Commercial Driving Privileges (CDL 002):
    English (PDF)  |  Spanish (PDF)  |  Tagalog (PDF)
  • Fees are listed on the CDL Offices page.

License Classes and Endorsements

You must choose which class of CDL you will receive based on the type of vehicle you will be driving. See the following:

A CLP may have only the following endorsements. No others may be listed.

  • Passenger (P). The P restriction must be added.
  • School Bus (S). The P restriction must be added.
  • Tanker (N). The X restriction must be added.

All other endorsements are added to the CDL once you pass the appropriate knowledge test.

For more information on school buses, see Section 10 of the CDL Handbook (PDF).

If you wish to change vehicle class, endorsements or restrictions that require a skills test, you must obtain a new CLP and all CLP rules start over.

  • You must be at least 21 years of age to be issued a CDL to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce and to receive endorsements for passengers or hazardous materials.
  • You must be at least 25 to receive an endorsement for vehicle combinations over 70 feet in length.
  • CDLs issued to applicants age 18 to 20 will contain Restriction R (no passengers or hazmat) and Restriction 2 (intrastate commerce only).

You may drive only under the direct supervision of a CDL holder who:

  • Is at least 25 years of age
  • Has been issued a CDL for the proper class and endorsements necessary for the type of vehicle being operated
  • Has had at least one year of licensed commercial driving experience in the class and endorsement necessary for the type of vehicle for which the CLP was issued
  • Must at all times be physically present in the front seat of the vehicle next to the CLP holder, or in the case of a passenger vehicle, directly behind or in the first row behind the driver

A CLP holder with a (N) tanker endorsement may only operate an empty tank vehicle and is prohibited from operating any tank vehicle that previously contained hazardous materials that has not been purged of any residue.

A Commercial Learner's Permit is valid for 180 days from the date of issuance. Permits can be renewed, but you may have to retake tests.

Plan ahead and avoid these pitfalls:

  • If you renew your CLP, you will need to retake all CDL skills tests even if you have passed one or more portions. Skills tests may not be banked.
  • If your CPL is expired for 30 days or more, you must retake all knowledge tests.
  • If you renew your CLP a second time, you must retake all knowledge tests.

You must hold a CLP for at least 14 days prior to any skills test. If your testing will be done by a Third Party Certifier, it must be scheduled at least four days in advance. Interpreters are not allowed during skills testing.

  • DMV skills tests are administered only by appointment at CDL Offices. Be sure to review the Skills Test Requirements.
  • A number of larger companies and organizations employ Third-Party Certifiers to test their employees.
  • Some commercial driving schools employ Third Party Certifiers.

The fee to complete a CLP and issue a CDL is $58.25.

  • Nevada CLP holders may complete their skills tests in another state.
  • Out-of-state CLP holders may not be skills tested in Nevada.
  • Nevada does not issue "Non-Domiciled" CLPs.

Proof of Identity and Nevada Residential Address

All documents must be valid originals or certified copies that were issued in the United States (except foreign passports). The DMV does not accept photocopies.

You may choose a either Real ID compliant license or a standard CDL. Please review the following lists and choose the card that is right for you.

Real ID

Real ID identification card

An ID card issued in compliance with the Real ID Act of 2005 is marked by a gold Nevada outline with a star cutout. It is a valid ID for boarding aircraft, entering federal facilities where ID is required or entering nuclear power plants.

See the Real ID Act in Nevada for more. Visit GetRealNevada.com for an interactive checklist or GetRealNevada.com in Spanish.

You must present all of the following:

  • Proof of Identity (one document) AND
  • If you have changed your name, Proof of All Name Change(s) AND
  • Proof of Social Security number (one document) AND
  • Proof of your Nevada residential address (two documents)

Present one of the following:

  • Valid, unexpired United States Passport or United States Passport Card
  • U.S. state-issued birth certificate (original or certified copy)
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240)
  • Certificate of Naturalization (N-550)
  • Certificate of Citizenship (N-560)
  • Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
    • If the card is expired, you must also present a Notice of Action (I-797) showing an approved extension. The old pink version of the I-551, called the "Resident Alien Card," that contains no expiration date is also acceptable.
  • Valid, unexpired foreign passport with an I-94 stamped “Processed for I-551”
  • Unexpired Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
  • Valid, unexpired Foreign Passport with an unexpired U.S. Visa and an I-94 form. If the I-94 is expired, you must also present a Notice of Action (I-797) showing an approved extension.

Licenses and ID cards will be marked “LIMITED TERM" when immigration documents are used to prove identity.

Documents we do NOT accept

  • Hospital-issued birth certificates
  • U.S. driver's licenses or ID cards that do not meet Real ID standards
    • Accepted for driving privileges but not for proof of identity
  • Military ID
  • Foreign driver's licenses or ID cards
  • Foreign birth certificates
  • Border crossing cards
  • Consular identification cards

If your Proof of Identity document contains your current full legal name, you do not need to provide proof of any name change. Skip this section.

If not, you must present documentation of all name change(s) to show how your name changed from the identity document to your current legal name. These documents are accepted:

  • Marriage certificate (government issued)
  • Divorce decree
  • Adoption records
  • Court order

An updated Social Security card is not sufficient proof of a name change. The DMV will use the name exactly as listed.

In a case of multiple name changes, you will be asked for marriage certificates or other proof of each change. Divorce decrees must reference the former name before marriage.

Upon the death of your spouse, you may change your middle and last names back to the names used prior to your marriage. You must present both the death and marriage certificates. The deceased person's name must match on both.

Present one of the following to prove your Social Security number if a number has been issued to you.

Documents must list your current legal name and the complete Social Security number.

You must present two of the following documents which show your name and Nevada residential address.

Original printouts from online accounts are accepted.

Original or Certified Copy Dated Within 60 Days

  • Receipt for the rent or lease of a residence
  • Lease of a residence on which the applicant appears as the lessee
  • Record from a public utility for a service address
  • Bank or credit card statement
  • Employment check stub
  • Document from a state or federal court
  • Record, receipt or bill requesting payment
  • Record from an educational institution in Nevada which establishes enrollment or an ID card issued by the educational institution that lists the address
  • Record from a hotel, motel, recreational vehicle park or campground located in Nevada indicating no fewer than 30 days of consecutive residency in this state
  • Voter registration card issued by a county clerk or county registrar of voters pursuant to NRS 293.517
  • Documentation of receipt of benefits from any State of Nevada program of public assistance
  • Leave and Earnings Statement or equivalent or successor form which indicates Nevada residency of an applicant who is a member of the military deployed outside Nevada on active duty
  • Notarized statement from the owner of a residence indicating that the applicant physically resides at the residence

Original or Certified Copy of Last-Issued Document

  • Document issued by an insurance agency or its agent, including, without limitation, an insurance card, binder or bill
  • Record, receipt or bill from a medical provider
  • Tax records other than property taxes
  • Record of property taxes assessed or paid
  • Deed of trust or other documentation of a current mortgage
  • Confidential Address Program (CAP) documents issued pursuant to NRS 217.462‑.471

DMV-Approved Forms

  • Certification of Nevada Residency (DMV 005) (PDF)
  • Relief Agency or Shelter Certification (DMV 115) (PDF)
  • Property Owner Residency Affidavit (DMV 116) (PDF)

    • Standard Nevada License

    Standard Nevada ID card

    A standard Nevada license does not meet Real ID requirements. It is marked "NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES."

    As of May 7, 2025, these cards will not be accepted as identification for boarding aircraft. They are not currently accepted for entering federal facilities or nuclear power plants where ID is required. 

    You must present all of the following:

    • Proof of Identity (one document) AND
    • If you have changed your name, Proof of All Name Change(s) AND
    • Proof of Social Security number (one document) AND
    • Proof of your Nevada residential address (two documents)

    Present one of the following:

    • Valid Real ID driver's license, instruction permit, or identification card from another state
      • A license or ID that does not meet Real ID requirements is not accepted. A Real ID card marked “Limited Term” is not accepted; immigration documents must be shown.
    • Valid, unexpired United States Passport or United States Passport Card
    • Valid Enhanced Driver's License from a U.S. state
    • U.S. state-issued birth certificate (original or certified copy)
    • Nevada Department of Corrections Identification Card
      • See the Released Prisoner or Inmate Driver's License and Identification Card Information (DMV 013) (PDF)
    • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Identification Card (Pyramid Lake tribe only)
    • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240)
    • Certificate of Naturalization (N-550)
    • Certificate of Citizenship (N-560)
    • Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
      • If the card is expired, you must also present a Notice of Action (I-797) showing an approved extension. The old pink version of the I-551, called the "Resident Alien Card," that contains no expiration date is also acceptable.
    • Valid, unexpired foreign passport with an I-94 stamped “Processed for I-551”
    • Unexpired Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
    • Valid, unexpired Foreign Passport with an unexpired U.S. Visa and an I-94 form. If the I-94 is expired, you must also present a Notice of Action (I-797) showing an approved extension.

    Licenses and ID cards will be marked “LIMITED TERM" when immigration documents are used to prove identity.


    Documents we do NOT accept

    • Hospital-issued birth certificates
    • U.S. driver's licenses or ID cards that do not meet Real ID standards
      • Accepted for driving privileges but not for proof of identity
    • Military ID
    • Foreign driver's licenses or ID cards
    • Foreign birth certificates
    • Border crossing cards
    • Consular identification cards

    If your Proof of Identity document contains your current full legal name, you do not need to provide proof of any name change. Skip this section.

    If not, you must present documentation of all name change(s) to show how your name changed from the identity document to your current legal name. These documents are accepted:

    • Marriage certificate (government issued)
    • Divorce decree
    • Adoption records
    • Court order

    An updated Social Security card is not sufficient proof of a name change. The DMV will use the name exactly as listed.

    In a case of multiple name changes, you will be asked for marriage certificates or other proof of each change. Divorce decrees must reference the former name before marriage.

    Upon the death of your spouse, you may change your middle and last names back to the names used prior to your marriage. You must present both the death and marriage certificates. The deceased person's name must match on both.

    Present one of the following to prove your Social Security number if a number has been issued to you.

    Documents must list your current legal name and the complete Social Security number.

    You must present two of the following documents which show your name and Nevada residential address.

    Original printouts from online accounts are accepted.

    Original or Certified Copy Dated Within 60 Days

    • Receipt for the rent or lease of a residence
    • Lease of a residence on which the applicant appears as the lessee
    • Record from a public utility for a service address
    • Bank or credit card statement
    • Employment check stub
    • Document from a state or federal court
    • Record, receipt or bill requesting payment
    • Record from an educational institution in Nevada which establishes enrollment or an ID card issued by the educational institution that lists the address
    • Record from a hotel, motel, recreational vehicle park or campground located in Nevada indicating no fewer than 30 days of consecutive residency in this state
    • Voter registration card issued by a county clerk or county registrar of voters pursuant to NRS 293.517
    • Documentation of receipt of benefits from any State of Nevada program of public assistance
    • Leave and Earnings Statement or equivalent or successor form which indicates Nevada residency of an applicant who is a member of the military deployed outside Nevada on active duty
    • Notarized statement from the owner of a residence indicating that the applicant physically resides at the residence

    Original or Certified Copy of Last-Issued Document

    • Document issued by an insurance agency or its agent, including, without limitation, an insurance card, binder or bill
    • Record, receipt or bill from a medical provider
    • Tax records other than property taxes
    • Record of property taxes assessed or paid
    • Deed of trust or other documentation of a current mortgage
    • Confidential Address Program (CAP) documents issued pursuant to NRS 217.462‑.471

    DMV-Approved Forms

  • Certification of Nevada Residency (DMV 005) (PDF)
  • Relief Agency or Shelter Certification (DMV 115) (PDF)
  • Property Owner Residency Affidavit (DMV 116) (PDF)
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