Cdl Restrictions Explained

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) restrictions are additional notations on your CDL that limit the types of vehicles you can drive or the conditions under which you can operate them. These restrictions are often based on your performance during the CDL skills test or specific limitations imposed by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. Here are some common CDL restrictions:

1. E - No Manual Transmission: If you took your skills test using a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you may receive an "E" restriction, indicating that you are not authorized to operate a commercial vehicle with a manual transmission. Removing this restriction usually involves retesting with a manual transmission-equipped vehicle.

2. L - Air Brake Restriction: If you take the skills test in a vehicle without air brakes or fail to pass the air brake portion of the test, you will receive an "L" restriction. This means you are not permitted to operate commercial vehicles equipped with air brakes.

3. Z - No Full Air Brake: Similar to the "L" restriction, the "Z" restriction indicates that you cannot operate vehicles with full air brakes. However, you may be allowed to operate vehicles with air-over-hydraulic brake systems.

4. K - Intrastate Only: This restriction limits your commercial driving to intrastate (within your state) operations only. You are not authorized to drive in interstate commerce.

5. M - No Class A Passenger Vehicle: This restriction is placed on Class A CDLs and signifies that you are not authorized to operate passenger vehicles in the Class A category (e.g., buses with more than 15 passengers).

6. N - No Class B Passenger Vehicle: Similar to the "M" restriction, the "N" restriction applies to Class B CDLs and prohibits the operation of passenger vehicles in the Class B category.

7. O - No Tractor-Trailer: This restriction, often seen on Class B CDLs, indicates that you are not authorized to operate tractor-trailer combinations. You are limited to straight trucks.

8. V - Medical Variance: If you have a medical condition that requires a federal exemption or variance, this restriction may be added to your CDL. It indicates that you can only operate commercial vehicles in accordance with the specific terms of the medical variance.

9. X - No Cargo in Tank Vehicle: If you take the skills test in a tank vehicle that was not carrying hazardous materials during the test, you may receive an "X" restriction, which prohibits you from transporting hazardous materials in tank vehicles.

These restrictions can vary by state and may also change over time based on your performance or circumstances. It's essential to be aware of any restrictions on your CDL and to take the necessary steps to remove them if they limit your career options. Removing restrictions often involves additional testing or training, so consult your state's DMV or equivalent agency for guidance.