Commercial Driver License (CDL) Testing and CLP FAQs
Yes, if you are applying for a CDL for the first time or to add endorsements or remove restrictions that require skills testing in a commercial motor vehicle, you must complete the required written tests and apply for a CLP. The CLP must be held for training purposes a minimum of 14 days prior to skills testing. The test paper alone is not legal for driving. You must apply and carry your CLP with you for a minimum of 14 days.
Commercial license or permit applicants will be required to provide proof of United States citizenship, lawful permanent residency or immigration documents showing eligibility for a non-domiciled CDL or CLP at the time of each new or renewal application pursuant to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations defined in 49 CFR 383.73.
Exception: Missouri has adopted the exception process allowed under FMCSA regulations in 49 CFR 383.73. If, after implementation of changes effective June 29, 2015, your documents showing U.S. citizenship status are verified during a transaction meeting the commercial application verification requirements, and the date of verification of such documents has been posted to your driver record, presentation of the lawful status verification document may not be required on subsequent transactions, unless required for purposes of obtaining an initial REAL ID-compliant card.
Yes, per FMCSA regulations defined in 49 CFR 383.73(m), at least two persons within the driver licensing agency must participate substantially in the processing and verification of documents involved in the licensing process for commercial documents. This includes at a minimum, documents required to verify identity, lawful status, Social Security number, Missouri residency, the application form, knowledge and skills test scores, and other documents required to verify the data contained on a commercial application.
Some license offices, due to office volume or other staffing limitations, may be unable to complete commercial driver license or commercial learner permit transactions. You may use the Locate a License Office feature on the Department's website to determine if the office has opted not to process commercial transactions; or directly contact the local license office to ensure required staffing will be available.
No, you must either apply for the CLP in your state of domicile or if you are now a Missouri resident you must transfer your base privilege to Missouri before applying for the Missouri CLP.
You may transfer your out-of-state license, apply for a Missouri license, and apply for the CLP on the same day.
Yes, you must complete a School Bus written test and other applicable written tests for the CLP at a Missouri State Highway Patrol exam station.
No, these endorsements are not permitted on the CLP. (See 302.700, RSMo, and 49 CFR 383.153 (b).)
You must hold the CLP for a minimum of 14 days prior to taking the skills test for your CDL. You are not eligible to take the CDL skills test in the first 14 days after the initial issuance of the CLP. For example, if you apply for your permit on July 1 you will be eligible to take your skills test on July 15.
No, you must submit the exam form to the license office to apply for a CLP.
No, each period of disqualification must be served in full before any subsequent periods of disqualification can begin.
No. Federal requirements prohibit transfer of a CLP. Individuals must complete all required knowledge testing in Missouri and obtain a MO base license to be eligible for MO CLP.