What is a CDL Endorsement?

CDL is a common acronym for commercial driver’s license. Having a CDL allows an individual to drive vehicles that people with a normal driver’s licenses are not permitted to operate. However, some commercial drivers are allowed to operate vehicles that other commercial drivers cannot. This is possible because of endorsements.

CDL Endorsements

An endorsement communicates that a person is either authorized to drive under certain circumstances or he is authorized to drive a certain type of vehicle. Each of a person’s endorsements should be listed on his driver’s license in an abbreviated form. While the endorsement system may vary slightly from state to state, below is a list of endorsements, abbreviations, and explanations of the related privileges.

• School bus (S) — required everywhere in the US for individuals who transport students in a school bus
• Passenger (P)—required for individuals driving vehicles that are designed to carry 16 or more people
• Tank (N)—required when transporting bulk liquids and tanker trucks
• Double/ Triple (T)—required for individuals that will haul multiple trailers
• Airbrakes (L)—required any time a commercial vehicle has air brakes

• HAZMAT (H)—necessary for individuals hauling hazardous materials. This endorsement is subject to the strictest requirements due to the threat that transporting such materials poses to national security.

Getting Endorsements

To obtain each endorsement a driver must generally pass tests. In some cases the tests are written but many endorsements require both a written exam and a road test.

Driving a commercial vehicle without the proper endorsements can be a serious offense. Anyone who receives such a charge should contact a traffic defense attorney for advice.