To apply for a CDL in Pennsylvania, you must be at least 18 years old to drive intrastate (within the state of Pennsylvania), and 21 for operations in interstate commerce (state to state) or hazardous material endorsement. More information can be found at the Official Pennsylvania DOT website.

Minimum Requirements For Getting A CDL In Pennsylvania:

• Must have a Pennsylvania Driver’s License.
• Certify that you are in agreement with state motor carrier safety regulations. See Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
• Provide a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
• Provide proof of identity.
• Provide proof of Pennsylvania residency.
• Provide your Social security number.

Pennsylvania CDL Disqualifications

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance in CMV or personal vehicle.- 1 year disqualification, or 3 years with HAZMAT
• Refusing to submit to chemical testing in CMV or personal vehicle. - 1 year disqualification, or 3 years with HAZMAT
• Leaving the scene of an accident in CMV or personal vehicle. - 1 year disqualification, or 3 years with HAZMAT
• Using a vehicle to commit felony in CMV or personal vehicle. - 1 year disqualification, or 3 years with HAZMAT
• Using a vehicle in the commission of a felony involving manufacturing, distributing or dispensing a controlled substance in CMV or personal vehicle. - Lifetime disqualification
• Driving a CMV while the driver’s CDL is revoked, suspended, cancelled or disqualified. - 1 year disqualification, or 3 years with HAZMAT
• Causing a fatality through the negligent operation of a CMV. - 1 year disqualification, or 3 years with HAZMAT

The following lists the violations that are defined as serious traffic offenses. If you are convicted of any 2 of these serious traffic offenses within a 3 year period, you will be disqualified from driving a CMV for 60 days. If you are convicted of 3 or more serious traffic offenses within a 3 year period, you will be disqualified from driving a CMV for 120 days. Most of these violations must occur in a CMV to count as a STO. However, there are some exceptions.

• Exceeding maximum speed limit 15 mph or more. - In CMV or personal vehicle if the violation occurred in a work or school zone
• Hazardous Grades
• Driving recklessly, as defined by state or local law. - In CMV or personal vehicle
• Making improper or erratic traffic lane changes.
• Following the vehicle ahead too closely.
• Duty of driver in construction and maintenance areas or on highway safety corridors.
• Violating state or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control arising in connection with a fatal accident. - In CMV or personal vehicle
• Driving a CMV without obtaining a CDL, driving a CMV without a valid CDL in the driver’s possession, driving a CMV without the proper class and/or endorsements.
• Texting while driving a CMV.
• Use of a hand-held mobile telephone while driving a CMV.

A conviction of a railroad-highway grade offense will result in the automatic disqualification of your privilege to operate a CMV if the offense occurred while operating a commercial vehicle. The length of the disqualification is 60 days for the 1st offense, 120 days for the 2nd offense within a 3 year period and 1 year for a 3rd or subsequent offense. The following chart lists the various railroad-highway grade crossing offenses.

• The driver is not required to always stop, but fails to slow down and check that tracks are clear of an approaching train.
• The driver is not required to stop, but fails to stop before reaching the crossing, if the tracks are not clear.
• The driver is always required to stop, but fails to stop before driving onto the crossing.
• The driver fails to have sufficient space to drive completely through the crossing without stopping.
• The driver fails to obey a traffic control device or the direction of an enforcement official at the crossing.
• The driver fails to negotiate a crossing because of insufficient undercarriage clearance