So you drive a big rig, or at least you want to. With a few exceptions, a driver of a vehicle weighing more than 26,000 lbs. must obtain an Oregon Class A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the State of Oregon. Yes, another driving test.
To qualify for the license you must meet the following requirements:
Requirements
1. Meet all the requirements to obtain a Class C Non-Commercial Drivers License;
2. Be 18 years of age;
3. Proof of name, legal presence, identity, and date of birth;
4. Proof of your Social Security Number;
5. Proof of your Oregon residence address;
6. Proof of valid mailing address.
Testing
You must pass a general knowledge test. Then depending on the class of Commercial Drivers License and endorsements you are applying for, you must pass additional knowledge tests. Vision screening and a medical examiners certificate are required. Upon completion of these tests you must then pass a Drive Test. Test, test, test. Not fun, but then the payoff is coming when you get behind the wheel!
Insurance
A Commercial Drivers License is required of you (or one or more of your listed drivers) on a commercial auto policy if you wish to insure a vehicle weighing more than 26,000 lbs. When applying for a commercial auto policy, be sure to have the the gross vehicle weight information for each van or truck available. This is important to avoid denial of a claim later due to an ineligible vehicle weight for the class of insurance you have purchased or the type of license that you have. This is where having an agent from InsureSource Agencies, LLC or Pulse Insurance, LLC is a good idea!