When applying for a CDL, you will apply for one of these types of licenses:

Class A: Holders are authorized to drive any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GVWR of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.

Class B: Holders are authorized to drive any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, and any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds.

Class C: Holders are authorized to drive any single vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not in excess of 10,000 pounds that:

• Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or designed to transport more than 10 passengers, including the driver, and used to transport students under age 21 years to and from school. Also requires medical certificate.
• Transports hazardous materials which are required to be placarded in accordance with 49 CFR 172, Subpart F, as amended. Also requires medical certificate.

Note: A Class D license refers to a non-commercial license.

An endorsement on a CDL notes the official ability of that driver to operate different types of vehicles. Commercial driver endorsements include: 

A – Activity vehicle:
An “A” endorsement is required before you can operate a student transportation vehicle (or other vehicle that requires a “F” endorsement) used in connection with school sponsored events and activities, but not used to transport students to and from school. Applicants or holders of a public passenger endorsement must need an acceptable driving record. A “P” endorsement is required if the vehicle being driven requires a Class A, B, or C CDL and is transporting passengers.

F – Taxi, livery, service bus, motor bus, or motor coach:
An “F” endorsement is required for operation of: 

• A Taxi
• Livery vehicle
• Service bus
• Motor bus
• Motor coach

Applicants or holders of a public passenger endorsement need an acceptable driving record. A “P” endorsement is required if the vehicle being driven requires a Class A, B or C CDL and is transporting passengers.

H – Hazardous material:

An “H” endorsement is required if the vehicle you drive transports hazardous materials which are placarded. You need to also meet these additional requirements: 

• Be at least age 21
• Be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or hold a valid Employment Authorization Document

P – Passenger/transportation:

A “P” endorsement is required if the vehicle that you drive requires one of the following: 

• Class A CDL and is transporting passengers
• Class B CDL and is transporting passengers
• Class C CDL and is transporting passengers

If you have a Public Passenger Endorsement (PPE), you will also need an acceptable driving record.

N – Liquid bulk/tank cargo:

An “N” endorsement is required if the vehicle you drive meets any of these criteria: 

• It requires a Class A or B CDL
• It is designed to haul a liquid or liquid gas in a permanently mounted cargo tank rated at 119 gallons or more or a portable tank rated at 1,000 gallons or more.
• Note: A tank endorsement is also required for Class C vehicles when the vehicle is used to transport hazardous materials in liquid or gas form in the above-described rated tanks. 

S – School bus:

An “S” endorsement is required before you can operate a school bus. A “P” endorsement is also required. If you have a public passenger endorsement, you also need an acceptable driving record. 

T – Double/triples:

A “T” endorsement is required if the vehicle that you drive requires a Class A CDL and is towing more than one trailer. 

V – Student transportation vehicle:

A “V” endorsement is required for the operation of a student transportation vehicle, to transport students—including special education students—to and from school. If you have a public passenger endorsement you need an acceptable driving record. You are required to provide an R360 training certificate for this endorsement.

A “P” endorsement is required if the vehicle being driven requires a Class A, B or C CDL and is transporting passengers. 

X – Hazardous material and tank, combined:

An “X” endorsement is required if the vehicle you drive is transporting hazardous materials in a tank. You need to also meet these additional requirements:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or hold a valid Employment Authorization Document

A restriction on a CDL notes the special circumstances in which you’re authorized to drive:

3 = With "M" endorsement, allows operation of a 3-wheeled motorcycle
B = Corrective lenses
C = Mechanical aid
D = Prosthetic aid
E = Automatic transmission only
F = Dual outside mirror
G = Daylight only operation
K = CDL intrastate only
L = Vehicles without air brakes
M = Group B or Group C passenger vehicles
N = Group C passenger vehicles only
O = No fifth wheel (combination vehicles)
P = Commercial learner's permit only; no passengers other than trainer, additional trainees, or test examiner
U = Hearing aid required
V = R360 training certificate need to be provided
W = Medical waiver required
X = Commercial learner's permit only; no cargo in tank vehicle and tank must be purged. Restricts "N" endorsement.
Z = No full air brake equipped commercial motor vehicle

If you need to add a new hazardous materials endorsement, renew, or transfer an existing endorsement, you need to:

• Be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or hold a valid Employment Authorization Document
• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Undergo the TSA threat assessment. The Hazmat Threat Assessment Program involves:
• A fingerprint-based criminal history records check (done by IDEMIA)
• An immigration check
• An intelligence-related check
• Have a valid TSA clearance result in our system.
• See the renewal process for a hazardous materials endorsement.
• Pass the hazardous materials knowledge test before the endorsement is issued.
• Complete the TSA online application. If you do not have internet access, you may contact the Driver’s Helpdesk toll-free at 1-855-347-8371 and they will assist you with completion of the on-line application.
• Self-certify type of commercial driving.

Important Note: The DMV receives results electronically from TSA. The hazmat endorsement is not issued unless DMV receives the electronic results from TSA, even if the vehicle operator receives an approval letter.

You can get a 90-day temporary endorsement at renewal if you pass the hazmat knowledge test and present a receipt from IDEMIA that shows you completed the application and fingerprinting process. The temporary endorsement is only available for renewal of a hazmat endorsement and doesn’t apply if you’re applying for the first time or re-applying for a hazmat endorsement.

Hazmat endorsement renewals are processed at the following DMV offices by appointment only:

• Bridgeport
• Danbury
• Hamden
• Norwalk
• Old Saybrook
• Waterbury
• Wethersfield
• Willimantic

Make an appointment online.

IDEMIA is the TSA-designated vendor that conducts the fingerprint process for hazmat endorsements. Please call 855-347-8371 or visit their website for fingerprinting locations in Connecticut.

If you currently hold a Connecticut CDL and want to add the hazardous material endorsement to your license, you need to first complete the TSA online application.

Bring the following to your fingerprinting appointment:

• Identification. See acceptable identification forms.
• $86.50 payment if you did not pay when completing the online application

Payment can be made at the fingerprinting site with these forms of payment:

• Credit card 
• Company check
• Money order
• Certified or cashier's check payable to IDEMIA 

Enrollment centers accept these forms of payment: 

• Visa
• Mastercard
• American Express
• Discover

Cash and personal checks are NOT accepted.