Commercial Driver License Restrictions
- What are Restriction Codes?
- Restrictions may be added to Commercial Driver Licenses/Permits based upon the type of vehicle and equipment that the driver uses for the CDL Skills Test. There are ten standardized restriction codes.
- No Manual Transmission (E)
- Intrastate Only (K)
- No Air Brake Equipped CMV (L)
- No Class A Passenger Vehicle (M)
- No Class A or B Passenger Vehicle (N)
- No Tractor Trailer CMV (O)
- An applicant who passes a skills test using a combination vehicle that is NOT a truck tractor semi-trailer combination (the conventional semi), but is otherwise equipped with a fifth wheel, will be issued a CDL with an “O” restriction.
- An applicant who passes a skills test using a combination vehicle that is NOT a truck tractor semi-trailer combination (the conventional semi), but is otherwise equipped with a fifth wheel, will be issued a CDL with an “O” restriction.
- No Passengers in CMV Bus (P)
- Medical Variance (V)
- No Cargo in CMV Tank Vehicle (X)
- No Full Air Brake Equipped CMV (Z)
- No Manual Transmission (E)
- Restrictions may be added to Commercial Driver Licenses/Permits based upon the type of vehicle and equipment that the driver uses for the CDL Skills Test. There are ten standardized restriction codes.
- Do I have to do a pre-trip to remove a restriction?
- If a drive test is required then you must get a permit, hold it for the full 14 days, and then do all three parts of the CDL Skills Test. The only exception to this is for removing the restriction E-automatic transmission. If you are just removing the restriction E and not making any other changes to the current CDL license, then you will not have to do the pre-trip inspection. You will do the basic control skills and the road test only.
- If a drive test is required then you must get a permit, hold it for the full 14 days, and then do all three parts of the CDL Skills Test. The only exception to this is for removing the restriction E-automatic transmission. If you are just removing the restriction E and not making any other changes to the current CDL license, then you will not have to do the pre-trip inspection. You will do the basic control skills and the road test only.
- Do I need to obtain a Commercial Learner Permit if I am removing a restriction?
- If the restriction you are removing requires a drive test, yes, you will be required to obtain a CLP (Commercial Learner Permit) first and hold it for a minimum of 14 days before you are eligible for the skills test to remove said restriction.
- If the restriction you are removing requires a drive test, yes, you will be required to obtain a CLP (Commercial Learner Permit) first and hold it for a minimum of 14 days before you are eligible for the skills test to remove said restriction.
*A Commercial License Permit (CLP) holder with a S endorsement is prohibited from operating a school bus with passengers, other than Federal/Federal/State auditors and inspectors, test examiners, other trainees, and the CDL holder accompanying the CLP holder as prescribed by CFR 383.25(a)(1) of this part.
Last Modified on
Oct 15, 2020