The steps
- Get a DOT medical card. A commercial driver must pass a physical with a medical examiner listed on FMCSA’s National Registry (49 CFR 391.41, 391.43); the certificate lasts up to 24 months.
- Pass the knowledge test and get a commercial learner’s permit (CLP). The CLP lets you practise with a qualified CDL holder beside you and is valid for no more than a year (49 CFR 383.25).
- Hold the CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills test (383.25(e)).
- Complete entry-level driver training with a provider on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry, if this is your first Class A or B CDL, an upgrade, or a first passenger, school bus or HazMat endorsement (49 CFR 380.609). 30 registered providers have a training location in Hawaii, 30 of them offering behind-the-wheel training.
- Take the skills test: vehicle inspection, basic control skills and an on-road test, in a vehicle of the class you want (49 CFR 383.113). Hawaii names 3 places as CDL skills test sites.
- Age. Driving across state lines requires being at least 21 (49 CFR 391.11(b)(1)); a state may license drivers from 18 for driving inside the state only.
Where to take the CDL test in Hawaii
3 offices and test sites in Hawaii are on the official lists, and 3 are named by the state as CDL skills test sites. The most are in Pearl City (1), Hilo (1), Kailua-Kona (1). See all CDL testing and DMV offices in Hawaii, with a map and search by city or ZIP.
CDL schools in Hawaii
30 training providers registered with FMCSA list a location in Hawaii. The most are in Kapolei (7), Hilo (5), Kailua-Kona (3), Waimea (2), Paia (2), Honolulu (2), Pearl City (2), Pahoa (1), Keaau (1), Puunene (1). See all CDL schools in Hawaii.
Adding HazMat
The hazardous materials endorsement needs a TSA security threat assessment with fingerprints (49 CFR 1572). 7 TSA enrollment centers in Hawaii take HazMat applications. See the enrollment centers in Hawaii.