Federal CDL Rules

CDL Regulations

Explore the federal CDL regulations that shape entry-level training, licensing standards, driver disqualification, enforcement, conviction reporting, CDLIS recordkeeping, and state compliance.

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Key CDL Regulation Categories

These regulation categories connect CDL training, licensing, enforcement, reporting, and compliance.

49 CFR Part 380

Special Training Requirements

Part 380 establishes federal special training requirements, including Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements and minimum curricula for entry-level CDL drivers.

  • Entry-Level Driver Training requirements
  • Training-provider requirements and certification
  • Required theory and behind-the-wheel curricula
  • Class A and Class B curriculum requirements
  • Passenger, school bus, and hazardous-material endorsement training
View eCFR Part 380 Cross-Reference Training Modules
49 CFR Part 383

Commercial Driver’s License Standards

Part 383 addresses CDL standards, driver responsibilities, testing, endorsements, restrictions, and disqualification rules.

  • CDL and CLP standards
  • Driver notification responsibilities
  • Disqualification of drivers
  • Endorsements and restrictions
  • Knowledge and skills testing
View eCFR Part 383 Cross-Reference
49 CFR Part 384

State Compliance with the CDL Program

Part 384 addresses state responsibilities for CDL program compliance, conviction reporting, CDLIS records, and the prohibition on masking convictions.

  • State licensing compliance
  • Conviction and disqualification reporting
  • CDLIS driver recordkeeping
  • Prohibition on masking convictions
  • State compliance reviews and sanctions
View eCFR Part 384 Cross-Reference
49 CFR Part 390

General FMCSA Rules and Definitions

Part 390 includes general applicability, definitions, and baseline requirements used across the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

  • General applicability
  • Definitions and terms
  • Motor carrier compliance context
  • Regulatory framework for CMV operations
View eCFR Part 390
49 CFR Part 391

Driver Qualification

Part 391 addresses driver qualification rules, including physical qualification, driver files, and eligibility standards for commercial motor vehicle operation.

  • Driver qualification standards
  • Medical qualification
  • Driver qualification files
  • Eligibility and safety requirements
View eCFR Part 391
49 CFR Part 392

Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles

Part 392 addresses rules for the safe driving and operation of commercial motor vehicles.

  • Driver conduct
  • Safe operation
  • Distracted driving restrictions
  • Railroad crossing behavior
  • CMV operation requirements
View eCFR Part 392
Related CDL Context

How Regulations Connect to the Lifecycle

CDL regulations are not isolated references. They affect roadside enforcement, citation documentation, adjudication, conviction reporting, SDLA action, and driver history review.

  • Roadside and citation accuracy
  • Attorney and court disposition decisions
  • SDLA reporting and CDLIS updates
  • Driver sanctions and history checks
View Lifecycle Start by Role

Commonly Referenced CDL Sections

These sections are frequently relevant to CDL enforcement, adjudication, reporting, recordkeeping, and compliance questions.

Part 380

Entry-Level Driver Training

Special training requirements and minimum curricula for entry-level CDL drivers and specified endorsements.

View eCFR
§380.503

ELDT Requirements

Identifies when prescribed entry-level driver training must be completed before certain CDL skills or endorsement knowledge tests.

View eCFR
§383.51

Disqualification of Drivers

Major offenses, serious traffic violations, and other disqualification categories.

View eCFR
§383.71

Driver Application and Certification

Application, certification, and licensing procedures for CDL and CLP holders.

View eCFR
§384.208

Notification of Disqualifications

State notification responsibilities involving CDL disqualifications.

View eCFR
§384.209

Notification of Traffic Violations

State reporting requirements for certain traffic violation convictions.

View eCFR
§384.225

CDLIS Driver Recordkeeping

CDLIS recordkeeping requirements and driver record availability.

View eCFR
§384.226

Prohibition on Masking Convictions

Restrictions on masking, deferring, or diverting certain CDL-holder convictions.

View eCFR
Last Updated: September 15, 2026
Use this page as a navigation aid, not as a substitute for authoritative regulatory text.