While many requirements remain generally the same across all states, some states have unique regulations that truckers must follow to get their commercial driver’s license (CDL). In New Hampshire, students must have a medical certificate, self-certification, and may even want to include certain CDL endorsements. New England Tractor Trailer Training School (NETTTS) can assist students in finding these resources through our CDL training programs.
NETTTS provides hands-on training combined with classroom learning, giving students a comprehensive training experience. Students use our fleet of trucks and trailers, as well as a CDL driving and shifting simulator. We also have financial aid available for those who qualify. New Hampshire students can find CDL training at our North Andover/Haverhill, Massachusetts, campus which is located near the border of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Learn more about New Hampshire CDL requirements.
How Much Training Do I Need?
To determine the amount of training, you must decide which type of license you are considering. Different licenses allow you to operate various vehicles. At NETTTS, we offer courses in the following CDL types:
- Class A CDL: This license allows drivers to run commercial vehicles with a gross weight of 26,000 or more pounds and a towing capacity of 10,000 or more pounds.
- Class B CDL: This license enables truckers to drive commercial vehicles with a gross weight of more than 26,000 pounds and a towing capacity of no more than 10,000 pounds.
At the start of CDL training, students must first work towards a commercial driver’s license permit. To earn one, students must take and pass the CDL Permit Knowledge Test.
In addition to their commercial driver’s license permit, students must receive their Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) through an FMCSA approved institution. ELDT sets a baseline standard for CDL education across all states. This means if you are:
- Getting a CDL for the first time
- Upgrading your existing CDL
- Earning new endorsements, like hazmat, passenger, or bus endorsements
Health and Vision Requirements
During training at NETTTS, students will have the opportunity to obtain a medical certificate as a part of their CDL training for New Hampshire. Students must fill out a CDL Medical Card and Certificate Form. This form is where students complete self-certification, which informs the DMV of the type of driving they wish to pursue. Students can choose from the following options:
- Interstate non-excepted: These are drivers who travel across state lines to deliver commerce.
- Interstate excepted: These are truckers who drive across state lines but do not have to provide a medical card.
- Intrastate non-excepted: These are workers who run loads within state lines that require a medical certificate.
- Intrastate excepted: These are operators who deliver services within state lines and do not need a medical certificate.
Next, students must complete a vision test. This test ensures drivers are safe on the road. To complete the test, students read numbers and letters from a specified distance. You must be able to read from the 20/40 vision line to pass the exam. If you wear contacts or corrective lenses, you must bring them at the time of the exam.
Students do not need to find their own certified medical examiner to complete this test. A DOT medical examiner is available through the school. If a license holder wants to add more endorsements after earning their license, they may need to retake vision tests. Those who do not pass the vision exam can visit an eye doctor, who may be able to provide certification that they can operate a truck.
Legal Requirements
One piece of documentation a student needs to apply for their CDL is a completed Commercial Driver’s License Application. They must also have a valid New Hampshire driver’s license. Non-U.S. citizens can show Permanent Resident, Asylee, Refugee, and Work Authorization Cards in place of citizenship documents.
Those seeking additional classifications and endorsements must take additional exams depending on the type of vehicle they want to operate. For example, truckers driving loads with hazardous materials must earn their hazmat endorsement. Additionally, they must receive Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) Fingerprint Clearance.
Other potential endorsements include:
- N: Tank vehicles
- P: Passenger vehicles holding 16 or more passengers
- S: School bus
- T: Double/triple vehicles
What to Expect When Taking the New Hampshire CDL Test
The CDL test in New Hampshire comes in different parts, including the knowledge test and road skills exam. Students can schedule their test with the local New Hampshire DMV during their training. The tests you take depend on the type of license you want to hold.
For Class A CDL license holders, they must take a:
- General knowledge exam
- Combinations knowledge exam
- Air brakes knowledge exam
- Road skills test
Class B CDL license holders must take a:
- General knowledge exam
- Air brakes knowledge exam
- Road skills test
The knowledge portion of the CDL exam is a computer-based, multiple-choice test where students answer a set number of questions within a given timeframe. Students must receive a passing grade of 80% to earn their CDL. Once you pass the knowledge test, you can receive a CDL permit.
After completion, students then take the skills test. The skills test is where students can demonstrate their skills behind the wheel, including:
- Inspection procedures
- Backing and parking maneuvers
- Personal and public safety
- Driving trucks in traffic
- How to handle traffic stresses physically, mentally, and emotionally
- Knowledge of traffic signs and road rules
Students will have the opportunity take their tests in vehicles provided by NETTTS. Upon passing all portions of the exam, students earn their CDL. If students fail their knowledge exam or road test, they must wait ten days before retaking it.
Drivers must renew their CDL every five (5) years. To renew a CDL in New Hampshire, drivers must ensure their medical cards are up-to-date and complete another vision test, depending on their endorsements. For example, hazmat endorsements require that drivers renew their TSA fingerprint clearance. Those with a school bus certificate must prove employment for the current school year. They must also pass a school bus knowledge certificate exam.
Start Your Journey at NETTTS
New England Tractor Trailer Training School (NETTTS) wants to help students across New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island become successful with CDL training. We offer career services support for students, with a team of professionals who can assist with job preparation and employer evaluation. To learn more about the New Hampshire CDL requirements, contact us or request more information today. If you have questions, call us at 800-333-2888.