PennDOT Form DL-31CD: PA Commercial Learner’s Permit

PennDOT Form DL-31CD: PA Commercial Learner’s Permit – If you plan to operate commercial motor vehicles in Pennsylvania, the first official step is obtaining a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). The required document is PennDOT Form DL-31CD, the Commercial Learner’s Permit Application. This official Pennsylvania Department of Transportation form is used by drivers who already hold a valid non-commercial Pennsylvania driver’s license and want to apply for an initial commercial learner’s permit, upgrade their privileges, or add endorsements.

This comprehensive guide covers everything U.S. residents (especially Pennsylvania applicants) need to know about Form DL-31CD, including eligibility, required documents, fees, the application process, Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rules, and where to download the current official PDF.

What Is PennDOT Form DL-31CD?

Form DL-31CD is the official “Commercial Learner’s Permit Application to Apply for an Initial/Upgrade” issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). It is used to request a Knowledge Test Authorization (KTA) for commercial classes (A, B, or C), endorsements (such as Passenger, Hazardous Materials, Tank, Doubles/Triples, or School Bus), and restriction removals.

Once PennDOT processes the completed DL-31CD (along with the required Self-Certification Form DL-11CD and applicable fees), applicants receive a Knowledge Test Authorization. After successfully passing the required knowledge tests, the actual Commercial Learner’s Permit is issued. The CLP allows supervised practice driving and is valid for one year from the KTA issuance date.

The current version of the form is labeled DL-31CD (7-25). Always download the latest version directly from official PennDOT sources.

Official Download Link: Download Pennsylvania PennDOT Form DL-31CD (PDF)

Who Needs to Complete Form DL-31CD?

You must complete Form DL-31CD if you:

  • Hold a valid Pennsylvania non-commercial driver’s license and want to obtain a commercial learner’s permit for the first time.
  • Want to upgrade your commercial class (for example, from Class B to Class A).
  • Need to add endorsements such as Passenger (P), Hazardous Materials (H), Tank (N), Doubles/Triples (T), or School Bus (S).
  • Need to remove certain restrictions (such as air brakes or manual transmission limitations).
  • Need to extend or reapply after your previous commercial learner’s permit or Knowledge Test Authorization has expired.

Important: Federal regulations require that applicants already hold an underlying non-commercial driver’s license. You cannot apply for a commercial learner’s permit if you have never been licensed.

Eligibility Requirements for a Pennsylvania Commercial Learner’s Permit

To qualify for a Pennsylvania Commercial Learner’s Permit using Form DL-31CD, you must meet these core requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years of age (21 or older for interstate commerce or Hazardous Materials endorsement).
  • Hold a valid Pennsylvania non-commercial driver’s license.
  • Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence and Pennsylvania residency.
  • Complete and submit the Self-Certification Form (DL-11CD) indicating the type of commercial driving you intend to perform (Non-excepted Interstate, Non-excepted Intrastate, Excepted Interstate, or Excepted Intrastate).
  • For Non-excepted drivers, submit a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT physical).
  • Not be subject to any disqualification under 49 CFR Part 383.51 or any state suspension, revocation, or cancellation.
  • Disclose all states where you were licensed in the previous 10 years (required by the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999).

Applicants seeking a School Bus (S) endorsement must also attach a completed School Bus Driver’s Physical Examination Form (DL-704).

Required Documents to Submit with Form DL-31CD

When applying in person at a PennDOT Driver License Center (recommended for most new applicants), bring the following original documents:

  • Completed Form DL-31CD.
  • Completed Self-Certification Form DL-11CD.
  • Valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (if required by your self-certification category).
  • Proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (one of the following for U.S. citizens: birth certificate with raised seal issued by a U.S. government agency, U.S. passport, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or Certificate of Naturalization). Non-U.S. birth certificates are not accepted.
  • Proof of Pennsylvania residency (examples: tax records, lease or mortgage documents, W-2 form, current utility bills, or renewal notice).
  • Social Security card or other acceptable proof of Social Security Number if not already on file.
  • Current Pennsylvania driver’s license.
  • Applicable fees (payable by check, money order, or debit/credit card; cash is not accepted at most Driver License Centers).

If the name on your citizenship documents differs from your current name, you must also provide an original marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

How to Complete and Submit Form DL-31CD?

Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Download the latest official Form DL-31CD from the link provided above.
  2. Fill out Section A with your driver’s license number, full name, date of birth, Social Security Number, telephone number, and email address.
  3. List all states where you have been licensed in the previous 10 years, including driver’s license numbers if known.
  4. In Section B, select the commercial class (A, B, or C), endorsements, and any restriction removals you are requesting. Note the associated fees.
  5. Calculate and enter any applicable Increase Fee (if upgrading from a non-commercial license), Photo Fee ($15.50 in most cases), and Hazmat Fee ($22.00 if applicable).
  6. Complete the Authorization and Certification section (Section C), sign in ink, and date the form.
  7. Submit the completed forms, required documents, and fees in person at a PennDOT Driver License Center. In some cases, applications may be processed by mail, but in-person submission is generally required for new CDL applicants to verify identity and residency documents.

After processing, PennDOT issues a Knowledge Test Authorization (KTA). You may take the knowledge tests the same day the KTA is issued (subject to center availability). The KTA is valid for one year and allows three attempts at the knowledge tests.

Fees Associated with Form DL-31CD

Fees vary based on the privileges requested and whether you are upgrading from a non-commercial license. Key fees listed on the current DL-31CD form and official PennDOT fee schedules include:

  • Class A, B, or C permit fee: $6.00 (if applicable).
  • Each endorsement: $6.00 (School Bus endorsement has no fee).
  • Each restriction removal: $6.00.
  • Photo Fee: $15.50 (required in most cases; duplicate license is issued after skills testing).
  • Hazmat Fee: $22.00 (for original issuance or renewal of H or X endorsement).
  • Increase Fee (upgrading from non-commercial license): $22.00 to $88.00 depending on months remaining until current license expiration (7–12 months: $22; 13–24 months: $44; 25–36 months: $66; 37–48 months: $88). Note that official upgrade packages that include photo may total higher amounts (for example, $43.50–$109.50).
  • Optional contributions: $3.00 to the Organ Donation Awareness Trust Fund and/or $5.00 to the Veterans’ Trust Fund.

Additional fees apply later for skills testing and the full CDL license. Always verify current fees on the official PennDOT Payments and Fees page.

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Requirements

Effective February 7, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires Entry-Level Driver Training for most first-time Class A or Class B CDL applicants, those upgrading from Class B to Class A, and those obtaining a Passenger (P), School Bus (S), or Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement for the first time.

Training must be completed through a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before taking the skills test (or the knowledge test for the H endorsement). Visit the official registry at https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/ for approved providers.

After Receiving Your Knowledge Test Authorization and Learner’s Permit

Once you pass the required knowledge tests, PennDOT issues the Commercial Learner’s Permit. Key rules include:

  • You must wait a minimum of 15 days after the permit is issued before taking the skills test.
  • The CLP is valid for one year from the KTA issuance date.
  • You have three attempts to pass the skills test on that permit.
  • If the permit expires before you complete skills testing, you must reapply using a new DL-31CD and retake knowledge tests if results are more than one year old.
  • While practicing, you must be accompanied by a qualified CDL holder who has the proper class and endorsements.

Skills tests consist of a vehicle inspection, basic control skills (backing maneuvers), and an on-road driving test. Tests are administered at PennDOT Driver License Centers or by authorized third-party testers.

Where to Get Help and Additional Official Resources?

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to official PennDOT sources:

You may also obtain the Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s Manual (PUB 223) for detailed study materials covering knowledge and skills tests.

Frequently Asked Questions About Form DL-31CD

Can I apply for Form DL-31CD online?
Most new commercial learner’s permit applications require an in-person visit to a Driver License Center for document verification. Check current options on the official PennDOT website.

How long is the Commercial Learner’s Permit valid?
One year from the date the Knowledge Test Authorization is issued.

Do I need a medical exam?
Yes, if your Self-Certification Form (DL-11CD) indicates Non-excepted Interstate or Non-excepted Intrastate driving. You must submit a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate before the learner’s permit is issued.

What if my learner’s permit expires?
Complete a new Form DL-31CD to reapply. Knowledge test results older than one year must be retaken.

By carefully completing PennDOT Form DL-31CD and following the official process, Pennsylvania drivers can successfully begin their journey toward a Commercial Driver’s License. Always use the most current official forms and verify requirements directly with PennDOT, as rules and fees can change.

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