Do commercial vehicle drivers have to meet higher standards before they are licensed to drive?

Yes. While licensing standards vary from state to state, in every jurisdiction potential commercial vehicle drivers must pass testing that demonstrate their knowledge, experience, skills and physical abilities, all of which are held to a higher standard than what is required for a non-commercial license, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

In addition to more rigorous licensing standards, in certain circumstances, commercial vehicle drivers may be required to carry special endorsements. Special endorsements may be mandated if the driver will be driving any of the following commercial vehicles: a truck with double or triple trailers, a truck with a tank, a truck carrying hazardous materials, or a passenger vehicle.