Getting My License With A Foreign Driver License.

Topic 6332 | Page 1

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John Banks's Comment
member avatar

Hello. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

I´m a US citizen but have been living almost all my life in Costa Rica. I have dual citizenship.

I´m 53 years old and I´m going back to the USA next January and really want to become a truck driver.

I have done my homework, reading blogs, watching videos, and I'm clear about how hard it is, but also about how rewarding is.

Have one question and would appreciate any advice.

I don't have a US drivers license. Can I apply to CDL with my Costa Rica license? for what I have seen, apparently there is no problem in Texas or California. But want to make sure.

Thanks in advance for any help

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
David A.'s Comment
member avatar

All that matters is the state in which you get your CDL. Hope that helps. Happy Thanksgiving to you, and an early welcome back to the states!!!

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
John Banks's Comment
member avatar

Thanks a lot. Take care

All that matters is the state in which you get your CDL. Hope that helps. Happy Thanksgiving to you, and an early welcome back to the states!!!

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Old School's Comment
member avatar

John, the biggest problem that most people run into in your situation is that you are required to hold a U.S. license for one year before you can get the Commercial drivers license. So, more than likely you will need to get over here and get your drivers license, then focus on finding some sort of work you can do for that first year until you can apply for the CDL. You may possibly get around this if you have ever held a U.S. license before, but I am just not sure about that.

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
John Banks's Comment
member avatar

Hi, thanks for your input. Next week I have two phone interviews, will ask about it. I need to reconfirm but in Texas you don´t need to wait one year. But not sure if someone will employ me with a record to check. That´s what the interviews are for.

I used to have a Florida Drivers License back in the late 80´s, but I called and they told me that is too old and without movement on the file is already out of the system.

Every time I go to the US I drive with my Costa Rican license.

Thanks again and take care

John, the biggest problem that most people run into in your situation is that you are required to hold a U.S. license for one year before you can get the Commercial drivers license. So, more than likely you will need to get over here and get your drivers license, then focus on finding some sort of work you can do for that first year until you can apply for the CDL. You may possibly get around this if you have ever held a U.S. license before, but I am just not sure about that.

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
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