Similar to how your CDL endorsements grant you specific permission to operate beyond your CDL license, restrictions do the opposite. Restrictions are placed on your license and will limit your permissions and ability to operate certain equipment.
E Restriction:
The E Restriction refers to the type of transmission you’re allowed to operate in terms of commercial vehicles. Specifically known as an Automatic restriction. This prohibits you from driving manual transmission commercial vehicles. This is obtained by performing your skills road test with an automatic transmission.
L Restriction:
The L Restriction refers to the braking system you’re allowed to operate in terms of commercial vehicles. Specifically, an L restriction will prohibit you from operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle with a full air brake system. This is obtained by failing to pass the air brake knowledge exam, or the air brake skills exam.
M Restriction:
The M Restriction refers to the ability to operate Class A passenger vehicles. Specifically, If a Class A driver obtains their P Endorsement and S endorsement with a Class B or Class C vehicle. This prohibits them from operating Class A passenger Vehicles.
N Restriction:
The N Restriction refers to the ability to operate Class B passenger vehicles. Specifically, If a Class B driver obtains their P Endorsement and S endorsement with a Class C vehicle. This prohibits them from operating Class B passenger Vehicles.
O Restriction:
The O Restriction refers to fifth wheel connections. This restriction prohibits you from driving commercial vehicles with a fifth wheel connection. This is obtained by taking your road test in a vehicle without a fifth wheel connection or pintle hook.
V Restriction:
The V Restriction refers to Medical Variances per the FMCSA. If a CDL Driver has a reported medical variance according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) that can be an impairment or hazard on the road. Some of these medical variances include but are not limited to diabetes, hearing issues, seizures, and eyesight impairment.
Z Restriction:
The Z Restriction refers to the braking system you’re allowed to operate, very similar to the L restriction. This prohibits you from driving Commercial Motor Vehicle with full air brakes just like the L Restriction, but you obtain them differently. The Z restriction is obtained by taking the driving test with a Commercial Motor Vehicle outfitted with air over hydraulic brakes.
The following are several examples of commercial driving positions:
- General CDL A Drivers
- General CDL B Drivers
- Regional Drivers
- Boom Truck Driver
- Refrigerated Freight Drivers
- Casual Drivers
- Dry Van Drivers
- Dump Truck Drivers
- Flatbed Drivers
- Food Service Drivers
- HAZMAT Drivers
- Line Haul Drivers
- Less Than Load (LTL) Drivers
- P&D Drivers
- Non-CDL Drivers (smaller vehicles not fitting the other definitions)