CDL Licensing

Massachusetts CDL Endorsements and Restrictions

3 min read

Massachusetts commercial drivers must obtain specific endorsements and understand applicable restrictions to legally operate certain types of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). These additions or limitations on a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) are based on the vehicle type, cargo, and driving responsibilities.

CDL Endorsements in Massachusetts

Endorsements grant a CDL holder the ability to drive specialized vehicles or carry certain types of cargo. In Massachusetts, the following endorsements are available:

H – Hazardous Materials (Hazmat)

Required for transporting hazardous materials as defined by federal law. Drivers must pass a written knowledge test and complete a background check by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

N – Tank Vehicles

This is needed for operating a commercial tank vehicle designed to transport liquid or gaseous materials. It involves a separate knowledge test.

P – Passenger Transport

Necessary for carrying 16 or more passengers (including the driver). Applicants must pass both knowledge and skills tests specific to passenger transport.

S – School Bus

A subset of the passenger endorsement, the school bus endorsement is for drivers who operate school buses. Drivers must pass federal and state background checks, a specialized skills test, and training requirements.

T – Double/Triple Trailers

Required for operating combination vehicles with two or three trailers. Only applicable to certain CDL Class A holders.

X – Tanker and Hazmat Combination

This combined endorsement permits the operation of tank vehicles carrying hazardous materials. It requires meeting the requirements of both the H and N endorsements.

Learn more about the licensing process in our Massachusetts Commercial Driver’s License Guide.

CDL Restrictions in Massachusetts

Restrictions are placed on CDLs when a driver cannot or has not met certain requirements. Common restrictions include:

E – No Manual Transmission

Applies to drivers who completed the CDL skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission. They may not operate manual transmission CMVs.

L – No Air Brake Equipped CMV

If the driver fails the air brake component or tests in a vehicle without air brakes, they receive this restriction.

Z – No Full Air Brake Equipped CMV

This indicates the driver is only qualified to drive vehicles with partial air brake systems or air-over-hydraulic brakes.

O – No Tractor Trailer

Issued when a Class A skills test is completed in a vehicle that does not meet the configuration standards for a tractor-trailer.

M and N – No Class A or B Passenger Vehicle

These restrictions prevent Class A or B CDL holders from operating passenger vehicles in those classes unless proper testing is completed.

Understanding and complying with these restrictions is critical for maintaining CDL validity. Violations can lead to disqualification and penalties.

Applying for Endorsements and Removing Restrictions

To apply for endorsements, Massachusetts CDL holders must:

Schedule an appointment at a local RMV branch
Pass the applicable knowledge and/or skills tests
Provide required documents and fees
Complete fingerprinting and TSA vetting for Hazmat endorsements

Restrictions can often be removed by retesting or meeting the necessary qualifications, such as training on a manual transmission or completing an air brake component.

For help preparing, refer to How to Prepare for the Massachusetts CDL Test.

Additional CDL Considerations

Commercial drivers must stay compliant with both federal and Massachusetts regulations. Other helpful resources include:

Always ensure that any changes to your CDL, including endorsements or restrictions, are updated through the RMV and reflected accurately on your license.