Getting a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Nevada can open the door to a stable, high-paying career in the trucking and transportation industry. Whether you want to drive long-haul routes or operate local delivery trucks, a CDL is your ticket to many job opportunities. But before you apply, it’s important to understand that not everyone qualifies. Nevada, like every other state, follows strict federal and state laws to make sure that only safe and responsible drivers hold CDLs.
This article explains what disqualifies you from getting a CDL in Nevada, what violations or personal issues might block your application, and how you can overcome those challenges.
DUI and Alcohol-Related Offenses
One of the biggest reasons drivers get disqualified from holding or applying for a CDL is driving under the influence (DUI). Nevada has zero tolerance for alcohol-related driving offenses, especially for commercial drivers.
If you’re caught driving a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or higher, you’ll be disqualified immediately. That’s half the legal limit for regular drivers (0.08%).
Here’s how it works in Nevada:
- First DUI offense: You’ll lose your CDL eligibility for at least one year.
- Second offense: You’ll be disqualified for life, though some may reapply after 10 years if specific conditions are met.
- Refusing a chemical test (like a breath or blood test) is treated the same as a DUI conviction.
Even if your DUI happened while driving your personal vehicle, it can still affect your CDL status. The state looks at your complete driving history when deciding whether to issue or renew your license.
Drug-Related Offenses
Federal law requires all CDL holders to remain drug-free. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) both run strict drug-testing programs.
You must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test before getting your CDL and can be tested at random while employed as a commercial driver.
If you test positive for illegal drugs like marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, or opioids, you’ll be immediately disqualified. A conviction for possessing or using illegal drugs while operating a commercial vehicle also leads to disqualification:
- First offense: 1-year disqualification.
- Second offense: Lifetime disqualification.
Even though some states have legalized marijuana, it’s still illegal under federal law for CDL holders. That means using marijuana — even medically — can result in disqualification.
Serious Traffic Violations
Your driving record plays a huge role in whether you can get or keep a CDL. Nevada takes traffic violations very seriously because commercial drivers are expected to maintain the highest safety standards.
You may be disqualified if you have a record of:
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Excessive speeding (15 mph or more over the limit)
- Following another vehicle too closely
- Driving without a valid license
- Improper lane changes
- Texting or using a hand-held device while driving
If you commit two or more serious traffic violations within three years, you’ll face a 60-day disqualification. A third offense can result in a 120-day suspension.
In addition, if you’ve been labeled a habitual offender for repeated traffic violations, you’ll be automatically disqualified from applying for a CDL in Nevada.
Felony Convictions
Some criminal offenses can permanently block you from getting a CDL. Nevada and federal law disqualify anyone convicted of serious felonies involving vehicles.
Examples include:
- Using a commercial vehicle to commit a felony
- Vehicular manslaughter or homicide
- Transporting controlled substances
- Hit-and-run resulting in injury or death
- Using a vehicle in human trafficking or terrorism
A conviction for any of these crimes will permanently disqualify you from holding a CDL. Even unrelated felony convictions may trigger additional background checks or cause certain employers to reject your application.
Physical or Medical Disqualifications
To qualify for a CDL, you must pass a DOT medical exam conducted by a certified medical examiner. The purpose of this test is to make sure you are physically fit to handle the demands of commercial driving.
You can be disqualified if you have medical conditions that may affect your ability to drive safely, such as:
- Poor eyesight not correctable with glasses or contact lenses
- Severe hearing loss
- Epilepsy or a history of seizures
- Diabetes requiring insulin injections
- Heart conditions that can cause sudden loss of consciousness
- Sleep apnea that is not properly treated
If your condition is manageable with medication or medical devices, you may still be eligible — but you’ll need documentation from your doctor. Some drivers can apply for medical waivers that allow them to drive under specific restrictions.
Failure to Pay Child Support
Nevada law allows the state to suspend or deny your CDL if you fail to pay child support. The law is designed to ensure financial responsibility.
If your name appears on a delinquent child support list, the DMV may refuse to issue or renew your CDL until you’ve made satisfactory payment arrangements. Once you bring your payments up to date, your eligibility can be restored.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident
Leaving the scene of an accident — whether you caused it or not — is a serious offense in Nevada. If you are convicted of hit-and-run while driving any vehicle, you’ll lose your CDL for at least one year.
If the incident involved injury or death, or if you were operating a commercial vehicle while transporting hazardous materials, the disqualification period could be lifetime.
Using a Commercial Vehicle in the Commission of a Crime
Using a commercial vehicle for illegal activities — such as drug trafficking, smuggling, or any other criminal act — results in automatic lifetime disqualification. This rule applies whether or not you were convicted in a federal or state court.
Age Requirements
You must meet the minimum age requirement to apply for a CDL in Nevada:
- 18 years old to drive within the state (intrastate)
- 21 years old to drive across state lines (interstate) or transport hazardous materials
If you’re under 21, you can still apply for a CDL but will be limited to intrastate operations only. Once you turn 21, you can upgrade your CDL for interstate routes.
Immigration Status and Citizenship
You must be legally present in the United States to get a CDL in Nevada. That means you must provide proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency (such as a green card).
If you’re not a U.S. citizen, you’ll need valid immigration documents that allow you to work in the country. Undocumented immigrants or those with expired visas cannot apply for or hold a CDL.
The DMV requires verification through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to confirm your status.
Failure to Provide Accurate Information
When applying for a CDL, honesty matters. If you lie on your application, omit important details, or forge documents, your CDL application will be rejected.
Providing false information during testing or medical exams can lead to immediate disqualification and possible criminal charges.
Disqualification Periods for CDL Holders
Nevada follows federal guidelines for CDL disqualification periods. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Offense | Disqualification Period |
| DUI or refusal to test (first offense) | 1 year |
| DUI or refusal (second offense) | Lifetime |
| Using a commercial vehicle in a felony | Lifetime |
| Leaving the scene of an accident | 1 year |
| Using a commercial vehicle for drug trafficking | Lifetime |
| Two serious traffic violations within 3 years | 60 days |
| Three serious traffic violations within 3 years | 120 days |
These penalties apply whether the violations occurred in your commercial vehicle or your personal one.
How to Overcome CDL Disqualifications
If you’ve been disqualified, it doesn’t always mean the end of your trucking career. Some disqualifications are temporary, and you can take steps to regain eligibility.
Here are some ways to get back on track:
- Complete any required suspension period and reapply once eligible.
- Attend a DUI or drug rehabilitation program if required by the court.
- Pay off outstanding child support obligations.
- Improve your medical health and reapply with valid documentation.
- Work with the Nevada DMV to clear up any administrative issues.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, contact the Nevada DMV CDL office or a local CDL training school for guidance. They can review your record and explain what steps you need to take.
Tips to Keep Your CDL in Good Standing
Once you earn your CDL, it’s important to protect it. A single mistake can cost you your license — and your livelihood.
Follow these tips to stay compliant:
- Never drink or use drugs before driving.
- Follow all traffic laws and speed limits.
- Keep your medical certificate updated.
- Report address or employment changes to the DMV promptly.
- Maintain your vehicle and safety records properly.
- Be honest and responsible on and off the road.
Good driving habits and personal discipline go a long way toward keeping your CDL valid.
Final Thoughts
Getting a CDL in Nevada is an exciting step toward a rewarding career, but it also comes with serious responsibilities. The state and federal governments have strict rules to ensure that every commercial driver is safe, sober, and qualified.
If you’ve ever wondered what disqualifies you from getting a CDL in Nevada, the answer depends on your driving record, criminal history, health, and behavior. The good news is that many of these issues can be fixed with time, honesty, and effort.
Stay informed, follow the law, and keep your record clean — and you’ll be well on your way to building a successful future in commercial driving.