An EDL license is a commercial driver's license for people who operate certain vehicles but do not need a full Class A or Class B CDL

EDL stands for Excepted Driveaway-Towaway Operation License. It is a commercial driver's license category that lets you drive specific types of vehicles without meeting all the training and testing requirements of a standard CDL. The vehicles you can operate under an EDL are limited — mainly driveaway-towaway operations, which means moving vehicles from one location to another as part of a business (like a car carrier moving new cars from a factory to a dealership).

The key difference between an EDL and a full CDL is scope. A full CDL requires extensive training, a written knowledge test, and a skills test. An EDL requires less formal training and typically only a written test, because you are operating in a narrower, lower-risk category. However, you still need a valid driver's license and must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination.

Most states issue EDLs, but the specific rules and vehicle categories covered vary by state. Some states call it by a different name or structure it differently within their licensing system. If you are considering an EDL, your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency will have the exact rules that explore where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • An EDL is a commercial license for driveaway-towaway operations — moving vehicles as part of a business — without the full training and testing burden of a standard CDL.
  • You must pass a DOT medical examination and a written knowledge test, but you do not need the skills test required for a full CDL.
  • The vehicles you can operate under an EDL are limited to specific categories, usually those under a certain weight or used in driveaway-towaway work.
  • Rules and vehicle categories for EDLs vary by state, so you need to check with your state DMV for the exact requirements and scope.
  • An EDL is not a full CDL and does not give you the same driving privileges; it is a narrower license for a specific type of work.

What vehicles you can drive with an EDL

An EDL typically covers vehicles used in driveaway-towaway operations — the movement of vehicles from one location to another as part of a commercial service. This includes towing or driving new cars, used cars, or other vehicles to dealerships, auctions, or storage facilities. The exact list of vehicles depends on your state's rules.

Generally, an EDL covers vehicles that fall below certain weight thresholds or are not classified as hazardous material carriers. Most states limit EDL operation to vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) under a specific amount — often 26,001 pounds or less, though this varies. You cannot use an EDL to haul hazardous materials, and you cannot use it to operate a school bus or passenger vehicle carrying more than 15 people.

If you are unsure whether a specific vehicle falls under your state's EDL rules, contact your state DMV or the company that would employ you. They can tell you whether the vehicle qualifies and whether you need a full CDL instead.

How to get an EDL

The process starts with your state DMV. You will need to visit in person, bring proof of identity and residency, and pay the licensing fee. The fee varies by state but is typically lower than a full CDL fee because the testing is less extensive.

Next, you must pass a DOT medical examination. This is performed by a certified medical examiner and checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general health. The examiner will complete a Medical Examination Report form, which you bring to the DMV. If you fail the medical exam, you cannot proceed with the EDL.

After passing the medical exam, you take a written knowledge test at the DMV. The test covers vehicle operation, safety, and the specific rules for driveaway-towaway work. The number of questions and passing score vary by state. You do not take a behind-the-wheel skills test for an EDL, which is one reason it requires less time than a full CDL.

Once you pass the written test, the DMV issues your EDL. The entire process usually takes a few weeks, depending on how quickly you can schedule the medical exam and DMV appointment.

EDL versus a full CDL: what is the difference

A full CDL (Class A or Class B) requires more training and testing than an EDL. With a full CDL, you must complete a commercial driver training program, pass a written knowledge test, and pass a behind-the-wheel skills test. The training program can take several weeks and costs more than the EDL process.

A full CDL also gives you broader driving privileges. You can operate a wider range of vehicles, including those carrying hazardous materials, and you can work in more types of commercial driving jobs. An EDL is narrower — it covers only driveaway-towaway operations and the specific vehicle categories your state allows.

If your job involves only moving vehicles from one location to another and the vehicles fall within your state's EDL weight and type limits, an EDL is usually faster and less expensive to obtain. If you need to haul freight, carry hazardous materials, or operate larger vehicles, you will need a full CDL instead.

Medical requirements and renewal

Before you can get an EDL, you must pass a DOT medical examination. This exam is more thorough than a standard eye exam or physical. The examiner checks your vision (you must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, corrected or uncorrected), hearing, blood pressure, and medical history. You must also disclose any conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea that could affect your ability to drive safely.

Your medical certification is valid for up to two years. Before it expires, you must renew it by visiting a certified medical examiner again. If your medical certification expires, your EDL becomes invalid until you renew it.

Your EDL itself is typically valid for four to eight years, depending on your state. When it expires, you must renew it at the DMV. The renewal process usually involves passing the written test again and renewing your medical certification.

When you might need a full CDL instead

If the vehicle you need to operate exceeds your state's weight limit for an EDL, you will need a full CDL. If you are hauling cargo other than vehicles — freight, materials, or hazardous goods — you need a full CDL. If you are operating a school bus or a passenger vehicle designed to carry more than 15 people, a full CDL is required.

Some employers also require a full CDL even if the job could technically be done with an EDL, because a full CDL demonstrates a higher level of training and certification. If you are unsure whether your job requires an EDL or a full CDL, ask your employer or contact your state DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an EDL if I have a suspended or revoked driver's license?

No. You must have a valid regular driver's license to get an EDL. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot obtain an EDL until your driving privileges are restored. Check with your state DMV about the process to reinstate your license.

Do I need to take a behind-the-wheel test for an EDL?

No. An EDL requires only a written knowledge test, not a skills test. This is one of the main differences between an EDL and a full CDL. However, you must still pass the DOT medical examination.

Can I use an EDL to drive a tow truck?

It depends on the tow truck's weight and what you are towing. If the truck and load stay within your state's EDL weight limits and you are only towing vehicles (not cargo), an EDL may work. If you are towing heavier loads or non-vehicle cargo, you likely need a full CDL. Ask your state DMV or your employer to confirm.

How long does it take to get an EDL?

The timeline varies by state, but typically you can complete the process in two to four weeks. This includes scheduling a DOT medical exam, passing it, and then taking the written test at the DMV. Some states are faster; others may take longer depending on appointment availability.

What happens if I fail the written test for an EDL?

You can retake the test. Most states allow you to retake it after a waiting period, which is usually a few days to a week. You may need to pay a retest fee. Check your state DMV's rules on how many times you can retake the test and what the waiting period is.