Last Updated 12th of April, 2010

Do I need a CDL, special drivers license or certificate to drive an ambulance?

New Driver Checklist

Ambulance Drivers License

Each state governs its own ambulance driver policies. Most require nothing more than a regular drivers license and a clean driving record. Many others require owning an Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) certificate. And there are some states like California that require a specific ambulance driver license, or Florida that mandates a CDL endorsement (called E). 

Bear in mind that even though most states don't impose statewide requirements, individual municipalities and ambulance service companies may mandate specific training. 

If you reside in a state that requires a CDL license, be sure to prepare by taking a practice test or two. This way, when it comes to taking the actual drivers license test, you'll be prepared to ace it on your first attempt.

Alabama You must own an Emergency Vehicle Operators certificate.
Alaska No special license required.
Arizona No special license required.
Arkansas No special license required.
California You must acquire an Ambulance Driver certificate.
Colorado No special license required.
Connecticut No special license required.
Delaware You must own an Emergency Vehicle Operators certificate.
Florida You must have a Class D license with an E endorsement or higher class of Florida driver license; must complete 16-hour course on driving an emergency vehicle.
Georgia No special license required.
Hawaii No special license required.
Idaho You must own an Emergency Vehicle Operators certificate.
Illinois No special license required.
Indiana No special license required.
Iowa No special license required.
Kansas No special license required.
Kentucky No special license required.
Louisiana No special license required.
Maine Must complete an Emergency Vehicle Operators course or an Ambulance Vehicle Operators course.
Maryland Must have an Emergency Vehicle Operators certificate.
Massachusetts No special license required.
Michigan No special license required.
Minnesota Must complete an approved EMS driver training course.
Mississippi Must complete an approved EMS driver training program.
Missouri No special license required.
Montana No special license required.
Nebraska No special license required.
Nevada Ambulance certification handled by individual municipalities.
New Hampshire No special license required.
New Jersey No special license required.
New Mexico Must have an Emergency Vehicle Operators certificate.
New York No special license required.
North Carolina No special license required.
North Dakota If driving alone, must have a cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificate.
Ohio Must have an Emergency Vehicle Operators certificate.
Oklahoma No special license required.
Oregon No special license is required.
Pennsylvania Must have an Emergency Vehicle Operators certificate.
Rhode Island No special license required.
South Carolina No special license required.
South Dakota No special license required.
Tennessee Must have a For-Hire endorsement added to your Class D license.
Texas Varies throughout the state. Houston requires an Emergency Vehicle Operators Certificate and an ambulance driver's permit.
Utah No special license required.
Vermont No special license required.
Virginia Must have an Emergency Vehicle Operators certificate.
Washington No special license required.
West Virginia No special license required.
Wisconsin No special license required.
Wyoming No special license required.
Washington DC No special license required.

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