How to Get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

Looking to travel around the country in a truck, letting the miles pass you by on the long road, or hoping to make a career delivering local goods and products around town? Whether you want to drive a truck across the country, regionally, or locally, if it’s considered a commercial vehicle, you need a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

CDL’s are classified into three types, depending on a vehicle’s weight.

Class A CDL: Required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, to include a towed vehicle that is heavier than 10,000 pounds, which can include:

• Tractor-trailers
• Truck and trailer combinations
• Double and triple trailers
• Tractor-trailer buses
• Tanker vehicles
• Livestock carriers
• Flatbeds

Class B CDL: Required to operate a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001-pounds or heavier and/or any vehicle requiring a Class A CDL that is towing another vehicle weighing up to 10,000 pounds, which can include:

• Straight trucks
• Large buses such as city, tourist, or school buses
• Segmented buses
• Box trucks including delivery drivers, couriers, and furniture delivery
• Dump trucks with small trailers

Class C CDL: Covering all types of vehicles not included in Class A or Class B CDLs and is meant to transport either at least 16 passengers, including the driver or Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) as defined by federal guidelines. Vehicles can include:

• Small HAZMAT vehicles
• Passenger vans
• Combination vehicles that do not fit in Class A or B, including a small truck towing a trailer

Federal requirements for a CDL

Federal guidelines are in place to obtain a CDL, and each set has its own rules regarding application and training procedures and regulations.

Federally, to be eligible to apply for a commercial driver license, rules state that you must:

• Be at least 18 years old, or

• Must be 21 years old to:

  • Drive across state lines, or
  • Operate a vehicle containing hazardous materials.

• Have no prior disqualifying criminal offenses (certain criminal felonies may disqualify you from CDL eligibility).

• Test for and obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) and hold for at least 14 days, the federal requirements of which are:

  • A current driver’s license
  • A 10-year driver history (which you may be required to be bring)
  • Medical Examination Self-Certification form
  • Pass a knowledge test, minimum of 30 questions with at least a 80% passing score

• Take the road skills test for the CDL which includes three sections: vehicle inspection, basic controls exam, and a road test

• Pay all associated testing and related CLP, CDL, and Endorsement fees

**Endorsements

In addition to the Class A, B, or C CDL, you may want to apply for and pass federal endorsements to drive specific vehicle types.

Below is a list of the federal endorsement codes you may need in addition to your CDL and what tests will be required by your state.

• H Endorsement: Required for operating vehicles that contain hazardous materials
  • Requires passing a written knowledge test
• N Endorsement: Allows you to operate a tank vehicle
  • Requires passing a written knowledge test
• P Endorsement: Allows you to operate a vehicle that carries more than a specified number of passengers, defined by each state
  • Requires passing a written knowledge and road skills test
• S Endorsement: Required for operating a school bus
  • Requires passing a written knowledge and road skills test, additional fees, forms, and background checks
• T Endorsement: Required for operating a double or triple trailer
  • Requires passing a written knowledge test
• X Endorsement: Used as a combination endorsement for HAZMAT and tank vehicles
  • Requires passing a written knowledge test

State requirements for a CDL

Each state has its own requirements for a CDL. In addition to the federal requirements noted above, check out details below for additional CDL requirements for the state you live in, including fees for permits and licenses (note, fees and requirements can change so be sure to check with your local DMV office for information). In addition, not all written and skills tests are administered by the state DMV office, information on who to contact about application and requirements and tests, if different than the DMV, is shared below.

• Alabama Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Alabama that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Pay $25 testing fee and $36.25 fee for the Alabama CLP
  • Bring CLP, proof of insurance, and $20 skills test fee
  • An Alabama CLP is valid for
  • Pass skills/road test and pay for CDL ($36.25-$66.25)

• Alaska Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Alaska that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Alaska requires you to have held a driver’s license for at least one year
  • Schedule an appointment with the DMV for the Alaska CLP (those who live in rural areas have other options), bringing a driver’s license, proof of social security number, and medical paperwork
  • Pass vision test
  • Pay $15 CLP fee
  • The CLP is good for 180 days in Alaska
  • Pay $25 CDL testing fee
  • Testing is required to be done in the same class of vehicle you are looking to drive with a CDL
  • Pass skills/road test and pay $100 licensing fee to the DMV

• ** Arizona
  Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Arizona that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Arizona requires you to have held a driver’s license for at least one year (motorcycle licenses do not count)
  • Arizona requires at least two documents as proof of identity and proof of citizenship
  • Pay CLP testing fee ($12.50-$25)
  • In Arizona, your CLP is valid for six months
  • Pay road test fees ($12.50-$25) and CDL fee ($12.50-$25)

• Arkansas Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Arkansas that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Pay CLP fee of $50
  • Pay a CDL fee of $42

• California Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of California that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Pay $33-$34 application fee for commercial instruction permit
  • Pass both vision and written test (with three attempts to pass)
  • You must test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for
  • The vehicle you are testing in must pass a pre-trip inspection conducted by the DMV
  • Pay $43-$73 CDL fee
  • Self-certify your vehicle as either non-excepted interstate, excepted interstate, non-excepted intrastate, or excepted intrastate

• Colorado Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Colorado that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Provide two documents proving Colorado residency
    
  • Acquire a commercial learner’s permit and pay $16.80 permit fee
  • The CLP is valid for 180 days
  • If you do not test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for, restrictions may be placed on your CDL
    
  • Pay a $15.50 CDL fee

• Connecticut Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Connecticut that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Pay $16 knowledge exam fee and $10 learner’s permit fee, as well as any applicable endorsement fees
  • CLP is valid for six months and can be renewed once within two years of acquisition for $10
  • You must test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for
  • You must provide proof of current registration and insurance for the vehicle you are testing in
  • Pay $30 skills test fee

• Delaware Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Delaware that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • The Delaware CDL application form certifies that you consent to a drug test
  • Pay a $5 CLP fee
  • A CLP in Delaware is valid for six months
  • You must test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for
  • You will need to provide proof of registration and insurance prior to taking your skills test
  • Pay $30 for a CDL valid for five years or $48 for a CDL valid for eight years

• Florida Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Florida that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Pay a $10 knowledge exam fee
  • Pay a $75 CDL fee (additional endorsements are $7 each)
  • Florida does require additional testing during its skills test, including air brakes testing, if applicable

• Georgia Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Georgia that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Pay a $35 application fee (may be waived for school bus drivers)
  • Pay a $10 CLP fee
  • CLP is good for one year
  • Take a skills/road test at one of the seven locations that offer it
  • If you do not test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for, restrictions may be placed on your CDL
  • Pay the $20 CDL fee and $50 testing fee

• Hawaii Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Hawaii that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • You must be 21 years old to operate any type of commercial vehicle
  • You must provide a color, passport-sized photo of your face
  • Pay CLP fee, which varies by county
  • A Hawaii CLP is valid for one year
  • You must provide registration, inspection sticker (or exemption form), and insurance car for the vehicle you are testing in
  • Pay CDL and skills test fees, which vary by county

• Idaho Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Idaho that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • You must have at least one year of driving experience
  • Pay $3 written test fee and $29 learner’s permit fee
  • A Idaho CLP is valid for 180 days
  • Idaho does not enforce the 14-day waiting to take your skills test after acquiring your CLP, but check with local DMV offices for more information
  • Pay the $70 skills test fee
  • Provide proof of auto insurance
  • If you do not test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for, restrictions may be placed on your CDL
  • Pay $40 CDL fee

• Illinois Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Illinois that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Pay a $50 CLP processing fee
  • A Illinois CLP is valid for 180 days
  • You need to test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for
  • Pay a $60 CDL processing fee (endorsements are an additional $5 each)

• Indiana Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Indiana that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Drivers under 21 years old will not be allowed to add a passenger vehicle endorsement to their CDL
  • Must provide two documents proving Indiana residency
  • Must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye
  • Must disclose to the BMV every state you have been licensed in the past 10 years
  • Pay a $17 CLP fee
  • A CLP in Indiana is valid for up to six months, and you can hold up to three permits in two years
  • You must schedule your appointment with a BMV-approved testing site at least two days ahead of time, skill tests fees may vary depending on testing sites, which are not conducting by the BMV
  • Pay a $36 CDL fee

• Iowa Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Iowa that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Schedule appointment for CLP at DOT driver’s license office
  • Pay a $12 CLP fee
  • An Iowa CLP is valid for 180 days
  • CDL fees of $8 are charged for each year a license is issued as valued, and are currently issued for five to eight years

• Kansas Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Kansas that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Schedule an appointment for your CLP at the Department of Revenue (DOR)
  • Submit to a driving record check
  • Pay a $13 CLP fee (includes photo and permit fees)
  • The DOR requires one document that includes a photo, or a non-photo ID that includes your full name and birthdate
  • Schedule a skills test with a local DOR office in advance
  • If you do not test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for, restrictions may be placed on your CDL
  • Pay the $44 CDL (which includes the $8 photo, $3 written exam, $15 skills test, and $18 license fees) and $10 per endorsement

• Kentucky Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Kentucky that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • The state of Kentucky requires applicants to acquire a Medical Examiner’s certificate and Medical card, and send a copy (front and back) to the Division of Driver Licensing (DDL) before you can begin the CFL application process
  • Take the test for the CLP through the Kentucky circuit court clerks
  • Pay an $11 CLP fee and any applicable skills testing fees
  • A CLP in Kentucky is valid for six months and you can renew it once within two years of acquiring it
  • Arrange a skills test through the KY State Police
  • Test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for
  • Pay a $24 CDL application fee and pay the skills test fee (CLP held more than 30 days, $50; CLP held less than 50 days, $150)
  • Pay the CDL license fee of up to $40, prorated depending on the expiration date of your current driver’s license

• Louisiana Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Louisiana that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Schedule a written test with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV)
  • Bring proof of insurance to your CLP appointment
  • Pay the $15 CLP fee
  • A CLP in Louisiana is valid for only 60 days
  • Take a skills test through a third-party examiner, at a cost of $100 if you bring your own vehicle
  • After completing your skills test, a Certificate of Successful Completion will be given to you in a sealed envelope, which must remain sealed or result in the invalidation of your test results
  • Bring the sealed certificate and $61.50 CDL fee to the Louisiana OMV (or $76.50 for Orleans parish residents)

• Maine Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Maine that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) allows drivers as young as 16 years old to apply for a CDL (but still cannot operate a bus, carry hazardous materials, or drive commercial vehicles outside of state borders until 21 years old)
  • Provide two proofs of identification (applicants under 23 must provide a copy of their birth certificate)
  • Pay a $35 testing fee and $10 endorsement fees, if needed
  • Maine requires vision tests passed with a minimum of 20/40 vision in your best eye
  • You need to mail the skills test request card to the BMV, who will send you information for the date, location, and time of your test (you will be fined $30 if you do not cancel your skills exam with more than 48 hours notice)
  • Test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for
  • Bring a valid registration card for the vehicle you are testing in and ensure the vehicle has a valid inspection sticker
  • Pay the CDL fee: Under 65 years old, $34 and valid for five years; over 65 years old, $28 and valid for four years

• Maryland Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Maryland that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Your vision screening in Maryland can be done by your own doctor with proper paperwork
  • Pay a $90 application fee
  • Schedule an appointment with the Maryland MVD to take the skills test
  • If you do not test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for, restrictions may be placed on your CDL
    
  • Pay the $50 CDL fee

• Massachusetts Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Massachusetts that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Schedule an appointment for your CLP with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
  • Take a basic color vision test at the RMV office
  • A CLP is valid in Massachusetts for 180 days
  • Schedule a skills exam with the RMV contact center
  • You must have a sponsor who is at least 21 years old and holds the same CDL as the one you are applying for
  • Test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for, which must pass a safety check, have valid registration and insurance, and have authorization to use if rented
  • Pay a $35 road testing fee

• Michigan Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Delaware that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • You need to schedule an appointment for your CLP with your local Secretary of the State (SOS) office location
  • Submit to a driving record check, of which the Michigan SOS may have specific disqualifiers
  • Michigan also offers an “enhanced CDL” that allows re-entry to the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean and is part passport, part license, and is the only document needed to cross those borders; a clean driving record is required and a separate fee is also needed
  • Schedule your skills test a minimum of two days in advance with a local skills test provider
  • If you pass, a testing certificate will be provided that is valid for one year, which needs to be submitted with a $25 CDL licensing fee ($45 for an enhanced license)

• Minnesota Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Minnesota that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • In Minnesota, a CLP is free and can be obtained through the local Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division office, while endorsement tests cost $2.50 each
  • A CLP is valid for six months in Minnesota and is not renewable
  • If you do not test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for, restrictions may be placed on your CDL
  • For a Class A CDL, if under 21 years old, pay $21.25 CDL fee, if over 21 years old, pay $44.25; Class B $36.25; Class C $29.25

• Mississippi Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Mississippi that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Pay the $16 CLP fee and $25 CDL application fee
    
  • A CLP in Mississippi is valid for six months, and can be renewed three times over the course of three years
  • Skill tests can be taken through the Department of Public Services (DPS) office or through a third party and must be scheduled at least two days in advance, and will be cancelled if you are more than 15 minutes late
  • If you do not test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for, restrictions may be placed on your CDL
  • You also need to bring with you a driver with a CDL license in the same class or higher to accompany you on the skills test
  • Pay the $44 CDL fee
  • A CDL is valid for four years in Mississippi
  • Endorsements are $5 each; however, HAZMAT endorsements require an additional $63 background check fee and $37 state fee
    

• Missouri Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Missouri that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • The Department of Revenue (DOR) oversees the CDL process in Missouri
  • Missouri requires proof employment to be provided to apply for a CLP
  • Pay the $5 CLP fee, $25 written test fee, and $2.50 office processing fee
  • A CLP is valid in Missouri for 180 days and is considered invalid if not accompanied by your Missouri state driver’s license
  • If you do not test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for, restrictions may be placed on your CDL
  • Pay $25 CDL skills test fee and $22.50 CDL fee (valid up to three years) or $45 (valid from three years and one day to six years), plus office processing fees

• Montana Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Montana that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • You are allowed to apply for a CDL in Montana regardless of whether you currently have a state driver’s license, but it may impact what paperwork you need
  • The CDL process is overseen by the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), which is a branch of the Montana Department of Justice (DOJ)
  • Make appointment for your CLP with local MVD office and inquire about current exam fees
  • A CLP is valid in Montana for 180 days and can be renewed once before it expires
  • If you do not test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for, restrictions may be placed on your CDL
  • You also need to be accompanied by a full CDL holder for your skills test
  • Pay CDL fee of $43 if between 21 and 70 years old and driving intrastate, or $50.50 if driving interstate (under 21 and over 70 have a separate fee structure)

• Nebraska Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Nebraska that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Pay $12.50 CLP fee
  • A CLP in Nebraska is valid for 180 days and can be renewed once without having to retake written exams
  • Skills tests can be done through the local Nebraska DMV or a third-party tester
  • If you do not test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for, restrictions may be placed on your CDL
  • Pay CDL fee of $13.50 to $57.50 depending on length the license is valid for (from one to five years)

• Nevada Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Nevada that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Nevada requires multiple proofs residency
  • Pay a $52.25 CLP fee
  • A CLP in Nevada is valid for 180 days
  • Schedule a skills test with the local Nevada DMV office at least four days in advance
  • Pay the $31 skills test fee (third-party testers are allowed but their fees may vary) and $58.25 CDL fee

• New Hampshire Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of New Hampshire that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Pay the $20 CLP fee
  • Save the official form stating you have passed all of the necessary written exams that is provided when you receive the CLP
  • A CLP in New Hampshire is valid for 180 days
  • Skills tests are only available at select DMV locations, so check with your local office for availability
  • Pay the $60 CDL fee

• New Jersey Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of New Jersey that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • New Jersey requires you to pass a vision test with at least 20/40 vision in each eye and be able to recognize red, green, and amber colors
  • The testing is administered through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC)
  • New Jersey requires proof of identification totaling “six points” - see the New Jersey MVC ID verification process guide for more info
  • Pay the $125 CLP examination test receipt, which also covers the CLP permit fee
  • A CLP in New Jersey is valid for 180 days, and you must wait at least 20 days before you can take your skills test
  • If you do not test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for, restrictions may be placed on your CDL
    
  • After passing the skills test, pay the $42 CDL fee plus $2 per endorsement

• New Mexico Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of New Mexico that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • The licensing process in New Mexico for a CDL is overseen by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD)
  • Pay the CDL fee when applying for your CLP ($18 for four years, $34 for eight years)
  • Once you pass, you will receive a sealed envelope with your results, which will invalidate your results if opened

• New York Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of New York that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • A valid non-CDL license from any state is acceptable for CDL eligibility
  • Drivers in New York take tests for both the CLP and CFL at the same time
  • Pay the $10 CLP application fee
  • Pay the $40 CDL testing fee before you schedule your skills/road test
  • Pay the fee for your CDL, which varies based on current driver’s license class, expiration date, and the date you receive your new CDL

• North Carolina Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of North Carolina that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Pay the $40 CDL application fee and $20 learner’s permit fees
  • Provide two proofs of identity and age (each document must have your full name and date of birth)
  • Provide proof of your social security number, aside from your social security card
  • Provide proof liability insurance
  • A CLP is valid in North Carolina for 180 days
  • Skills/road tests can be taken through the DMV or a third-party tester
  • Pay the CDL fee of $20

• North Dakota Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of North Dakota that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • The CDL process is overseen by the Department of Transportation in North Dakota
  • Drivers are required to be fluent in english in North Dakota to apply for a CDL
  • During your CLP appointment you will also take all written exams for your CDL class you are applying for
  • Schedule a skills test appointment with the North Dakota DOT office and pay $5 road test fee
  • If you do not test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for, restrictions may be placed on your CDL
    

• Ohio Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Ohio that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • The CDL process in Ohio is overseen by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)
  • Pay a $27 CLP fee
  • A CLP in Ohio is valid for six months
  • Schedule an appointment for your road/skills test with the Ohio BMV and pay a $42 first-time CDL fee and $50 testing fee (third-party testing is accepted, but may increase fees)

• Oklahoma Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Oklahoma that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • The CDL process is overseen in Oklahoma by the Department of Public Safety (DPS)
  • Pay the application fee for the CPL ($25 for Class A and $15 for Class B and Class C)
  • Make an appointment for a skills test at a local testing center through the DPS
  • Pay the CDL license fee ($51.50 for Class A and Class B, and $41.50 for Class C)

• Oregon Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Oregon that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • The CDL process in Oregon is overseen by the Oregon Department of Transportation (DOT)
  • The state of Oregon requires that you have at least one year of driving experience before applying for a CDL
  • Pay a $23.50 CLP fee and a $10 knowledge test fee
  • A CLP in Oregon is valid for one year and is not renewable
  • Skills tests can be scheduled through a third-party tester or through the Oregon DMV
  • Pay the $70 skills test fee
  • If you do not test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for, restrictions may be placed on your CDL
    
  • Pay the $75.50 CDL fee

• Pennsylvania Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Pennsylvania that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • The CDL process is overseen in Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (DOT)
  • Pay the $90.50 CDL fee ($50 if over 65 years old)
  • You will take your CDL written exams at the same time as your CLP exams
  • Pennsylvania drivers must hold their CLP for at least 15 days before taking their skills test
  • Schedule a skills test with the Pennsylvania DOT
  • If you do not test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for, restrictions may be placed on your CDL
  • You will need to take a camera card provided to you at the DOT to a photo license center for your final CDL

• Rhode Island Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Rhode Island that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Rhode Island requires drivers hold a driver’s license for at least two years prior to applying for a CDL
  • Pay $41.50 CLP fee
  • A CLP is valid for 90 days in the state of Rhode Island and can be renewed once
  • Make a road test skills appointment with the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI)
  • Bring your own vehicle and licensed sponsor to the road skills test
  • Pay road test fee (contact CCRI for updated info)
  • Pay $11.50 CDL application fee and $11.50 for each written exam

• South Carolina Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of South Carolina that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • South Carolina requires proof of car insurance to take apply for a CLP
  • Pay a $15 application fee, $12 knowledge test fee, and $2.50 permit fee
  • You will take your CDL written exams at the same time as your CLP knowledge test
  • You can take your CDL permit exam up to three times before being charged additional fees
  • A CLP in South Carolina is valid for 180 days and you can renew it once in the two years after it was issued
  • You must bring a vehicle the same class you plan on operating, as well as its registration card, a manufacturer plate affixed to the vehicle that says the gross vehicle weight, and a current federal inspection sticker
  • Pay the $12.50 CDL fee, which is valid for five years
  • If any part of the skills exam is failed, you must retake the entire exam

• South Dakota Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of South Dakota that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Pay the $33 CDL fee
  • You will take all written exams for your CDL at the same time as your CLP knowledge test
  • A CLP in South Dakota is valid for up to 180 days and you can renew it once within one year of acquiring it
  • All skills tests in South Dakota are provided by third-party testers
  • Some testers provide vehicles, others may require you bring one in the class of vehicle you plan to operate
  • Fees for skills tests may not exceed $90 plus tax through third-party testers

• Tennessee Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Tennessee that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • The CDL process in Tennessee is overseen by the Department of Driver Safety (DOS) through the Driver Services Division
  • You must provide two proofs of Tennessee residency, which cannot be photocopies
  • Tennessee does accept proof of relationship with a Tennessee resident as proof residency, see the DOS for more information
  • Pay the $14 fee for a Class A CLP or $13 for a Class B or Class C CLP
  • You will take your CDL written exams at the same time as your CLP knowledge tests
  • If you do not test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for, restrictions may be placed on your CDL
  • Pay $70 for a Class A CDL or $62 for a Class B or Class C CDL

• Texas Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Texas that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Apply for your Texas CLP
  • You will have your fingerprints taken
  • Pay the $61 CLP fee if you are 18 to 84 years old (valid for five years) or $26 if you are 85 years or older (valid for two years)
  • If you do not test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for, restrictions may be placed on your CDL

• Utah Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Utah that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • The CDL process in Utah is overseen by the Utah Driver License Division (DLD)
  • You must have at least one year driving experience with a non-CDL license to apply for a CDL i the state of Utah
  • Not all DLD offices process CDLs, check with your local office for more information
  • Pay a $40 CLP fee
  • You will need to pass all written exams for your CDL before you are provided a CLP
  • You can schedule your skills test through a third-party testing facility or at a local DLD office
  • Pay the $60 testing fee (covers two attempts before additional charges are required) although third-party testing fees may differ
  • If you do not test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for, restrictions may be placed on your CDL

• Vermont Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Vermont that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Pay the $15 CLP fee plus applicable testing fees
  • A CLP is valid in Vermont for six months and can be renewed once in 18 months for a $15 fee
  • You will be required to pay a $24 scheduling deposit fee for your skills test
  • If you do not test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for, restrictions may be placed on your CDL
  • Pay $32 for the road skills testing fee plus CDL fees ($60 valid for two years or $90 valid for four years)

• Virginia Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Virginia that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Virginia does not require you to have a regular state driver’s license to apply for a CDL, but does require additional documentation if you do not have one
  • Pay the $3 CLP permit fee and $1 per year fee for each endorsement
  • You will also need to pass all written exams for your CDL at this time
  • If you are applying for HAZMAT endorsements, you will be fingerprinted and have a background check performed
  • If you fail your CLP exam three times you will have to complete the classroom portion at a Virginia CDL driving school and bring a certification of completion for retesting
  • A Virginia CLP is valid for 180 days
  • You must hold your Virginia CLP for a minimum of 30 days before taking your road/skills test, or only 14 days unless you are over 18 years old, have never held a CDL before, and pass a state-approved driver education program
  • If you do not test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for, restrictions may be placed on your CDL
  • If you fail the skills test three times, you will need to complete the in-vehicle portion of a CDL training course and bring certification of completion to the DMV to be able to retest
  • Pay an $8 annual fee for your CDL (minimum of $20 must be paid)

• Washington Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Washington that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • The CDL process in the state of Washington is handled by the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL)
  • The state of Washington requires CDL applicants to complete an appropriate commercial driver training course for your class of license
  • Schedule an appointment for your CLP through a local DOL office that offers knowledge testing
  • Pay the $40 CLP fee and $35 knowledge test fee
  • You will need to complete all written exams for the class of license you are applying for at the time of your CLP knowledge test
  • A CLP in Washington is valid for 180 days and you can renew it once within one year
  • Applicants must have a valid training certificate to apply for your CDL
  • Schedule a skills test with your local DOL office
  • If you do not test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for, restrictions may be placed on your CDL
  • You must provide proof of insurance on your testing vehicle or a permission letter from the vehicle owner
  • Pay the $250 testing fee (school bus exams are $100)
  • Revisit your local DOL office after you have passed your CDL skills test for your CDL

• Washington, D.C. Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Washington, D.C., that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • The District of Columbia requires drivers have at least two years of driving experience prior to applying for a CDL
  • Pay the $78 CLP permit fee and $10 per knowledge test as you will have to pass all written exams at your CLP appointment for your chosen class of license
  • Your temporary permit is valid for 45 days and your official document, which will be mailed to you, is valid for 180 days and can be renewed once within 30 days of its expiration date
  • If you fail your CLP test six times within 12 months, you will have to wait another 12 months from the date of your first failed test to retest
  • You have to wait at least 30 days to test for your CDL
  • Pay the $10 skills test fee and $117 commercial license fee
  • If you do not test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for, restrictions may be placed on your CDL and provide registration and proof of insurance
  • You will also need to bring with you a CDL holder who is at least 21 years old and licensed to drive the same vehicle class as well as has the same endorsements if applicable

• West Virginia Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of West Virginia that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • The state of West Virginia requires at least two years of experience driving to apply for a CDL
  • Pay the $25 testing fee for your CLP and licensing fee
  • A CLP in West Virginia is valid for up to 180 days
  • If you do not test in the appropriate class of vehicle you are applying for, restrictions may be placed on your CDL
  • Pay a $90 skills test fee
  • Pay your CDL fee, which is based on your calculated age and how many years the license will be valid for

• Wisconsin Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Wisconsin that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • Pay the $30 CLP fee
  • You must take any written CDL exams at the time of your CLP testing
  • You can retake your written CDL test up to five times in one year; however, if you fail five times you will need special permission from the DMV to retest
  • A CLP in Wisconsin is valid for 180 days and must retake your knowledge tests to renew it
  • Wisconsin utilizes third-party testers for all road/skills tests
  • You are able to take any failed part of the skills test again without retaking the entire test for the duration your CLP is valid
  • Pay the $74 CDL fee, which is valid for eight years

• Wyoming Specifics in acquiring a CDL in the state of Wyoming that may differ from federal guidelines are as follows:

  • The CDL process in Wyoming is overseen by the Wyoming Department of Transportation (DOT)
  • You must have at least 20/40 vision in both eyes to pass your vision test in Wyoming
  • Pay the $20 CLP fee
  • You will be required to take all written exams for the class of CDL you are applying for when you apply for your CLP
  • A CLP in Wyoming is valid for 180 days and can be renewed once for an additional 180 days
  • Schedule a skills test with your local Wyoming DOT office
  • Pay the $40 testing fee in advance
  • You will need a full CDL holder to accompany you to your skills test exam
  • Pay the $25 CDL fee