Starting a truck-driving career requires professional training and a commercial driver’s license, better known as a CDL. Whether you’re new to the trucking industry or looking to switch careers within the industry, it helps to know how much you’ll spend on the cost of a CDL permit and meeting other licensing requirements. Prepare for your new profession by learning what it costs to get your CDL and what to budget for on the way to earning your license.

The Cost of a CDL License

CDLs are issued by individual states, and each state sets their own prices for CDL applications, testing, and endorsements. Additionally, new drivers are required to complete commercial motor vehicle (CMV) training from a verified training provider. Training costs vary by program, so that variable also impacts the total cost of earning your CDL.

With this in mind, new drivers should expect a total cost of anywhere from $4,000–$12,000 to become a legally licensed and professionally trained truck driver. This figure includes all of the fees associated with training, testing, and licensing that we’ll cover in more detail below.

Cost of Applying For A CDL vs. CDLRenewal

Applying for a CDL requires more preparation and paperwork than applying for a regular driver’s license. That’s because safely operating a CMV on public roadways is a major responsibility, and licensing departments need to be sure that only the most qualified drivers are behind the wheel of these large, technical vehicles.

Obtaining your CDL

Because CDLs are issued by individual states, aspiring drivers need to check the application requirements for the state they live in. Exact requirements may vary, but drivers can generally expect to provide proof for the following:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must have a valid driver’s license for the state in which you’re applying for your CDL
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
• Passing results for the Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam
• Passing results for both CDL knowledge and skills tests

New drivers must also know the kind of driving and type of vehicle they’re applying for. Drivers need to pass knowledge and skills tests for different CDL endorsements and vehicle types, so it’s important to know your details to make sure you’re testing for the correct license.

Renewing a CDL Cost

Drivers who already have a valid CDL don’t have to reapply for their license when it expires; they can renew it. (CDLs are valid from anywhere between 5–8 years depending on the state that issued the license.) Depending on the state you’re in, you may be able to renew your license online. Each state has different requirements for license renewal, so check with your state’s bureau of motor vehicles to confirm what you need.

For example, in Utah, drivers can renew their CDL six months prior to the expiration date. Drivers will need to renew their license in person by visiting a CDL driver’s license office. If you’ve had more than four citations or a suspension or revocation in the past five years, you may be required to take a 25-question regular driver license (Class D) written knowledge test.

After successfully completing all requirements to renew your CDL, you will receive a temporary CDL on the spot. Your renewed CDL will be mailed to you in approximately 4–6 weeks.

What Are The Fees for Getting Your CDL?

Getting your CDL is a multi-step process, and in many states, each step comes with an associated cost. When pricing out the cost of a CDL, drivers should plan to pay for the following:

• CDL application
• Commercial learner’s permit (CLP)
• Medical exams
• Training program
• CDL skills test, road test, and written test
• CDL license
• Additional endorsements

The state issuing your CDL may have more or fewer requirements, so verify what your state requires by checking with the department of motor vehicles where you live.

Let’s take a closer look at what each fee covers.

CDL application fee

The process of getting a CDL starts with completing an application. During this stage, you’ll provide most of your personal identifying information and declare if you’re applying for a Class A, Class B, or Class C license. CDL application costs vary by state.

Medical exams

Truck drivers must pass a DOT medical exam to qualify for a CDL. The exam must be conducted by an approved medical examiner, so the cost of the exam will vary by medical provider.

Commercial learner’s permit (CLP)

New drivers must obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) before practicing driving on roadways with a valid CDL-holding driver. Drivers will need to show proof of residence as well as medical clearance before being issued a CLP.

Some states may include the cost of the learner’s permit in the application fee, which is why it’s necessary to check the cost breakdown for your specific state.

Training program

New drivers must complete entry-level driver training (ELDT) from a verified training provider. Training programs vary greatly in terms of teaching preferences, job placement assistance, public or private funding, and overall cost of instruction.

The cost of CDL training is where drivers will see the widest range of prices, so consider what factors matter the most to you before selecting a CDL school from the training registry.

CDL WRITTEN TEST FEE, skills test and ROAD TEST FEE

The CDL written test includes questions on a variety of topics ranging from operating the systems in the vehicle, maintaining safe operating speeds, driving in different types of driving conditions, handling cargo, using an electronic logging device, and more.

The CDL skills test includes pre-trip inspection, backing tests, and road tests. The road test is a hands-on driving exam that will test drivers to see if they can operate a truck safely in a variety of traffic conditions. A CDL road test requires drivers to navigate safely while obeying all traffic signs, signals, and laws.

CDL license fee

After completing all of the required documents, training, and testing, drivers are issued their CDL, which they must also pay for. Drivers will need to renew their license at regular intervals, depending on state requirements.

Additional cdl endorsement fees

Certain categories of vehicles and load types require additional endorsements and certifications. CDL-holding drivers can test for and obtain the following endorsements:

• N (tanker truck operator) - Drivers may transport gas or liquid. Knowledge test only.
• H (HAZMAT) - Allows drivers to carry hazardous materials. The endorsement must be renewed every five years. Knowledge test only.
• X (transporting HAZMAT in a tanker) - Combination endorsement for hazardous materials and tank vehicles. Knowledge test only.
• P (passenger transport vehicle operator) - Permits drivers to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver. This includes public service vehicles, livery vehicles, and motor coaches. Knowledge and skills test.
• S (school bus driver) - Allows drivers to operate a school bus. Knowledge and skills test.
• T (double or triple trailer) - Drivers may tow double or triple trailers. Knowledge test only.

CDL Fees By State:

Conclusion

Many different variables impact the total cost of getting your CDL. Begin your research by checking with your state’s department of motor vehicles and downloading the state’s CDL Manual if available. The manual should answer all of your questions on what you need to get the right training and testing for the specific CDL you’re working toward.

Once you’re a licensed CDL driver, check out what it’s like to drive for Pride Transport! Already have a CDL but you’re in need of additional training? Our team at Pride can help with that, too.