CDL Requirements by State — All 50 States + DC

Frequently asked — Alabama

How much does an Alabama CDL cost?

Per ALEA’s document-requirements-and-fees page: a $25 testing fee (no checks), $36.25 to purchase the commercial learner license, a $20 skills test fee, and then $66.25 for a Class A license, $56.25 for Class B or $36.25 for Class C. Training-school and medical-exam costs are separate. (alea.gov)

How long is an Alabama commercial learner permit valid?

360 days, and it cannot be renewed — once it expires you must retake all the written tests and be issued a new CLP. You must hold it for at least 14 days before testing for the CDL, and only the P, S and N endorsements can be added to it. (alea.gov)

How do I submit my DOT medical card to ALEA?

You don’t — since June 23, 2025 ALEA accepts DOT medical certifications only by electronic submission from the medical examiner (National Registry II); paper cards and online uploads are no longer accepted. Check that the card and your self-certification show correctly at alabamadl.alea.gov under “Commercial Drivers”; if the information is missing, ALEA removes CDL privileges 45 days after its notice. (alea.gov)

How do I take the CDL skills test in Alabama?

By appointment only, for a $20 skills test fee, after holding your CLP at least 14 days. Since July 1, 2025 Alabama uses the AAMVA modernized test: a revised vehicle inspection, a basic control skills test with four maneuvers (adding Forward Stop and Forward Offset Tracking), and the unchanged road skills test. Book through the online scheduler and bring proof of insurance. (alea.gov)

How old do you have to be to get a CDL in Alabama?

ALEA’s administrative code (chapter 760-X-1, Table 2) sets 18 as the minimum age for a restricted Class A or B CDL and 21 for an unrestricted Class A or B — and for Class C, the class that covers placarded hazmat and 16-plus-passenger vehicles. (admincode.legislature.state.al.us)

What does Alabama require for a hazmat (H) endorsement?

A TSA security threat assessment (background check) whenever you obtain or transfer the endorsement, plus a special written hazmat examination at an ALEA CDL office ($25 testing fee). The H endorsement can go on a Class A, B or C CDL but never on a learner permit — only P, S and N can be added to a CLP. ALEA lists no separate endorsement fee; TSA’s fee is paid to TSA. (alea.gov)

Official sources

• ALEA: Driver License Division
• ALEA: CDL Frequently Asked Questions
• ALEA: Document Requirements and Fees
• Alabama Commercial Driver License Manual (PDF)
• Alabama CDL Manual Supplement for the modernized skills test (PDF)
• ALEA: Schedule a Driver License Appointment
• ALEA: Driver License Offices
• ALEA: Driver license classes, endorsements and restrictions
• ALEA Administrative Code, Chapter 760-X-1 (PDF)

Frequently asked — Alaska

How much does an Alaska CDL cost?

Per the Alaska DMV licence-fee table: $15 for the commercial instruction permit (CLP), $25 for the commercial road test, and $120 for the CDL itself — the REAL ID price, because Alaska marks a CDL “Required to be REAL ID Compliant”. A duplicate CDL is $35. Knowledge tests taken at a DMV office carry no fee, though business partners and third-party road testers set their own. Training and medical-exam costs are separate. (dmv.alaska.gov)

How long does an Alaska commercial learner permit last?

Once you have the CLP you have 180 days to schedule and complete the road skills test, and you can resubmit your forms to extend it for another 180 days — but only once. You must hold the permit at least 14 days before any skills test, may only drive a vehicle of your class or smaller, and must have a licensed driver aged 21+ with the matching class and endorsement seated beside you. (dmv.alaska.gov)

What score do you need to pass an Alaska CDL test, and how soon can you retake it?

The minimum passing score for every CDL knowledge test is 80%, and under regulation 2 AAC 90.420 you may take a knowledge test once per day until you pass. The skills test is pass/fail — you must perform every required skill successfully — and a second road skills test can be given at least one week after the first if the department decides one is warranted. (dmv.alaska.gov)

Does Alaska still need a paper DOT medical card?

Yes. Unlike states that switched to electronic transmission in June 2025, the Alaska DMV has not integrated with National Registry II, so CLP and CDL holders must still obtain and keep a physical MCSA-5876 to present when applying. You self-certify your type of operation on Form 413 with every original, renewal or upgrade application, and an expired medical certificate downgrades the CDL within 60 days. (dmv.alaska.gov)

How old do you have to be to get a CDL in Alaska?

Eighteen for intrastate driving within Alaska, and 21 to drive interstate, to carry hazardous materials, or to hold a school bus endorsement. Whatever your age you must also have held a valid driver licence for at least a year before applying. (dmv.alaska.gov)

What does Alaska require for a hazmat (H) endorsement?

You must be at least 21, eligible for a Class A, B or C CDL, and prove an accepted lawful status. Complete ELDT theory training if this is your first hazmat endorsement, then pass a 30-question multiple-choice knowledge test at 80% — retaken in full at original issuance, renewal and transfer from another state. There is no DMV fee for the test, but you must present a valid TWIC or TSA threat-assessment results issued within the previous 6 months; the DMV cannot run that check for you. (dmv.alaska.gov)

Official sources

• Alaska DMV: Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Alaska DMV: License Fees
• Alaska DMV: Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
• Alaska DMV: Hazardous Materials Endorsement
• Alaska Commercial Driver License Manual (PDF)
• Alaska DMV: Driver Manuals
• Alaska DMV: Commercial License Types, endorsements and restrictions
• Alaska DMV: Road Test information and online scheduling
• Alaska DMV: Online Services
• Alaska DMV: State DMV office locations
• Alaska DMV: Driving schools and knowledge test proctors
• Alaska DMV: Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT)
• Alaska DMV: CDL Self-Certification Requirement
• Alaska DMV: School Bus Endorsement
• Alaska DMV: Non-Domiciled Commercial Driver’s License

Frequently asked — Arizona

How much does an Arizona CDL cost?

There is no single fee. MVD charges the class-of-permit fee first ($25.00 for a Class A or B commercial learner permit, $12.50 for Class C), then $25.00 for the road/skills test at a state CDL office ($12.50 for a Class C vehicle), then $25.00 for the Class A or B licence itself ($12.50 for Class C) — plus $10.00 for each endorsement (doubles/triples, tank, HazMat, passenger; school bus is free, motorcycle $7.00). There is no separate knowledge-test fee: you pay for the class of licence before you test. A third-party tester sets its own skills-test price, which MVD does not publish. (azdot.gov)

How long is an Arizona commercial learner permit good for?

A maximum of 12 months. You must hold it for at least 14 days before taking the skills test, and an out-of-state CLP is not transferable to Arizona. A HazMat endorsement can never be placed on a permit; a Class C permit must instead carry a passenger endorsement. (azdot.gov)

What score do I need on the Arizona CDL knowledge test, and where do I take it?

At least 80 percent on each knowledge test. Testing is walk-in at any Arizona MVD office between 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. — no appointment necessary — and you take all applicable tests during the same visit. If you fail, you wait until the next business day to retake. (azdot.gov)

How do I take the CDL skills test in Arizona?

By appointment only. Request one at any MVD office or by phoning MVD; a CDL tester then calls you back to schedule. MVD runs skills testing at 12 locations, seven of which have moved to the Modernized CDL Skills Test, and MVD-certified third-party providers — truck driving schools, school districts, government agencies — can also administer it. You supply the test vehicle. (azdot.gov)

How old do you have to be to get a CDL in Arizona?

MVD sets the minimum at 18, but a driver under 21 can only hold an intrastate CDL valid inside Arizona and may not transport hazardous materials. Arizona statute (A.R.S. § 28-3153(A)(3)) puts it the other way round: no Class A, B or C licence under 21, except one restricted to intrastate driving from age 18. (azdot.gov)

What does Arizona require for a HazMat (H) endorsement?

ELDT from a certified provider for a first-time H, a CDL application at any MVD office, and the HazMat knowledge test (a new test at every original application and every renewal, drawn from the Hazardous Materials section of the Arizona CDL manual). Only after MVD confirms you passed does the TSA Security Threat Assessment begin — MVD gives you a HazMat Background Check Authorization form for the fingerprint site. MVD charges $10.00 for the endorsement; TSA charges its own fee. Approval may take up to 45 days, the STA lasts five years, and the endorsement can never sit on a learner permit. (azdot.gov)

Official sources

• ADOT MVD: Commercial Driver License (CDL)
• ADOT MVD: Getting Your Commercial Driver License (fees and steps)
• ADOT MVD: Managing Your Commercial Driver License (renewal, restrictions, fees)
• ADOT MVD: CDL offices and testing locations
• Arizona Commercial Driver License Manual (PDF)
• ADOT MVD: Driver FAQ — HazMat and background checks
• ADOT MVD: CDL Documentation Requirements (PDF)
• ADOT MVD: hours and locations
• A.R.S. § 28-3153 — Driver license issuance; prohibitions

Frequently asked — Arkansas

How much does an Arkansas CDL cost?

DFA lists one CDL amount: $50 for the commercial driver license, which Arkansas has issued for five years since January 1, 2022 (Act 753 of 2021 raised it from $40 for a four-year license). No dfa.arkansas.gov page states a separate commercial learner permit fee, knowledge-test fee, skills-test fee or endorsement fee, so none is shown here — ask the revenue office what the CDL-1 test packet costs. The TSA hazmat fee is paid to TSA, not to Arkansas. (dfa.arkansas.gov)

How long is an Arkansas commercial learner permit good for?

Up to one year. If it expires you must retake the general and endorsement knowledge tests. You must be at least 18, hold a valid driver license from the same jurisdiction, and you cannot take the CDL skills test in the first 14 days after the CLP is issued. (dfa.arkansas.gov)

Where do I take the Arkansas CDL tests?

Arkansas State Police run the testing. Buy a CDL-1 form (test packet) at a DFA revenue office first — without a current one no test is given. Written tests are offered at every ASP troop testing site; CDL skills tests are given at only six: Troop A (Little Rock), B (Newport), G (Hope), I (Harrison), J (Russellville) and L (Lowell). (dps.arkansas.gov)

What does Arkansas require for the DOT medical card?

Every CLP and CDL holder self-certifies one of four commercial-driving categories and recertifies at every license transaction. Non-excepted drivers must stay medically certified under 49 CFR 383, 384, 390, 391 and Arkansas Code § 27-23-129; MCSA-5876 is the only certificate DFA accepts. Sixty days after your card expires the CDL or CLP is downgraded, and if it stays downgraded or surrendered for a year or more you retake all phases of the CDL exam. (dfa.arkansas.gov)

What does Arkansas require for a hazmat (H) endorsement?

A TSA security threat assessment — fingerprints plus a federal background check — to obtain, renew or transfer the endorsement, and DFA says to allow at least 90 days. Without a successful assessment the endorsement may not be issued. You also pass the Hazardous Materials knowledge test; no skills test is needed to add H. An HME issued by another state cannot have its remaining validity transferred to Arkansas. (dfa.arkansas.gov)

Which Arkansas endorsements need a skills test as well as a knowledge test?

Only P (passenger) and S (school bus). DFA’s endorsement table says a skills test is NOT required to add H (hazmat), N (tank), T (doubles/triples) or X (combination hazmat/tank) — those are knowledge tests only. A CLP carrying N always carries the X "no cargo in a tank vehicle" restriction. (dfa.arkansas.gov)

Official sources

• Arkansas DFA: Commercial Drivers License (CDL)
• Arkansas DFA: CLP – Commercial Learner’s Permit
• Arkansas DFA: Hazardous Materials Endorsement
• Arkansas DFA: Commercial Endorsements
• Arkansas DFA: Recent Changes in the Law (CDL fee and five-year term)
• Arkansas State Police: Driver Examination (CDL testing and troop locations)
• Arkansas MyDMV: schedule a revenue office appointment
• Arkansas DFA: driver services office locations
• Arkansas DFA: Medical Certification / SPE / Waiver and Exemptions
• Act 753 of 2021 — CDL application fee and five-year term (PDF)
• Code of Arkansas Rules, 27 CAR § 33-102 (application for a CDL)

Frequently asked — California

How much does it cost to apply for a California CDL?

The original application fee is $100 for a Class A or B CDL and $59 for Class C, per the DMV fee schedule. You pay it when you apply for your commercial learner’s permit, and each skills-test retake costs another $46. (dmv.ca.gov)

How many times can I take the California CDL knowledge test?

Three attempts per test on one application. Fail the same test three times and the application is no longer valid — you have to reapply. DMV does not administer knowledge tests within 30 minutes of closing, so arrive early. (dmv.ca.gov)

How long is a California commercial learner’s permit valid?

180 days from issue, renewable once for another 180 days as long as the new expiration date is within one year of your application date. You must hold the CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills test. (dmv.ca.gov)

Can I take the California CDL knowledge test in Russian or Spanish?

Yes. The California Commercial Driver Handbook states the commercial knowledge tests are available in English, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi, Russian and Spanish, taken on DMV’s automated testing equipment. The skills test, however, must be conducted in English and interpreters are prohibited. (dmv.ca.gov)

Do I need an appointment for the California CDL skills test?

Yes — skills tests are not given without an appointment. Schedule online or call 1-800-777-0133 (8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday). If you fail any part, the remaining parts are postponed; you get three tries and pay a retest fee each time. (dmv.ca.gov)

Do I need ELDT before the California CDL skills test?

If the federal ELDT rule covers you, yes — federal law (49 CFR §383.73) requires DMV to electronically verify that you completed Entry-Level Driver Training before it administers a skills test or a hazardous materials knowledge test. You can book the appointment first, but the training must be complete by the appointment date. (dmv.ca.gov)

When do I start the TSA background check for a California HazMat endorsement?

After you apply for your CDL and pass all required knowledge tests. DMV first issues a CLP or temporary license marked “Not valid for carrying hazardous materials”; you then pre-enroll with TSA online or by phone (1-855-347-8371), visit a Universal Enrollment Services center for fingerprints and the federal fee, and DMV mails a new CDL with the H endorsement once TSA clears you and all tests are complete. (dmv.ca.gov)

What does the HazMat endorsement cost in California?

DMV charges $59 to add the hazmat endorsement to a Class A, B or C CDL. TSA’s security threat assessment is a separate federal fee paid to TSA, not to DMV — see the facts table for the current amount. (dmv.ca.gov)

Official sources

• DMV: Commercial Driver’s Licenses
• DMV: Licensing fees
• California Commercial Driver Handbook (PDF)
• DMV: Schedule an appointment
• DMV: Office locations
• DMV: Sample knowledge tests
• DMV: TSA background check for the HazMat endorsement

Official sources

• FMCSA — Commercial Driver’s License Program
• 49 CFR Part 383 — CDL Standards

Frequently asked — Connecticut

How much does a Connecticut CDL cost?

Per CT DMV’s fee table: $16 for the general knowledge test, $5 for each endorsement test, $20 for the commercial learner’s permit, $30 for the skills test and $70 for the CDL itself. A duplicate is $30, an upgrade $22 plus the $30 licence-change fee, and renewal $70 for four years ($25 late fee). School bus drivers with a letter of employment pay none of the knowledge-test, CLP or skills-test fees. (portal.ct.gov)

How many questions are on the Connecticut CDL test?

The general knowledge test has 50 questions and you need 40 correct to pass. Endorsement tests are shorter: hazardous materials is 30 questions (24 to pass), air brakes 25 questions (20 to pass), and the combination vehicle, school bus, passenger, tanker and doubles/triples tests are 20 questions each (16 to pass). Every one of them is 80%. (portal.ct.gov)

How long is a Connecticut commercial learner’s permit valid?

One year from the date of issuance, and it cannot be extended — if you do not obtain the CDL within that year you must retake and pass all the required tests for a new permit. You must hold the CLP at least 14 days before you can take the skills test. (portal.ct.gov)

How do you book and pass the Connecticut CDL skills test?

Complete Form R-405 and email it to dmv-detu@ct.gov; the DMV sends a test date within three business days. The test has three parts — pre-trip inspection, static course and the on-road drive — and failing any part fails the whole test. A retake means a new Form R-229a, another $30, and waiting at least seven days. After you pass, wait two business days before collecting the licence at the office where you took your knowledge test. (portal.ct.gov)

How do you give CT DMV your DOT medical card?

You do not. Since June 16, 2025 Connecticut DMV offices no longer accept paper MCSA-5876 certificates from CDL or CLP holders and applicants — your examiner uploads the result to the FMCSA National Registry and the DMV retrieves it electronically. Keep a copy for yourself in case the transmission fails, and carry any state-issued medical waiver. If a valid certificate is not received, the DMV letters you and then downgrades the CDL to a Class D licence. (portal.ct.gov)

What does Connecticut require for a hazmat (H) endorsement?

You must be 21 or older and a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident or Employment Authorization Document holder. Complete the TSA online application first, get fingerprinted through IDEMIA (the TSA-designated vendor in Connecticut), and pass the 30-question hazmat knowledge test before the endorsement is issued. The DMV will not issue it until TSA’s result arrives electronically — an approval letter in your hand is not enough. Renewals are handled by appointment only at nine named offices, and a 90-day temporary endorsement is available at renewal only. (portal.ct.gov)

Official sources

• CT DMV: Get a commercial driver’s license
• CT DMV: Fees
• CT DMV: Get a commercial learner’s permit
• CT DMV: CDL classifications, endorsements and restrictions (hazmat requirements)
• Connecticut Commercial Driver’s License Manual (PDF, R-295 Rev. 12/2024)
• CT DMV: Connecticut driver’s manuals
• CT DMV: Take the CDL skills test
• CT DMV: Make or change an appointment
• CT DMV: Locations and office hours
• CT DMV: Medical certificate for commercial and public service drivers
• CT DMV: Commercial driver self-certification
• CT DMV: Medical certificate FAQs
• CT DMV: Driver’s license endorsements
• CT DMV: Apply for or maintain a Public Passenger Endorsement
• CT DMV: Renew a commercial driver’s license
• CT DMV: Transfer a CDL from another state

Frequently asked — Delaware

How much does a Delaware CDL cost?

DMV charges $55.00 for the 8-year CDL, or $30.00 for the 5-year CDL that carries a hazmat endorsement (a hazmat CDL is not eligible for the 8-year term). The Commercial Learner’s Permit is $10.00 and each additional endorsement is $10.00 — both went up from $5.00 in the October 2025 increases. (dmv.de.gov)

How long is a Delaware CLP valid, and when can I take the skills test?

The CDL learner’s permit is valid for one year and cannot be issued or extended beyond one year from the original issuance date. You must hold it for a minimum of 14 full days before you can take the CDL skills test. (dmv.de.gov)

How do I take the Delaware CDL knowledge and skills tests?

Knowledge tests are walk-in only at any DMV facility, and every applicant takes at least the General Knowledge test. Skills tests are the opposite — appointment only, bookable only once you have held your CLP 14 days, and road tests run every weekday except Wednesday. (dmv.de.gov)

How old do I have to be for a Delaware CDL?

18 with one year of driving experience to drive intrastate, and 21 with at least one year of experience to drive in interstate commerce or to transport hazardous materials. (dmv.de.gov)

How does Delaware handle my DOT medical certificate?

Since June 23, 2025 you must get the certificate from an examiner on the FMCSA National Registry, and the examiner submits it electronically — you no longer visit or notify DMV. Certificates issued before that date stay valid until they expire, and you still self-certify your driving status. (dmv.de.gov)

Where do I schedule a Delaware CDL road test?

Call the DMV office you want to test at — Delaware City 302-832-5176, Dover 302-744-2515, Georgetown 302-853-1003, Wilmington 302-434-3220 — or book it yourself in your myDMV account under “My Road Test”. Delaware is also standing up a third-party skills-testing program under Regulation 2226. (dmv.de.gov)

What does the hazmat endorsement process involve in Delaware?

You must be at least 21, hold a valid CDL or CDL permit, pass the HME knowledge test, and clear a TSA security threat assessment — fingerprints plus citizenship verification, renewed every five years. TSA advises starting no later than 30 days before you apply or your endorsement expires, and Delaware DMV cannot add the endorsement until TSA clears you. (dmv.de.gov)

Official sources

• Delaware DMV: Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Delaware DMV: Motor Vehicle Fees
• DelDOT: 2025 toll and fee increases (DMV fees effective Oct 1, 2025)
• Delaware Commercial Driver’s Manual (PDF)
• Delaware DMV: locations
• Delaware DMV: online services (schedule a road test)
• Delaware DMV: Third-Party CDL Testing
• Delaware DMV: U.S. Patriot Act — Hazmat Requirements

Official sources

• FMCSA — Commercial Driver’s License Program
• 49 CFR Part 383 — CDL Standards

Frequently asked — Georgia

How much does a Georgia CDL cost?

Budget $35 for the CAP (Commercial Application) fee, $10 for the permit — paid before your knowledge exam(s) and then applied to the instructional permit — and $50 for each CDL Road Skills test attempt. The CDL itself is $32 for an 8-year card. Endorsements are $5 each (except a $15 For-Hire endorsement); no Georgia page states a separate dollar figure for Hazmat. (dds.georgia.gov)

How long is a Georgia commercial learner’s permit valid, and how soon can I test?

A CLP issued on or after July 1, 2021 is valid for 365 days. You must hold it at least 14 days before applying for the full CDL, and the $35 CAP fee you paid to get it covers up to 4 knowledge-test attempts (or 360 days). (dds.georgia.gov)

What score do I need on Georgia’s CDL knowledge tests, and what if I fail?

Every Georgia CDL knowledge test needs 80% correct. If you fail, the wait to retest is two days — the same wait applies to the first failure and every one after it. (dds.georgia.gov)

Where do I take the Georgia CDL skills test?

At a DDS Customer Service Center or at an approved third-party CDL tester — Georgia certifies commercial driver training schools and technical colleges to administer the road skills test on the state’s behalf. Every applicant is subject to retest under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 40-5-147) and the federal rule at 49 CFR § 383.75. (dds.georgia.gov)

What are Georgia’s minimum ages for a CDL?

You can apply at 18, but from 18 to 21 you are restricted to driving inside Georgia only (intrastate) — the restriction lifts automatically once you turn 21, though you’ll need to visit a Customer Service Center to have it removed from your record. (dds.georgia.gov)

What does Georgia require for a Hazmat (H) endorsement?

You cannot add H to a permit — you need a full CDL first. Apply through TSA’s Universal Enroll, get fingerprinted, and wait roughly 60–90 days for the TSA background check and threat assessment. Then pass the hazmat knowledge test (80%) at a DDS Customer Service Center. Once issued, the endorsement is valid 5 years from your TSA Threat Assessment date, and it is the one endorsement that will NOT transfer automatically if you move your CDL from another state. (dds.georgia.gov)

How much does Georgia’s Hazmat endorsement cost?

Nothing extra if you add it at the same time as your initial CDL — Georgia’s renewal page says plainly that no fee applies then. Added later, it costs a one-time $5, the same as the state’s other endorsements. On top of that you pay TSA directly for the federally required background check and threat assessment ($85.25, or $41 with a valid TWIC). Renewing the endorsement itself needs a fresh Hazmat knowledge test and a fresh TSA background check every 5 years — it does not renew automatically with the rest of your CDL the way other endorsements do. (dds.georgia.gov)

Official sources

• Georgia DDS: How Do I ... Get a CDL License?
• Georgia DDS: Commercial (hub)
• Georgia DDS: Fees and Terms
• Georgia Commercial Driver's Study Guide (PDF)
• Georgia DDS: CDL Testing Sites
• Georgia DDS: CDL Hazmat Drivers FAQs
• Georgia DDS: Adding CDL Endorsements
• Georgia DDS: Renew a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Georgia DDS: CDL Licensing Information FAQs
• Georgia DDS: License Endorsements

Frequently asked — Hawaii

How much does a Hawaii CDL cost?

Budget $30 for the permit, $15 for the general knowledge test and $5 for each endorsement test, then $50 for the (non-refundable) skills-test appointment. The CDL itself is priced per year of the term you choose — $5/year on Honolulu’s schedule, which lines up with Maui County’s published $40 for a full 8-year card. These core testing fees matched exactly between the two counties checked here, but reinstatement and oral-test fees did not, so if you are outside Honolulu, confirm the exact numbers with your own county’s licensing office. (honolulu.gov)

Is there a Hawaii DMV for commercial licenses?

No single state DMV runs CDL licensing in Hawaii — each of the four counties administers its own office: Honolulu’s Department of Customer Services, and the Department of Finance in Hawaii, Maui and Kauai counties. The state Department of Transportation publishes the CDL manual every county tests against, but you apply, test and renew at your own county’s office. (honolulu.gov)

What are Hawaii’s minimum ages for a CDL?

You can get a Commercial Learner’s Permit at 18, but you must be 21 to hold the full CDL — the same 18/21 split as the federal intrastate/interstate rule. Maui County’s own permit-eligibility page states a flat 21-or-older requirement without mentioning an 18-year-old permit path, so confirm the age rule with your own county if you are 18–20. (honolulu.gov)

What happens if I fail a Hawaii CDL test?

For the knowledge and skills tests, Honolulu requires a minimum one-week wait before you can retest. Once you have a CDL, keep it current — Hawaii gives a 90-day grace period after expiration before a $5 monthly late fee kicks in, and if it stays expired a full year you have to retest from scratch. An out-of-state CDL gets no grace period at all. (honolulu.gov)

Can I renew my Hawaii CDL by mail?

No — Honolulu requires an in-person renewal with a current DOT medical certificate, a fresh vision test (20/40 in both eyes, corrected is fine), your certified U.S. birth certificate, proof of residency and no outstanding violations or disqualifying convictions. Hazmat holders must also pass the hazmat knowledge test again at renewal. (honolulu.gov)

What does Hawaii require for a Hazmat (HME) endorsement?

Apply through TSA’s Universal Enroll program for the federally required background check, then pass the hazardous-materials written test at your county CDL office. Once issued, the endorsement is valid for up to five years from your TSA approval date, and — unlike other endorsements — you must pass the hazmat knowledge test again every time you renew it. (honolulu.gov)

How do I add a Hazmat endorsement in Hawaii, and how is it different to renew?

Enroll with TSA at universalenroll.dhs.gov for the required background check, then pass the hazardous-materials written test at your county CDL office — the same medical certificate and 20/40 vision standard as any other CDL applicant still apply. The endorsement itself is valid up to five years from your TSA approval date. Renewal is the one thing that is NOT automatic: you must pass the hazmat knowledge test again every time, in person, unlike the rest of your CDL. (honolulu.gov)

Official sources

• Honolulu Dept. of Customer Services: Commercial Driver Licensing Office
• County of Maui: Driver’s License Fees (PDF, effective 10/1/2024)
• Maui County: Class A, B, C Permits
• Maui County: Renewal of Commercial Driver’s License

Frequently asked — Idaho

How much does an Idaho CDL cost?

A 4-year CDL is $40 for applicants 21 and over; 20-year-olds and intrastate-restricted drivers pay $15 for a 1-year or $30 for a 2-year term. The Commercial Learner’s Permit is $29, each written test is $5, and adding an endorsement after issuance is $15. The skills test is $10 to the county office plus whatever the examiner charges, capped at $190. (itd.idaho.gov)

How long is an Idaho CLP valid, and when can I take the skills test?

The permit costs $29 and is valid for one year. You must hold it at least 14 days before taking a skills test — and that 14-day wait applies even if you already hold a CDL and are only upgrading it. (itd.idaho.gov)

What happens if I fail an Idaho CDL written test?

You can re-test after three days, and you pay the $5 test fee again. Tests you have already passed stay valid for one year from the date you passed them — if you do not get your CDL within that year, every written test must be retaken. (itd.idaho.gov)

How do I book an Idaho CDL skills test?

You pay $10 to the county driver-licensing office, then contact a CDL skills-test examiner in your district directly. Idaho’s examiners are independent part-timers who set their own fee — capped at $190 per test by Idaho Code — so you may have to work around their schedule, and they must notify ITD at least 48 hours before any test. (itd.idaho.gov)

How old do I have to be for an Idaho CDL?

At least 18, with one year of licensed driving experience and either an Idaho Class D licence or passing scores on the tests for one. Every 18, 19 and 20 year old CDL holder carries the K restriction, which limits them to driving commercially inside Idaho. (itd.idaho.gov)

What does Idaho require for the DOT medical certificate?

Most commercial driving needs one. The exam must be done by a provider on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners and can be valid for up to 24 months; since June 23, 2025 the provider files the results with FMCSA electronically — you cannot turn the forms in yourself. ITD estimates the exam costs $60–150 from a private provider. (itd.idaho.gov)

What does the hazmat endorsement involve in Idaho?

You pass a written test and clear a TSA security threat assessment — and Idaho requires that clearance again at every driver-licence renewal, which is also why a CDL carrying hazmat cannot be renewed online. Adding the endorsement after your CDL has been issued costs $15 on top of the $5 written test. (itd.idaho.gov)

Official sources

• Idaho Transportation Department: Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• ITD: Idaho CDL fee schedule and overview (PDF)
• ITD: Ten Easy Steps to a C.D.L. (PDF)
• Idaho Commercial Driver’s License Manual (PDF)
• ITD: DMV office locations and appointment scheduling
• ITD: Southwest Idaho CDL skills-test examiners (District 3, PDF)

Frequently asked — Illinois

How much does an Illinois CDL cost?

The Secretary of State charges $50 for a commercial learner’s permit (original or renewal) and $60 for a CDL renewal or transfer in from another state — $50 at age 69 and over, or $65 if the licence also carries a motorcycle class. Adding or changing an endorsement or restriction is $5, and an Illinois School Bus Permit adds $9. Training-school and medical-exam costs are separate. (ilsos.gov)

How long is an Illinois commercial learner permit valid, and how long must I hold it?

An original CLP expires one year from the date it was first issued, and a further one means retaking every applicable test and paying again. You must hold the CLP — temporary or permanent card — for at least 14 calendar days from its issue date before the skills and drive test; a corrected CLP that adds or removes an endorsement starts a new 14-day wait. Only the tanker (N), passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsements can go on a CLP. (ilsos.gov)

How many questions is the Illinois CDL knowledge test and what score do I need?

The computerized General (Core) Knowledge test is 30 randomly drawn multiple-choice questions. You need at least 80% on each applicable test — except the school bus test, which needs 90%. Tests are given in English only, though you may ask for an audio format in which the computer reads the test aloud. A passed knowledge test stays good for a maximum of one year. (ilsos.gov)

What happens if I fail an Illinois CDL test?

Illinois runs a three-strike ladder: fail the same exam three times and you wait 30 days, three more failures (six total) means 90 days, and three more after that (nine total) means a year from the last failure. The wait applies only to the exam you failed three times, and a fee is charged again for each new round of testing. (ilsos.gov)

How old do you have to be to get a CDL in Illinois?

Eighteen for an Illinois CLP or CDL — but that licence is good for intrastate driving only. You must be 21 to drive interstate or to transport passengers. (ilsos.gov)

What does Illinois require for a hazmat (H) endorsement?

TSA clearance first: a security threat assessment must be on file before you may take the hazardous materials written test, and Illinois will not issue or renew a CDL carrying H or X until TSA approves. You must also finish Entry-Level Driver Training before the hazmat test. Both the assessment and the written test are required again at every renewal — start 60 days before your CDL expires. The endorsement can never go on a learner permit. Illinois publishes no separate state hazmat fee; adding the endorsement to an existing CDL costs $5, and TSA’s own fee is paid to TSA. (ilsos.gov)

Official sources

• Illinois SOS: Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Illinois SOS: CDL and CLP — requirements, fees, testing
• Illinois SOS: Driver Services fees
• Illinois SOS: Hazardous Materials Endorsement
• Illinois CDL Study Guide (PDF)
• Illinois SOS: Schedule a CDL appointment
• Illinois SOS: DMV Facility Finder
• Illinois SOS: Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
• Illinois SOS: CDL FAQs
• Illinois SOS: CDL Proof of Legal Presence
• Illinois SOS: Charter Bus Endorsement

Official sources

• FMCSA — Commercial Driver’s License Program
• 49 CFR Part 383 — CDL Standards

Frequently asked — Iowa

How much does an Iowa CDL cost?

Iowa charges by the year, not a flat price. A Class A, B or C commercial license is $8 for each year of its term, and the standard term is 8 years — $64 in total, or $16 if you are 78 or over and get a 2-year card. The commercial learner’s permit is a flat $12 for one year, and upgrading a non-commercial license is $4 a year with the existing license prorated. Add $1.50 if you pay by credit card, and up to $10 at a county office outside where you live. (iowadot.gov)

How long is an Iowa commercial learner’s permit good for?

The CLP costs $12 and is valid for one year from the date it is issued, with no renewal period — if it lapses you start again. It must be added to an existing Iowa license, you must hold it at least 14 days before the skills and drive test, and only the passenger, school-bus and tank endorsements can go on it. (iowadot.gov)

How many questions are on the Iowa CDL knowledge tests?

Iowa DOT publishes the count and the number you may miss for each test: general knowledge 50 (miss 10), combination vehicle for Class A 20 (miss 4), air brake 25 (miss 5), hazmat 30 (miss 6), and tank, passenger, school bus and doubles/triples 20 each (miss 4). There is also a 25-question Iowa operator test where it applies. (iowadot.gov)

What is on the Iowa CDL skills and drive test?

Three phases: the pre-trip vehicle inspection, the basic control skills test (cones and backing maneuvers), and the on-road driving test. You must demonstrate the whole air-brake check before the pre-trip inspection starts, and you supply the test vehicle — registered, road-worthy and representative of the class you want. Fail the air-brake check or the pre-trip and you have to rebook, which Iowa DOT warns can be two or three weeks out. (iowadot.gov)

How old do you have to be to get a CDL in Iowa?

The minimum age for an Iowa CDL is 18, but you must be 21 to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate travel. Under 21 you are limited to driving inside Iowa, and self-certifying to an intrastate category adds a “K” restriction to the license. (iowadot.gov)

What does Iowa require for a hazmat (H) endorsement?

Entry-Level Driver Training first if it is your first HME, then the TSA threat-assessment application through HazPrint (online or on 855-347-8371) and fingerprinting, then the 30-question hazmat knowledge test at the DMV. Iowa charges $5 for the endorsement — $10 for the haz-mat/tank X combination — plus $10 to reprint the card if you add it outside your renewal period. The knowledge test is retaken at every renewal and the TSA check repeats every five years, so a hazmat CDL cannot be renewed online. (iowadot.gov)

Official sources

• Iowa DOT: Commercial Drivers
• Iowa DOT: How to Get a CDL
• Iowa DOT: Driver's License Fees
• Iowa DOT: CDL Testing
• Iowa DOT: CDL Testing Locations
• Iowa DOT: Schedule an Appointment
• Iowa DOT: Hazardous Materials endorsement
• Iowa CDL Manual (PDF)
• Iowa DOT: Entry Level Driver Training
• Iowa DOT: Commercial Learner Permits (CLP)
• Iowa DOT: Medical Cards & Certification

Official sources

• FMCSA — Commercial Driver’s License Program
• 49 CFR Part 383 — CDL Standards

Frequently asked — Kentucky

How much does a Kentucky CDL cost?

The commercial learner’s permit is $11 ($14 with REAL ID). The CDL itself is an add-on to your operator license and is prorated against the time left on it: $18.75–$45 standard, $23.75–$50 with REAL ID — KYTC states the whole range as $18.75 to $50.00. On top of that the Regional Office collects a $3 NCIC background-check fee before your written test, endorsement tests are $5 each, and transferring an out-of-state CDL adds a $60 transfer fee. (drive.ky.gov)

How long is a Kentucky commercial learner’s permit valid?

KYTC’s current pricing sheet lists the standard commercial permit as valid for one year. (The CDL manual Kentucky State Police hosts still says six months, so check with the Division of Driver Licensing if the difference matters to your timing.) A permit may only be renewed once, and you must hold it at least 14 days before the skills test. (drive.ky.gov)

How many questions are on the Kentucky CDL tests, and what score do you need?

Kentucky publishes the counts in its CDL manual: general knowledge 50 questions, combination vehicles 20 (Class A), air brakes 25, and for endorsements — doubles/triples 20, tankers 20, passenger transport 20, school bus 20 and hazardous materials 30. Every test needs 80 percent correct. The general knowledge test can be retaken indefinitely with no retest fee; combination, air-brake and endorsement retakes cost $5 each. (wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov)

Who gives the CDL test in Kentucky?

The Kentucky State Police — KSP is exclusively responsible for every CDL knowledge, vision and skills test, while the Transportation Cabinet handles the paperwork and issues the credential. That means two stops on test day: the Driver Licensing Regional Office for self-certification, fees and the NCIC check, then KSP for the tests, then back to the Regional Office for the card. Book the skills test on 800-542-5990 (press 1); hazmat written tests and fingerprinting appointments go through KSP too. You supply the test vehicle and bring a licensed driver qualified for it. (kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov)

What happens if I fail the Kentucky CDL skills test?

The fee you paid when the permit was issued covers one attempt. Every additional attempt costs a $50.00 retest fee, and after four attempts you must wait seven days before the fifth. Otherwise skills tests can be taken as many times as needed while the CLP is valid and the fees are current. The basic control skills portion has a 30-minute limit for all the exercises combined — running out of time is scored as a failure. (wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov)

What does Kentucky require for a hazmat (H) endorsement?

You need a Kentucky CDL or CDL permit first, then a fingerprint-based criminal background check with the Kentucky State Police (book on 1 (888) 655-9655) costing $138.25 — that is the background check, not the endorsement. After TSA approval you complete hazmat ELDT and take the 30-question written test with KSP for a $5.00 fee; there is no oral version. The threat assessment repeats every five years with a 60-day notice, and the hazmat test is retaken at every CDL renewal unless it has been under two years. A valid TWIC card can stand in for the assessment. (drive.ky.gov)

Official sources

• KYTC: Commercial Driver’s License
• KYTC: Pricing for CDLs (PDF)
• Kentucky CDL Manual (PDF)
• Kentucky State Police: Driver Testing
• KYTC: Find a Driver Licensing Regional Office
• KYTC: CDL General Rules and Responsibilities

Official sources

• FMCSA — Commercial Driver’s License Program
• 49 CFR Part 383 — CDL Standards

Frequently asked — Maine

How much does a Maine CDL cost?

Maine charges a $70 Class A, B & C Commercial Driver’s License Examination fee (29-A M.R.S. §1307 says it includes the first road test, and a re-examination is another $70), $20 for each endorsement, and then the licence itself: $34 for the 5-year commercial licence under 65, $59 for the REAL ID version, or $27 / $47 at 65 and older. Converting an out-of-state CDL costs $70 application plus $34 licensing plus endorsement fees. Training, the DOT physical and the federal TSA hazmat fee are separate. (maine.gov)

Is there a separate fee for a Maine commercial learner’s permit?

Not one that Maine publishes. The BMV fee table lists no commercial learner’s permit line, and Title 29-A states no CLP fee. What you pay to get the permit is the $70 Class A, B & C Commercial Driver’s License Examination fee, mailed with application form MVE-64T — the same form is headed “CDL CLASS A, B OR C LEARNER’S PERMITS, LICENSES OR WAIVERS”, and the permit is issued once you pass the vision and knowledge tests. The $34 licence fee is charged later, when the CDL itself is issued. (maine.gov)

How do I book the Maine CDL knowledge and skills tests?

You do not walk in. Mail the completed CDL application with the fees to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, CDL Examination Section, State House Station 29, Augusta, and the main office schedules you — an appointment notice comes back with the place, date and time for the knowledge test. After you pass, you get a skills test request card, which you mail back to Augusta to be scheduled for the skills and road test. Cancel a test less than 48 hours ahead and an extra $70 is charged before you can be rescheduled. Branch offices are open Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. and take online appointments for other business. (maine.gov)

How old do you have to be to get a CDL in Maine?

The Maine CDL Manual sets 16 as the minimum age to operate a commercial motor vehicle and 21 to drive a bus or carry hazardous materials; the application form repeats 21 for the H, P and S endorsements, and adds that a school bus applicant must have held a valid licence for one full year. Federal rules separately limit interstate driving to drivers 21 and over, which is why an intrastate-only CDL carries the Maine “K” restriction. (maine.gov)

Can I add endorsements to my Maine commercial learner’s permit?

No. The Maine CDL Manual is explicit that endorsements can only be added to a Commercial Driver’s License — if you do not yet hold a CDL, the endorsement is not awarded until you do. Maine grants the N, H, X and T endorsements on the knowledge examination alone; P and S also require the skills and road test. (maine.gov)

What does Maine require for a hazmat (H) endorsement?

You must be 21, meet the FMCSR Part 391 physical qualifications and hold a valid medical card. Maine runs the written test first: once you pass the hazardous materials written examination ($20 endorsement fee) you begin the TSA fingerprint and background records check, and no CDL with a hazmat endorsement may be issued until TSA clears you. Renewals must be filed at least 30 days before the licence expires, and 29-A M.R.S. §1253(3) requires you to retake the hazmat written test at every renewal to keep the endorsement. (maine.gov)

Official sources

• Maine BMV: Commercial Drivers License
• Maine BMV: Drivers License and Examination Fees
• Maine BMV: Commercial Drivers License Exam
• Maine Commercial Driver License Manual, Revised 7/24 (PDF)
• Maine Commercial Driver License Application MVE-64T (PDF)
• Maine BMV: Entry-Level Driver Training
• Maine BMV: Find Your Local Branch
• Maine BMV: License Endorsement and Restriction Codes
• Maine BMV: Forms and Applications
• 29-A M.R.S. §1307 — Examination fees
• 29-A M.R.S. §1253 — Commercial licenses

Frequently asked — Maryland

How much does a Maryland CDL cost?

The MVA fee table effective September 1, 2025 lists $106 for the CDL learner’s permit, $64 to renew an 8-year CDL or convert an out-of-state CDL of the same class, $20 for a CDL skills retest, $109.25 for the HazMat background check and $30 for a CDL carrying the HazMat endorsement (a 5-year licence). Training, the DOT physical and the TSA portion of the HazMat check are separate. (mva.maryland.gov)

How long must I hold a Maryland commercial learner’s permit?

At least 14 days — the skills-test page words the same rule as “at least two weeks”. Only the Passenger (P), School Bus (S) and Tank Vehicle (N) endorsements can be put on a CLP; HazMat and Doubles/Triples are added after the skills test. If the permit expires before you pass the skills test you must reapply, retake the knowledge tests and pay the fees again. (mva.maryland.gov)

What score do I need on the Maryland CDL knowledge test, and can I take it in Spanish?

Maryland’s CDL manual sets the passing score at 80% on each knowledge test, and the General Knowledge test must be passed before any other. Knowledge tests may be taken in English or Spanish; skills tests are given only in English and no interpreter may assist with either. Fail the same knowledge test twice and you wait at least seven days to retake it. (mva.maryland.gov)

What is on the Maryland CDL skills test?

Three parts taken in order: a pre-trip vehicle inspection (45-minute limit), basic control skills (10 minutes per maneuver, 9 points is a failure) and a public road test (31 points is a failure). You must pass each part to move to the next, you supply a representative — never placarded — test vehicle, and a $20 CDL skills retest fee applies before you can rebook. (mva.maryland.gov)

Do I have to send my DOT medical card to the Maryland MVA?

No. Your Medical Examiner’s Certificate is sent to the MVA directly from the FMCSA National Registry, and most CDL holders do not need to carry the paper card. Most certificates are valid up to two years — a School bus (S) endorsement needs a new one every year. Let it lapse and your CDL is downgraded; after more than a year you must retake every CDL knowledge and skills test. (mva.maryland.gov)

How do I get a HazMat endorsement in Maryland?

It is two transactions: an MVA HAZMAT application and a fingerprint-based background record check run by Maryland DPSCS, done only at Bel Air, Glen Burnie Headquarters (Building B), Frederick, Salisbury or Waldorf. Bring proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, your Maryland CDL and a valid DOT card, pay every fee at that visit, then wait about 30 days for the TSA letter. Only after TSA approves do you book a second appointment for the HazMat knowledge test — and you must get the endorsement within six months of the approval letter. (mva.maryland.gov)

Official sources

• MDOT MVA: Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• MDOT MVA: License & ID Fees
• MDOT MVA: Get or Renew a CDL
• Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual DL-151 (PDF)
• MDOT MVA: CDL Skills Test
• MDOT MVA: CDL Classifications, Endorsements & Restrictions
• MDOT MVA: CDL Medical Certification Requirements
• MDOT MVA: Appointments & Online Services
• MDOT MVA: CDL Hazmat Endorsement

Frequently asked — Massachusetts

How much does a Massachusetts CDL cost?

The learner’s permit is $30, and an endorsement is $10 if tested in the same visit or $30 if tested another day. Add $35 for the road test and — once you hold the CDL — $75 to renew each class (A, B or C). Total government fees for a single-class CDL with one endorsement run from roughly $75 to $95 depending on timing, before any renewal. (mass.gov)

How many questions are on Massachusetts CDL knowledge tests, and what score do I need?

The general knowledge test is 60 minutes, 50 questions, and you need 40 correct. Every other published test — hazmat (30 questions), tank, passenger, school bus and doubles/triples (20 questions each), air brakes (25 questions) — needs exactly 80% correct too. You can take the knowledge test in English, Spanish or Portuguese; the road test that follows must be in English by federal rule, with no interpreter allowed. (mass.gov)

How long is a Massachusetts CLP valid?

A CLP expires 180 days after issue and can be renewed once for another 180 days at no charge. You must renew within 30 days of expiration — miss that window and you have to pass the knowledge test again at your own expense. (mass.gov)

What are Massachusetts’s minimum ages for a CDL?

You can apply at 18 for an intrastate-only CLP, or 21 for one valid across state lines — the same federal 18/21 split most states use. A CDL holder under 21 gets a "K restriction" printed on the license limiting them to driving inside Massachusetts only, until they turn 21. (mass.gov)

How do I schedule a Massachusetts CDL road test, and what if I fail?

Pay the $35 fee online, then call the State Police at (857) 368-7381 to book — they run the commercial road test, not RMV counter staff, at a small number of dedicated sites. You’re allowed up to 6 skills-test attempts in any 12-month period, and your practice-driving sponsor must be at least 21 with a CDL they’ve held for a year or more. (mass.gov)

What does Massachusetts require for a Hazmat (H) endorsement, and does it renew automatically?

Pass the TSA Security Background Check (call 855-347-8371; can take 60+ days), complete Hazmat ELDT if it’s your first H, and pass the 30-question hazmat written exam (24 correct needed). Unlike your other endorsements, H does NOT carry over automatically when you renew your CDL — you repeat the TSA check and the exam at every renewal. (mass.gov)

How do I get the X endorsement in Massachusetts?

You don’t test for X directly — it’s what Massachusetts prints on your CDL once you hold both the N (tank) and H (hazmat) endorsements together. Earn each one on its own (tank: 20-question written test; hazmat: TSA background check, ELDT if it’s your first, and the 30-question written test) and X appears automatically. (mass.gov)

Official sources

• Mass.gov RMV: Apply for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
• Mass.gov RMV: CDL classes and endorsements
• Mass.gov RMV: Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
• Mass.gov RMV: Commercial (Class A, B, or C) road tests
• Mass.gov RMV: Renew your CDL
• Massachusetts CDL Manual — March 2025 (PDF)
• Mass.gov RMV: CLP exams now in Spanish and Portuguese (press release)

Frequently asked — Michigan

How much does a Michigan CDL cost?

State law (MCL 257.312e) sets the original vehicle group designation fee at $25, plus $5 per endorsement and an $18 corrected-license fee. Skills-test fees are separate and set by the approved driver testing business that gives the test. (legislature.mi.gov)

How many questions are on the Michigan CDL knowledge test?

50 on the general knowledge test for Group B or C; Group A applicants answer 70 questions plus a 20-question combination vehicle test. Air brakes is 25 questions, hazmat 30, and each other endorsement test 20. You need 80% on every test, can take only one test per category per day, and must wait one day before a retake. (michigan.gov)

Who gives the Michigan CDL skills test and what does it cost?

Public and private driver testing businesses approved by the state — not the Secretary of State — give the pre-trip, basic control and on-road tests, and they set their own fees. Schedule at least 2 days ahead after at least 14 days on your CLP; a passing result stays valid for one year. (michigan.gov)

Can I get a Michigan CLP before finishing ELDT?

Yes. A CLP can be issued before ELDT is completed, and ELDT then has to be finished before you schedule the skills test. The one exception is hazmat: first-time hazmat applicants must complete the hazmat portion of ELDT before the written knowledge test is administered. (michigan.gov)

How long does the TSA background check take for a Michigan hazmat endorsement?

Michigan SOS says most TSA background record checks take 30 days or less, some up to 60 days, and advises applying 45–60 days before you need the endorsement. TSA’s approval is valid for five years and must cover the full term of your four-year Michigan license, or a new check is required. (michigan.gov)

Do I need ELDT to add a hazmat endorsement in Michigan if I already have a CDL?

Yes — federal rules require entry-level driver training to add an original hazmat endorsement, and in Michigan it must be completed before you take the hazmat knowledge exam. ELDT is not required to renew a CDL that already carries the endorsement. (michigan.gov)

What does a Michigan hazmat endorsement cost?

The Secretary of State charges $5 per endorsement plus $18 for a new photo license ($33 with an enhanced license) when you add it to an existing CDL. The TSA background check is a separate federal fee paid to TSA — Michigan collects none of it. (michigan.gov)

Official sources

• Michigan SOS: Applying for a CDL
• Michigan SOS: CDL FAQs
• MCL 257.312e (CDL fees)
• Michigan CDL Manual
• Michigan SOS: Driver testing businesses
• Michigan SOS: Schedule an office visit

Frequently asked — Minnesota

How much does a Minnesota CDL cost?

The commercial learner’s permit is $26.75, and each endorsement exam is $2.50 ($4 more for school bus processing). The CDL itself runs $50 to $65 depending on class (Class C $50, Class B $57, Class A $65), with lower renewal prices and a reduced Class A rate under age 21. Retesting is free for your first two failed attempts at a given test; from the third attempt on, a $10 fee applies to written tests and $20 to the road test, and a road-test no-show or late cancellation (inside 24 hours) adds $40 or $20. (dps.mn.gov)

How long is a Minnesota CLP valid, and how soon can I test?

A CLP is valid for 180 days and can be renewed, but never beyond one year total from when it was first issued. You must hold it at least 14 calendar days before taking the CDL road tests, and you can attempt any given knowledge test only once per day. (assets.dps.mn.gov)

What are Minnesota’s minimum ages for a CDL?

You can obtain a CLP and drive commercially inside Minnesota at 18. You need to be 21 to drive commercially outside Minnesota, and — separately — Minnesota’s manual states that in most cases you must be 21 to transport placarded hazardous materials, even within the state. (assets.dps.mn.gov)

How does CDL medical certification work in Minnesota?

DVS does not accept a medical examiner’s certificate directly from you — your examiner uploads it to the FMCSA National Registry, and you submit only a self-certification form to DVS. Certificates generally run 2 years (sometimes shorter, based on your medical history), and DVS mails a reminder 60 days before yours expires. If your CDL gets downgraded for a missed certificate, you can reinstate within one year just by submitting a valid certificate — wait longer than that and you’ll have to retake the knowledge and road tests. (assets.dps.mn.gov)

What happens if I fail a Minnesota CDL test?

For a knowledge test, you can simply try again the next day — Minnesota caps attempts at once per day, with no extra fee until your third failed attempt ($10 each time after that). For the vehicle-inspection or road-test phases, the same third-attempt-and-up fee applies ($20 for the road test), and driver’s training becomes mandatory once you’ve failed the road test four times. (assets.dps.mn.gov)

What does Minnesota require for a Hazmat endorsement, and how often do I renew it?

Complete Hazmat ELDT if it’s your first H endorsement, pass the HAZMAT knowledge test at a driver exam station, and apply through TSA (855-347-8371) for the required background check and fingerprinting. Renew at least 30 days before your CDL expires to avoid a gap in privileges — renewal means the TSA process and the knowledge test again, not an automatic carry-over. A first disqualifying offense committed in a placarded vehicle costs you your CDL for at least 3 years, versus 1 year in a non-placarded vehicle. (dps.mn.gov)

Official sources

• Minnesota DPS: Commercial driver’s license (CDL)
• Minnesota DPS: CDL Class A
• Minnesota DPS: Driver’s License and ID Card Fees
• Minnesota DPS: Commercial learner’s permit (CLP)
• Minnesota DPS: CDL endorsements and restrictions
• Minnesota DPS: Hazmat endorsement
• Minnesota DPS: CDL medical self-certification
• Minnesota Commercial Driver’s Manual (PDF)

Frequently asked — Mississippi

How much does a Mississippi CDL cost?

The Driver Service Bureau fee table lists $16 for the CDL learner’s permit (valid 6 months), $55 for the 5-year CDL and $5 per endorsement. Fees are paid in cash or by debit or credit card — personal checks are not accepted. (driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov)

How long is a Mississippi CDL learner’s permit valid?

Six months, per the fee table (“CDL Learners Permit - Valid 6 months”). Your permit must be for the class of vehicle you schedule your road test in. (driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov)

Do I need ELDT before the Mississippi CDL tests?

If you are a first-time CDL applicant, yes — since February 7, 2022 DPS requires Entry-Level Driver Training from a provider on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry before you can take the required knowledge or skills tests, including the hazmat knowledge test for a first H endorsement. Drivers who held a CDL or an S, P or H endorsement before that date are exempt. (driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov)

How do I schedule the Mississippi CDL road test?

By phone at 601-487-7028. You can book before your ELDT is finished, but the training must be complete before the test or it is cancelled. Bring your learner’s permit, the permit application, your medical card and the license fees; call the station at least 48 hours ahead to reschedule or cancel. (driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov)

Where do I get fingerprinted for a Mississippi hazmat endorsement?

At a TSA Universal Enrollment Services center, not at a DPS CDL station. Pre-enroll and book at universalenroll.dhs.gov; Mississippi centers are in Jackson, Greenville, Gulfport and Vicksburg (subject to change), and any of the 340+ centers nationwide works. Enrolling before you take the hazmat knowledge test saves time. (driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov)

When should I start renewing a Mississippi hazmat endorsement?

At least 60 days before your CDL expires, per DPS. Walk-ins are accepted at the enrollment centers but appointments take priority; call TSA at 1-855-347-8371 with questions. (driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov)

Official sources

• DPS Driver Service Bureau: New Commercial Driver License (Class A, B, C)
• DPS Driver Service Bureau: Driver service fees
• DPS Driver Service Bureau: Schedule your CDL road test
• Mississippi CDL Driver Manual (PDF)
• DPS Driver Service Bureau: CDL Hazmat Enrollment Program

Official sources

• FMCSA — Commercial Driver’s License Program
• 49 CFR Part 383 — CDL Standards

Frequently asked — Montana

How much does a Montana CDL cost?

Montana law (MCA 61-5-111) sets the base commercial driver’s license fee at $10 a year (interstate) or $8.50 a year (intrastate), billed for the license term — Montana CDLs run 4 years. MVD’s own fee page, which likely shows the computed multi-year total with any REAL ID or administrative surcharge, could not be fetched for this pack; see openQuestions. (mca.legmt.gov)

How long do I have to hold my Montana CLP before the skills test?

At least 14 days, the federal minimum. You must also pass all applicable written tests first — they stay valid for a year, and you can retest as soon as the next day if you fail one. (mdt.mt.gov)

Do I need Entry-Level Driver Training before Montana’s CDL tests?

Yes, if you are a first-time applicant for a CLP, a CDL, or an endorsement on or after February 7, 2022 — training must come from a provider on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry before you can take the skills test. (mdt.mt.gov)

Can a 16-year-old get a Montana CDL?

Only Montana’s operationally-restricted, seasonal Type 2 CDL for farm-industry work is open at 16. The standard intrastate-only Type 2 CDL requires 18; interstate driving requires the federal minimum of 21. (mca.legmt.gov)

What happens if I fail a Montana CDL knowledge or skills test?

You can retest as soon as the next day. Your application fee stays valid unless you fail the overall process 3 times, after which you must pay it again; written test results themselves stay valid for a year from the date passed. (mdt.mt.gov)

Do I need an appointment to test for a Montana CDL?

Yes — every driver exam station requires an appointment for CDL written and skills testing, and skills-test slots commonly run 6 or more weeks out, so MDT’s own applicant guide recommends booking early. (mdt.mt.gov)

Official sources

• MVD: Commercial Driver License
• MVD: Getting a New CDL in Montana
• MVD: Licensing Fees
• MCA 61-5-111: driver’s-license fee schedule
• MVD: Driver License Exam Stations
• MDT: Ten Easy Steps to a C.D.L. (self-study applicant guide, PDF)

Frequently asked — Nebraska

How much does a Nebraska CDL cost?

DMV’s fee table runs by term length: a full 5-year CDL is $60 ($55 plus a $5 security surcharge), down to $16 for a term of 1 year or less. The CLP itself is a flat $15 ($10 permit fee plus $5 security fee), and changing a class, endorsement or restriction is $15. (dmv.nebraska.gov)

How long is a Nebraska CLP valid, and when can I take the skills test?

The CLP is valid for 1 year. You must hold it at least 14 days and complete Entry-Level Driver Training before you can book the skills test, which is by appointment only. (dmv.nebraska.gov)

What happens if I fail a Nebraska CDL knowledge or skills test?

You must wait at least one day before retesting, whether it was a written or a skills test. (dmv.nebraska.gov)

Do I need Entry-Level Driver Training before Nebraska’s CDL tests?

Yes, since February 7, 2022, for any new CDL, a class upgrade, or adding the P, S or H endorsement for the first time — and you cannot even book the skills test appointment until ELDT is complete. (dmv.nebraska.gov)

When does a Nebraska CDL expire?

On your birthday in the fifth year after issuance — unless you were under 21 when it was issued (then it expires on your 21st birthday) or you hold the hazmat endorsement (then it expires when your TSA security threat assessment does, whichever comes first). (dmv.nebraska.gov)

What does the hazmat endorsement process involve in Nebraska?

Federal law (the USA PATRIOT Act) requires a TSA security threat assessment before DMV issues the H endorsement — pre-enroll with TSA, get fingerprinted, then wait for clearance. If you are renewing and your new assessment is not done in time, DMV grants a one-time 90-day extension per renewal period. (dmv.nebraska.gov)

Official sources

• Nebraska DMV: Commercial Driver’s License
• Nebraska DMV: Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
• Nebraska DMV: Driver’s Manuals
• Nebraska DMV: Driver Licensing Locations
• Nebraska DMV: Schedule a CDL Testing Appointment
• Nebraska DMV: CDL Classes, Endorsements and Restrictions

Frequently asked — Nevada

How much does a Nevada CDL cost?

The DMV fee table lists $57.50 for the commercial learner permit and $141.50 for an original CDL that requires knowledge and skills tests ($111.50 when only knowledge tests are required). The driving skills test is $30 plus a $3.50 photo fee, and each endorsement added is $14 plus the photo fee. (dmv.nv.gov)

How long do I have to hold a Nevada CLP before the skills test?

At least 14 days after receiving your CLP. The DMV suggests practising with a qualified CDL holder during the wait and finishing ELDT with a Training Provider Registry school that also holds a Nevada DMV business license. (dmv.nv.gov)

Does my ELDT school have to be licensed in Nevada?

Check before you enroll: the DMV says that if a Training Provider Registry school is not on its Business License Verification list, your ELDT results may not be accepted because the school lacks a DMV business license. (dmv.nv.gov)

When do I get my Nevada CDL card after passing?

You submit your paperwork at the DMV, pay the licensing fee and leave with a temporary CDL; the hard card arrives in the mail within about 10 business days. (dmv.nv.gov)

What is the order of steps for a Nevada HazMat endorsement?

Hold a CDL or instruction permit, complete the TSA application (online or (855) 347-8371), get fingerprinted at IdentoGO only, wait about 30 days for TSA’s approval letter, finish hazmat ELDT, then visit a DMV CDL office with the letter, proof of citizenship and your CDL to take the hazmat knowledge test. The DMV will not test you before the letter arrives — there is no grace period. (dmv.nv.gov)

What does the Nevada HazMat endorsement cost?

The DMV charges $14 per endorsement plus a $3.50 photo fee. The TSA background check is a separate federal fee paid at IdentoGO by card, check or money order (no cash) — see the facts table for TSA’s current amount. (dmv.nv.gov)

How do I renew a Nevada HazMat endorsement?

The TSA clearance is valid for five years. The DMV mails a notice about 90 days before it expires; start the new TSA background check and fingerprinting as soon as you get it, because if nothing is done before the expiration date your driver license and all driving privileges are suspended. (dmv.nv.gov)

Official sources

• Nevada DMV: Commercial Driver License
• Nevada DMV: Driver license and CDL fees
• Nevada CDL Driver Handbook (PDF)
• Nevada DMV: Hazardous Materials Endorsements

Frequently asked — New Hampshire

How much does a New Hampshire CDL cost?

A Class A, B or C CDL costs $60. Add $20 for the Commercial Driver Learner Permit and $10 for each endorsement (Hazmat, Tank, Passenger, School Bus or Doubles/Triples). If you fail your road test, rescheduling costs another $20. (dmv.nh.gov)

How long is a New Hampshire CDL learner’s permit valid?

A Commercial Driver Learner Permit is valid for 180 days. It can be renewed once, but only if you passed your knowledge exams within the past year — if they’re older than a year, you have to retake them to renew. (dmv.nh.gov)

What score do I need to pass the New Hampshire CDL knowledge test?

An 80% passing grade. Tests are computer-based and multiple choice, available in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, Portuguese, Farsi and American Sign Language, with an optional audio feature by request. (dmv.nh.gov)

How soon can I take the New Hampshire CDL road test?

At least 14 days after your learner’s permit is issued, by appointment (call (603) 227-4000 or visit a DMV office). If you fail, you must wait at least 5 calendar days to retest; missing the appointment or cancelling late means at least 10 calendar days. (dmv.nh.gov)

Do I need a New Hampshire driver’s license before I can get a CDL?

Yes. New Hampshire requires applicants to already hold a current New Hampshire driver license before applying for a Commercial Driver Learner Permit or CDL. (dmv.nh.gov)

How do I get a Hazmat endorsement in New Hampshire?

First-time applicants complete an approved ELDT course, get a TSA Fingerprint Clearance before applying, and pass the 30-question Hazmat Knowledge Test; the endorsement adds $10 to your CDL fee. Transferring a Hazmat endorsement from another state does not skip this — you still need fingerprinting and the knowledge test. (dmv.nh.gov)

Official sources

• NH DMV: Commercial Driver Licenses
• NH DMV: Licensing Fees
• NH DMV: Commercial Driver Learner Permit
• NH DMV: CDL Road Test (testing sites)
• NH DMV: Driver Licensing Testing Requirements
• NH DMV: License Classifications, Restrictions and Endorsements
• NH DMV: CDL Medical Card Update
• NH DMV: Appointments and Services
• New Hampshire Commercial Driver Manual (PDF)
• NH DMV: Hazmat Endorsement

Frequently asked — New Jersey

How much does a New Jersey CDL cost?

You pay a non-refundable $125 commercial examination test receipt fee when you apply for the permit (valid 180 days), then $42 for the four-year CDL plus $2 for each endorsement once you pass the skills test. A duplicate CLP is $11. (nj.gov)

How many times can I take the New Jersey CDL knowledge test?

There is no limit while your 180-day test receipt is valid, but you must wait seven days before retaking a failed test, and the general knowledge test must be passed before any endorsement test. Once the receipt expires, renewing it costs another $125. All CDL test scores are good for 360 days. (nj.gov)

Can I take the New Jersey CDL knowledge test in Spanish?

Yes — every CDL knowledge test is available in English or Spanish, on a computer, except the HazMat endorsement test, which is English only. Interpreters are not allowed and there are no audio tests. (nj.gov)

How soon can I take the New Jersey CDL road test?

At least 14 days after you receive your CLP, by appointment, in a vehicle that represents your license class (an automatic transmission adds restriction E). If you fail, you wait at least 14 days to retest; ELDT must be complete before the test. (nj.gov)

How do I get a HazMat endorsement in New Jersey?

Finish hazmat ELDT, pass the English-only hazmat knowledge test, then complete TSA’s application and submit fingerprints through TSA’s vendor ((855) 347-8371); TSA reports the result to New Jersey. Applicants under 21 cannot get the endorsement, and MVC charges $2 for it on top of the CDL fee. (nj.gov)

How long is a New Jersey HazMat endorsement valid?

Four years in New Jersey. To renew, you must be fingerprinted at least 45 days before your license expires; MVC advises acting early even though you get a 90-day notice. (nj.gov)

Official sources

• NJ MVC: Commercial Driver License (CDL)
• NJ MVC: Getting your CDL
• NJ MVC: License and permit fees
• NJ MVC: Commercial Learner Permits (CLP)
• NJ MVC: CDL frequently asked questions
• NJ MVC: Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) Endorsements

Frequently asked — New Mexico

How much does a New Mexico CDL cost?

MVD’s fee page states $18 for a four-year CDL or $34 for an eight-year CDL (drivers with a Hazmat endorsement cannot choose the eight-year term). No MVD page states a separate charge for the CLP, the knowledge test or an endorsement — the addendum says skills-test fees go to the third-party examiner, not MVD. (mvd.newmexico.gov)

How long is a New Mexico CLP valid, and when can I take the skills test?

The Commercial Learner’s Permit is issued for 1 year. You must hold it at least 14 days before you are eligible for the skills test, and a CLP can only carry a P, S or N endorsement — never Hazmat. (mvd.newmexico.gov)

Do I need Entry-Level Driver Training before New Mexico’s CDL tests?

Yes, if you are applying for a CLP, a first-time CDL, or a school bus, passenger or hazmat endorsement for the first time on or after February 7, 2022 — you must train with a provider on the federal Training Provider Registry before the required tests. (mvd.newmexico.gov)

My New Mexico CDL expired — do I have to retest?

Not if it expired less than a year ago. If it has been expired more than a year, MVD requires you to retest on both the knowledge and skills tests. (mvd.newmexico.gov)

Where do I get fingerprinted for a New Mexico hazmat endorsement?

Complete the TSA application online or via the Universal Enroll Help Desk (855-347-8371) first, then get fingerprinted at any of the 200+ fixed or mobile enrollment sites nationwide. Apply early — TSA’s target turnaround is 30 days, and the hazmat knowledge test cannot be taken until the assessment clears. (mvd.newmexico.gov)

Can I transfer my hazmat background check from another state to New Mexico?

No. MVD says it cannot verify when an out-of-state background check and fingerprinting were performed, so you must complete New Mexico’s TSA enrollment process regardless of an existing endorsement elsewhere. MVD also requires renewal notice compliance within 60 days of your CDL’s expiration. (mvd.newmexico.gov)

Official sources

• MVD: Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL)
• MVD: What is the fee for a commercial driver’s license?
• New Mexico CDL Driver Manual (PDF)
• New Mexico CDL Licensing Information addendum (PDF)
• MVD: CDL Field Offices
• MVD: Online Appointment Scheduler
• MVD: Hazardous Material Endorsement

Official sources

• FMCSA — Commercial Driver’s License Program
• 49 CFR Part 383 — CDL Standards

Frequently asked — North Carolina

How much does a North Carolina CDL cost?

The issue/renewal fee is $25.50 per year of the license period, plus $5.00 per year for each endorsement. The knowledge-test application fee is $51.50 and covers up to three attempts; a duplicate CDL is $16.75, and the CLP itself is $25.50 (the same rate as a regular learner’s permit, by statute). (ncdot.gov)

How long is a North Carolina CLP valid?

180 days, with one 180-day renewal available — so a maximum of 360 days on a single CLP before a new one must be issued. You must hold it at least 14 days before the skills test, and it can only carry a Passenger, School Bus, or Tank Vehicle endorsement. (ncdot.gov)

Do I need Entry-Level Driver Training before North Carolina’s CDL tests?

Yes, since February 7, 2022, for a first Class A or B CDL, a class upgrade, or a first-time P, S, or H endorsement. The hazmat endorsement only needs the theory portion — no behind-the-wheel training is required for it specifically. (ncdot.gov)

What happens if I have a "prohibited" status in the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse?

Since November 18, 2024, a "prohibited" status blocks a new CDL or CLP from being issued at all, and revokes one you already hold for at least 30 days until you complete the return-to-duty process. (ncdot.gov)

Do I still need to bring a paper medical certificate to NCDMV?

No — the manual states that as of mid-2025, examination results transmit electronically from FMCSA’s National Registry directly to NCDMV, so a paper Medical Examiner’s Certificate is no longer required or accepted as proof. (ncdot.gov)

Does the hazmat endorsement require a skills test in North Carolina?

No — NCDMV does not require an added skills test for the H endorsement. You do need a TSA/U.S. DOT background check covering criminal, immigration, and FBI records, plus the special hazmat written exam. (ncdot.gov)

Official sources

• NCDMV: Commercial Driver License
• N.C. Commercial Driver License Manual (PDF)
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-37.16: CDL classifications, endorsements and fees
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-37.13: Commercial learner’s permit fee
• NCDMV: Find a Driver License Office

Official sources

• FMCSA — Commercial Driver’s License Program
• 49 CFR Part 383 — CDL Standards

Frequently asked — Ohio

How much does an Ohio CDL cost?

A first-time CDL is $46.50 for 4 years or $92.00 for 8 years; renewals are $49.25 or $97.40. The CDL temporary permit (CLP) is $31.50, and a duplicate CDL is also $31.50. Skills testing at a state facility adds $10 for the pre-trip inspection, $10 for basic control, and $30 for the road test. (bmv.ohio.gov)

How long is an Ohio CLP valid?

A Commercial Learner Permit is valid for 12 months. (bmv.ohio.gov)

What is the minimum age for an Ohio CDL?

18, but drivers under 21 are restricted to intrastate commercial driving within Ohio only — interstate driving requires 21. (bmv.ohio.gov)

Do I still need to submit a paper medical certificate to Ohio BMV?

No, since June 23, 2025 — FMCSA electronically transmits examination results and variance information straight to Ohio BMV, so a paper Medical Examiner’s Certificate is no longer required. (bmv.ohio.gov)

What are Ohio’s CDL self-certification categories?

Four: Non-Excepted Interstate (must submit a medical card to Ohio BMV), Excepted Interstate (no federal medical requirement), Non-Excepted Intrastate (must meet state medical requirements), and Excepted Intrastate (no state medical requirement). (bmv.ohio.gov)

What does the Ohio hazmat endorsement process involve?

You must pass the hazardous-materials knowledge test and a U.S. TSA Security Threat Assessment. That TSA assessment is required for every Hazmat endorsement, not just a first one, and at renewal your knowledge-test score must be from within the last 60 days. (bmv.ohio.gov)

Official sources

• Ohio BMV: CDL Classes
• Ohio BMV: Fees
• Ohio Commercial Driver License Manual (PDF)
• Ohio BMV: Local Office / DX Locations
• Ohio BMV: CDL Self-Certification Form (BMV 2159, PDF)

Official sources

• FMCSA — Commercial Driver’s License Program
• 49 CFR Part 383 — CDL Standards

Frequently asked — Oregon

How much does an Oregon CDL cost?

An original CDL is $160 (up from $75 before 2024-01-01), the original CLP is $40, and renewal is $104 ($132 with a motorcycle endorsement). The knowledge test is $10 and the skills test is $145, plus a $40 DMV issuance fee if you tested with a Third-Party Examiner. (oregon.gov)

Can I take the Oregon CDL knowledge test in a language other than English?

No — Oregon offers the CDL knowledge tests in English only, and translators are not permitted. (oregon.gov)

How long are Oregon CDL knowledge-test results valid?

Six months from the date you pass — you need to get your CLP and complete the rest of the process within that window. (oregon.gov)

Can I get a non-domiciled Oregon CDL or CLP?

No — as of March 16, 2026, Oregon DMV no longer issues or reinstates limited-term (non-domiciled) CDLs or CLPs. (oregon.gov)

Do I have to retake the hazmat knowledge test every time I renew my Oregon CDL?

Yes — Oregon requires the HAZMAT Knowledge Test at every CDL renewal, and the TSA security check separately needs to be redone every 5 years to keep the endorsement. (oregon.gov)

How long does the Oregon hazmat TSA security check take?

60 days or more, so start it early — online at the TSA website or by calling Universal Enrollment Services at 855-347-8371. (oregon.gov)

Official sources

• Oregon DMV: Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL) & Permits (CLP)
• Oregon DMV: Getting a CDL or CLP
• ODOT: HB 2100 Commercial Licensing Fee Changes (PDF)
• Oregon DMV: Manuals
• Oregon DMV: CDL Endorsements & Restrictions

Frequently asked — Pennsylvania

How much does a Pennsylvania CDL cost?

PennDOT prices the CDL as an upgrade of your non-commercial license: the permit fee runs $43.50–$109.50 depending on how many months remain before your current license expires, and the four-year CDL itself is $127.50 ($149.50 with Hazmat). Adding a single endorsement later costs $21.50 ($43.50 for Hazmat). (pa.gov)

How long is a Pennsylvania CDL learner’s permit valid?

Your Knowledge Test Authorization and the learner’s permit it produces are valid for one year from issuance, with three tries to pass each knowledge test and three tries on the permit to pass the skills test. You must wait at least 15 days after the permit is issued before your skills test date. (pa.gov)

Do I need Entry-Level Driver Training before the Pennsylvania CDL tests?

Yes, if you are getting a Class A or B CDL for the first time, upgrading to Class A or B for the first time, or adding a Passenger, School Bus or Hazmat endorsement for the first time — effective February 7, 2022. It is not retroactive for anyone who already held a CDL or that endorsement before that date. (pa.gov)

How old do you have to be to get a CDL in Pennsylvania?

You can hold an intrastate-only Class A, B or C CDL at 18. Operating interstate, or holding a Hazmat (H or X) endorsement, requires you to be 21. (pa.gov)

Can I get a Pennsylvania CDL if I’ve never had a driver’s license?

No. Federal rules require CLP applicants to already hold an underlying (non-commercial) driver’s license; PennDOT will not issue a CLP to a first-time applicant. (pa.gov)

How long does a Pennsylvania Hazmat endorsement take to get?

PennDOT says to allow up to 90 days for a first-time application — the knowledge test, the TSA Security Threat Assessment (fingerprinting and a background check), and PennDOT’s receipt of federal clearance. A renewal’s TSA background check can take up to 120 days after fingerprinting per PennDOT’s renewal page. (pa.gov)

Official sources

• PennDOT: Commercial Drivers
• PennDOT: Payments and Fees
• Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s Manual (PUB 223, PDF)
• PennDOT: Find a Driver License Center
• PennDOT: CDL Skills Test
• PennDOT: Apply for a HAZMAT Endorsement
• HAZMAT Endorsement Manual (PUB 288, PDF)

Frequently asked — Rhode Island

How much does a Rhode Island CDL cost?

A new CLP is $73.50; the knowledge test is $23.50 (plus $10 for each additional test the same visit). Renewing the license itself is $103.50 for 5 years ($49.50 for the 2-year term at 70+), and a duplicate CDL is $23.50. (dmv.ri.gov)

How long is a Rhode Island CLP valid?

1 year maximum, and it cannot be renewed. If it expires before you finish your CDL, you have to retake every knowledge exam and repay the fees. (dmv.ri.gov)

Where do I take my Rhode Island CDL tests?

Every commercial knowledge exam and every CDL/endorsement issuance happens at the Cranston DMV only, by appointment (knowledge testing runs 8:30am–1:30pm). (dmv.ri.gov)

What happens if I fail a Rhode Island CDL knowledge exam?

You must wait 7 days before retaking it. (dmv.ri.gov)

What is the minimum age for a Rhode Island CDL?

18 for intrastate-only driving; 21 to drive interstate, and 21 is also the statutory minimum to add the Hazmat endorsement. (dmv.ri.gov)

What does the Rhode Island hazmat endorsement process involve?

Pre-enroll with TSA online, then complete fingerprinting and a background check in person — start at least 60 days ahead. Your TSA Threat Assessment must be under 1 year old and your Hazmat Knowledge Test score under 60 days old when you add or renew the endorsement, and you must be at least 21 by state statute. (dmv.ri.gov)

Official sources

• RI DMV: Commercial Driving License (CDL)
• RI DMV: Commercial Learner’s Permit and Exams
• RI DMV: Commercial License Fees
• RI Commercial Driver License Manual — Modernized Version (PDF)
• RI DMV: Hazardous Materials endorsement

Official sources

• FMCSA — Commercial Driver’s License Program
• 49 CFR Part 383 — CDL Standards

Frequently asked — South Dakota

How much does a South Dakota CDL cost?

By South Dakota’s 2025 fee update, the CDL application fee is $43, and each endorsement knowledge test is $20 — the same $20 also covers a duplicate license, a name change, or an address change. (mylrc.sdlegislature.gov)

How long is a South Dakota CLP valid, and when can I take the skills test?

The CLP is valid for a one-year behind-the-wheel training period. You must hold it at least 14 days before the skills test, and then wait 2 more days after scheduling before you can actually take it. (sdtruckinfo.sd.gov)

Do South Dakota intrastate CDL holders need a medical certificate?

As of July 1, 2026, yes — intrastate CDL holders must comply with 49 CFR 391.11(b)(4)’s physical-qualification standard, with certificates from a National Registry examiner reaching Driver Licensing within 2 business days. (sdtruckinfo.sd.gov)

Who can supervise me while I drive on a South Dakota CLP?

Another driver who is at least 21, licensed for the same commercial classification, and seated next to you. (sdtruckinfo.sd.gov)

What does South Dakota’s hazmat endorsement process involve?

You must be 21 and provide proof of citizenship or immigration status under the USA Patriot Act, then submit fingerprints and clear a TSA security check before the state will issue the endorsement — and you have to show citizenship proof again every time you transfer or renew it. (sdtruckinfo.sd.gov)

Official sources

• South Dakota Truck Information: Commercial Drivers License (CDL)
• Motor Carrier Handbook, Chapter 8: Commercial Driver License
• 2025 Senate Bill 3 (SDCL 32-12A-15 fee amendment)
• Motor Carrier Handbook: Hazardous Materials Endorsement

Frequently asked — Tennessee

How much does a Tennessee CDL cost?

A Class A CDL is $70 total over its 8-year term ($64 license fee plus a $6 application fee); Class B or C is $62. The learner’s permit (CLP) is $14 for Class A or $13 for Class B/C. Endorsements are $2.50 each, except School Bus at $20. (tn.gov)

What is the minimum age for a Tennessee CDL?

18 — but if you’re under 21, your CDL is restricted to operating within Tennessee only. (tn.gov)

Do I need Entry-Level Driver Training before Tennessee’s CDL tests?

Yes — every new applicant must complete ELDT with a registered Training Provider. (tn.gov)

Do I still need to submit a paper medical certificate in Tennessee?

No — Tennessee implemented the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiner Information (NRII) on June 15, 2025, after which the paper Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876) is no longer accepted as proof of medical certification. (tn.gov)

When do I need to submit a Self-Certification Affidavit in Tennessee?

Every time you apply for a CDL, apply for a higher class, add a new endorsement, transfer a CDL from another state, or renew. (tn.gov)

What does the Tennessee hazmat endorsement process involve?

A four-step TSA HAZPRINT process: apply online or by phone, get fingerprinted at a TSA site, wait roughly six weeks for the threat assessment, then pass vision and knowledge tests at a Driver Services Center. The endorsement is then valid for 5 years from TSA approval. (tn.gov)

Official sources

• TN Dept. of Safety: Commercial Driver License
• TN Dept. of Safety: Driver License Fees
• Tennessee Commercial Driver License Manual (PDF)
• TN Dept. of Safety: Driver Service Locations and Appointments
• TN Dept. of Safety: Hazardous Materials Endorsement

Official sources

• FMCSA — Commercial Driver’s License Program
• 49 CFR Part 383 — CDL Standards

Frequently asked — Utah

How much does a Utah CDL cost?

A 5-year CDL is $52 for the written-knowledge-test route or $78 including the driving skills test. Endorsements are $9 each, except X (Tanker + Hazmat) and S (School Bus) at $18. Retesting is $26 for the written test or $52 for the skills test. (dld.utah.gov)

What do I need before I can apply for a Utah CDL?

You must be at least 18 and have held a Utah Class D (regular) driver license for a full year first. If you’re under 21, you’re restricted to intrastate driving and cannot get the Hazmat, Passenger, or School Bus endorsements yet. (dld.utah.gov)

How many questions are on Utah’s CDL knowledge test, and what’s the passing score?

50 questions, and you need 80% to pass. Two attempts are included in the fee; a third attempt costs $26. Results become a Commercial Learner Permit valid for 180 days. (dld.utah.gov)

Who needs a medical certificate for a Utah CDL?

Anyone driving commerce in a vehicle with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more. It can come from an MD, DO, physician assistant, advanced practice nurse, or chiropractor, and is valid up to 24 months. (dld.utah.gov)

Can I take the Utah CDL test in a language other than English?

No — all CDL tests are administered in English only, and translation materials are strictly prohibited. (dld.utah.gov)

What does Utah’s hazmat endorsement process involve?

A 30-question hazmat knowledge test plus a federal TSA/DOT background check ($80–$110, 30–90 days), both required every 5 years — unless you already hold a valid TWIC card, which exempts you from a new security threat assessment (a Utah-applied exemption effective March 1, 2020). (dld.utah.gov)

Official sources

• Utah DLD: CDL Information
• Utah DLD: Original CDL
• Utah DLD: Fees
• Utah CDL Handbook (PDF)
• Utah DLD: Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME)

Frequently asked — Vermont

How much does a Vermont CDL cost?

A standard CDL is $72 for 2 years or $108 for 4; the knowledge test is $39, the road test is $39 (plus a $29 scheduling deposit applied toward your fees), and each endorsement test is $17. Vermont’s Enhanced CDL — a REAL ID-style credential for border crossing — costs more: $108 for 2 years or $144 for 4. (dmv.vermont.gov)

How long is a Vermont CLP valid?

The dedicated CLP page states one year from the date of issue; the general CDL overview page separately states 180 days. Vermont’s own pages disagree, so confirm directly with DMV if the exact expiration date matters for your plans. Either way, you must hold the CLP at least 14 days before the road test. (dmv.vermont.gov)

What is the minimum age for a Vermont CDL?

18 for intrastate driving and a CLP; 21 to drive interstate. (dmv.vermont.gov)

What is Vermont’s Enhanced CDL?

A REAL ID-style commercial credential, priced higher than a standard CDL ($108 vs $72 for 2 years, $144 vs $108 for 4) and used for border crossing. (dmv.vermont.gov)

What can’t I do on a Vermont CLP?

You cannot transport hazardous materials, carry passengers (with limited exceptions), or operate a tank vehicle that isn’t empty — every other federal endorsement is off-limits on a CLP, and you must carry your Class D Operator’s License along with it. (dmv.vermont.gov)

What does Vermont’s hazmat endorsement process involve?

A federal Security Threat Assessment with FBI fingerprinting and a criminal-history check through TSA (apply at universalenroll.dhs.gov or by phone). Results typically arrive within about four weeks of fingerprinting. You must retake the hazmat knowledge test at every renewal, and report any change affecting your eligibility to DMV within 24 hours, surrendering the endorsement if you become ineligible. (dmv.vermont.gov)

Official sources

• Vermont DMV: Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Vermont DMV: Commercial Learner’s Permit
• Vermont DMV: CDL Fees
• Vermont CDL Manual (PDF)
• Vermont DMV: HazMat Endorsement

Official sources

• FMCSA — Commercial Driver’s License Program
• 49 CFR Part 383 — CDL Standards

Frequently asked — Washington

How much does it cost to get a CDL in Washington?

Per DOL’s fee list: $35 for the CDL knowledge test, $40 for the commercial learner’s permit, $175 for the skills test (two attempts), and $20 plus $17 per year remaining on your license to add the CDL ($37–$156). Training-school fees are separate. (dol.wa.gov)

How many questions are on the Washington CDL knowledge test?

50 questions on the general knowledge test (40 correct to pass), 20 on combination vehicles (16), 25 on air brakes (20), 20 on each of passenger, school bus, double/triple and tank (16), and 30 on hazardous materials (24). The fee covers one attempt at each test within 90 days, and a passing score stays valid for 180 days. (dol.wa.gov)

Can I take the Washington CDL knowledge test in Russian?

Yes. DOL offers the CDL knowledge test in English, Spanish, Russian and Serbian–Croatian, but language interpreters are not allowed, and the Commercial Driver Guide you study from is available only in English. (dol.wa.gov)

How long is a Washington CLP valid, and how soon can I take the skills test?

180 days. Renew within 30 days of the expiration date and you get another 180 days — but only once; expired more than 30 days means retaking the knowledge tests. You must wait 14 days after the CLP is issued before a skills test, and pass all three parts before the CLP expires or start over. (dol.wa.gov)

Does Washington require CDL training before the skills test?

Yes. Washington sets minimum training hours: 160 total for Class A (at least 40 classroom, 18 street driving, 16 backing) and 80 for Class B (40 classroom, 14 street driving, 8 backing). Only a registered Washington training provider — a school or your employer — can certify that you met them. (dol.wa.gov)

What happens if I fail the Washington CDL skills test?

You wait 3 days before retesting. The $175 fee covers two attempts with the same examiner; switch examiners and a new fee applies, none of your scores transfer and you retake all three parts (unless you move from a DOL examiner to a third-party examiner). An equipment failure on the vehicle means no wait and no extra fee for the next attempt. (dol.wa.gov)

In what order do I get a Washington hazmat endorsement?

TSA first: apply online, get fingerprinted at a TSA enrollment center and make sure the clearance shows on your Washington record — DOL cannot issue the HME without it. Then complete hazmat training with a Washington-approved provider (for a first HME), and finally visit a licensing office to pass the hazmat knowledge test and pay the fees. Your license will be set to expire when the HME clearance does. (dol.wa.gov)

What does the Washington hazmat endorsement cost at DOL?

$35 for the hazmat knowledge test and $20 to add a special endorsement to your license, per DOL’s fee list. TSA’s threat assessment is a separate federal fee paid to TSA, and hazmat training is paid to the training provider. (dol.wa.gov)

Official sources

• DOL: Commercial driver licenses (CDL)
• DOL: Driver licensing fees
• DOL: CDL knowledge test
• DOL: CDL skills test
• DOL: Commercial learner’s permit
• DOL: Registered CDL training schools
• Washington Commercial Driver Guide (PDF)
• DOL: Training schools and testing locations
• DOL: Schedule a knowledge or drive test
• DOL: Hazardous materials endorsement

Frequently asked — Washington D.C.

How much does a CDL cost in Washington, DC?

Per DC DMV’s driver license fee schedule: $78 for the commercial driver learner permit, $10 per knowledge test, $10 for the road skills test, and $117 for the commercial driver license itself (first-time or renewal, all classes). Adding an endorsement is $20. Test fees are charged whether you pass or fail, and since December 15, 2025 a 2.5% service fee applies to card payments. Training and medical-exam costs are separate. (dmv.dc.gov)

How long is a DC commercial learner permit valid, and how long must I hold it?

One year, and it cannot be renewed — once it expires you must retest. You must hold it at least 30 calendar days before you can even schedule the CDL road skills test, which is more than the 14-day federal minimum. The permit only lets you drive the designated class when a driver licensed for that class is with you, and it can carry only the S and P endorsements. (dmv.dc.gov)

What happens if I fail the DC CDL knowledge test?

You wait three calendar days and are eligible again on the fourth day — fail on a Tuesday and the earliest retake is Saturday. Fail six times in a 12-month period and you cannot take a seventh test until 12 months after the first failure. You pay the $10 test fee each time. Tests are in English only, the general knowledge test has a 90-minute limit and endorsement tests 60 minutes, and running out of time is an automatic fail. (dmv.dc.gov)

Where do I take the DC CDL tests?

Knowledge tests are given only at the Deanwood Road Test/CDL Services Office, 1421 Kenilworth Avenue NE — knowledge exams run Tuesday to Saturday and close at 2 pm. The road skills test is held at the Commercial Driver License Road Test Lot at 3000 Pennsy Drive, Landover, MD (the Landover Metro overflow lot), by appointment only, and money order is the only payment accepted there. (dmv.dc.gov)

How old do you have to be to get a CDL in the District of Columbia?

21, with a valid DC non-commercial driver license. The District also issues an intrastate-only CDL from age 18, but it needs two years of driving experience, covers Class C vehicles only, and cannot carry the H, N, P, S or T endorsements. (dmv.dc.gov)

How do I get a hazmat (H) endorsement in the District of Columbia?

You need the CDL first — DC DMV cannot add H or N before the Class A, B or C REAL ID CDL is issued, and a learner permit can never carry them. Complete Entry-Level Driver Training for H (required before the knowledge test, not the skills test), submit fingerprints for the TSA security threat assessment, pass the hazardous materials knowledge test at Deanwood ($10, 60-minute limit) and pay the $20 endorsement fee. There is no road skills test for H, N or T. (dmv.dc.gov)

Official sources

• DC DMV: Commercial Driver License
• DC DMV: Driver License Fees
• DC DMV: CDL Eligibility and Documentation
• DC DMV: CDL Knowledge Tests
• DC DMV: CDL Learner Permits
• DC DMV: CDL Road Skills Tests
• DC DMV: CMV Group and CDL Class and Endorsements
• DC DMV Commercial Driver License Manual (PDF)
• DC DMV: Deanwood Road Test/CDL Services Office
• DC DMV: Commercial Driver License Road Test Lot (Landover, MD)
• DC DMV: Online Road Test Appointment Scheduler

Official sources

• FMCSA — Commercial Driver’s License Program
• 49 CFR Part 383 — CDL Standards

Frequently asked — Wisconsin

How much does a Wisconsin CDL cost?

Knowledge tests are free. The CLP is $30. An original CDL is $74, and renewal (every 8 years, bundled with your Class D license) is also $74. The Hazmat endorsement is $67.25 plus $23.75 for fingerprinting standalone, or $57.25 total if added at CDL renewal. (wisconsindot.gov)

How long is a Wisconsin CLP valid?

180 days, and you can renew it. You must hold it at least 14 days before the road test. (wisconsindot.gov)

How many questions are on Wisconsin’s CDL knowledge tests?

It depends on the test: General Knowledge (Class B/C) is 50 questions, Combined Vehicles (Class A) is 20, Air Brakes is 25, and each endorsement test (Passenger, Doubles/Triples, Tank) is 20 except Hazmat (30) and School Bus (25) — all pass at 80%, and all are free with no appointment needed. (wisconsindot.gov)

Do I need to submit my medical card to Wisconsin DMV myself?

Not since April 13, 2025 — FMCSA now sends your Federal Medical Card information to WI DMV electronically within 48 hours of your DOT physical. Exams from before that date still need to be faxed, emailed, or mailed in. (wisconsindot.gov)

How much does the Wisconsin school bus endorsement cost?

$10 the first time you add it. If you already hold an S endorsement and are renewing your CDL or transferring one from another state, it’s just $5 plus the regular CDL fee. (wisconsindot.gov)

What does the Wisconsin hazmat endorsement process involve?

Complete ELDT first, then pass the 30-question hazmat knowledge test (English only) and a background check with fingerprinting through Fieldprint — required for every driver renewing or transferring the H endorsement for the first time. (wisconsindot.gov)

Official sources

• WisDOT DMV: Commercial Driver License (CDL) information
• WisDOT DMV: Driver Licensing Fees
• Wisconsin Commercial Driver’s Manual (PDF)
• WisDOT DMV: CDL Third Party Testers
• WisDOT DMV: Hazardous Materials Endorsement

Frequently asked — Wyoming

How much does a Wyoming CDL cost?

A new CDL is $55; renewal is $45. The CLP is $45, and the skills test is $85. Written knowledge tests are free of charge. (dot.state.wy.us)

How long is a Wyoming CLP valid, and what do I need to get one?

The CLP is valid for 365 days. You must already hold a valid Wyoming classified driver’s license and be at least 18, then apply in person with your documents. Your CDL must be issued before the CLP expires. (dot.state.wy.us)

How much does the Wyoming CDL knowledge test cost, and what’s the passing score?

Written knowledge tests are free of charge, and you need 80% to pass. (dot.state.wy.us)

Do I need a medical exam for a Wyoming CDL?

Yes, unless exempted — a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration physical is required, with special programs available for vision, diabetes, and limb-impairment cases. (dot.state.wy.us)

What does Wyoming’s hazmat endorsement process involve?

First-time applicants complete ELDT theory training before the knowledge test, then a TSA security threat assessment and fingerprinting (allow 30-60 days). At every renewal you must complete the assessment again and pass the knowledge test in person — Wyoming does not let you renew by mail and keep the Hazardous Materials endorsement. (dot.state.wy.us)

Can I transfer my hazmat endorsement to Wyoming from another state?

Yes — if your TSA assessment was completed elsewhere within the last five years, the Wyoming examiner verifies your approval date directly with TSA, and your Wyoming endorsement is issued only for the time remaining on that five-year assessment. (dot.state.wy.us)

Official sources

• WYDOT: Commercial License
• WYDOT: Commercial Learner’s Permit
• WYDOT: Driver License Fee Updates (PDF)
• Wyoming Commercial Driver License Manual, Oct 2024 (PDF)
• WYDOT: Hazardous Materials Assessment