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Commercial Driver's License
Government CDL fees range from as low as $25 (knowledge test) + $36.25 (CLP) + $20 (skills test) + $66.25 (Class A CDL) = $147.50 in Alabama to as high as $345 in Oregon. The national average is approximately $128 in government fees, plus $3,000–$7,000 for CDL training.
51
Jurisdictions
$128
Avg Gov't Fees
$25 (knowledge test) + $36.25 (CLP) + $20 (skills test) + $66.25 (Class A CDL) = $147.50
Lowest Fees
$345
Highest Fees
The cost of getting a CDL includes two main categories: government fees (permit, testing, and license issuance) and training costs (CDL school tuition). Government fees are typically modest, while training represents the largest investment.
All CDL training programs must be ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) compliant as of February 2022. Many trucking companies offer company-sponsored CDL training programs where they cover tuition in exchange for a driving commitment of 1–2 years.
Use the sortable table below to compare CDL costs across all jurisdictions. Click any column header to sort, or click a state to view full CDL requirements.
Click any state to see full requirements, costs, and step-by-step instructions →
| State ▲ | Permit Fee | Training Cost | Test Fee | License Fee | Total Gov't Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $36.25 (commercial learner license purchase fee) + $25 testing fee = $61.25 total | $2,500–$5,500 | $20 | $66.25 | $25 (knowledge test) + $36.25 (CLP) + $20 (skills test) + $66.25 (Class A CDL) = $147.50 |
| Alaska | $15 | $3,000–$7,000 | $25 | $100 (Standard) / $120 (REAL ID) | $140 (CLP $15 + CDL $100 + Skills Test $25) |
| Arizona | $25 | $3,500–$7,000 | $25 | $25 | $75 |
| Arkansas | $50 | $3,000–$7,000 | $50 | $42 | $142 |
| California | $100 | $3,000–$7,000 | $0 | $0 (no separate CDL issuance fee beyond CLP application) | $100 |
| Colorado | $19 | $3,700–$8,000 | N/A | $17.50 | $36.50 |
| Connecticut | $20 | $3,800–$9,000 | $30 | $70 | $120 |
| Delaware | $10 | $3,000–$7,000 | N/A | $55 | $65 |
| District of Columbia | $78 | $4,000–$8,000 | $10 | $117 | $215 |
| Florida | $75 | $3,500–$7,000 | $0 | $75 | $150 |
| Georgia | $10 | $3,000–$7,000 | $50 | $32 | $127 |
| Hawaii | $30 | $4,000–$8,000 | $50 | $40 | $120 |
| Idaho | $29.00 | $3,000–$7,000 | $200.00 ($10 to DL office and up to $190 to Skills Test Examiner) | $40 | $269 |
| Illinois | $50 | $3,000–$7,000 | $60 | $60 | $170 |
| Indiana | $17 | $3,000–$7,000 | N/A | $35 | $52 (CLP $17 + CDL $35) |
| Iowa | $12 | $3,000–$7,000 | N/A | $40 | $52 |
| Kansas | $13 ($5 issuance + $8 photo fee) | $3,000–$7,000 | $15 | $20 | $48 |
| Kentucky | $35 | $3,000–$7,000 | $50 | $40 | $125 |
| Louisiana | $15 | $3,000–$7,000 | N/A | $61.50 (standard); $76.50 for Orleans Parish residents | $76.50 |
| Maine | $35 | $3,000–$7,000 | $35 | $34 | $104 |
| Maryland | $90 | $3,000–$7,000 | $0 | $65 | $155 |
| Massachusetts | $30 | $3,000–$7,000 | $35 | $75 | $140 (CLP $30 + Road Test $35 + CDL $75) |
| Michigan | $25 | $3,000–$7,000 | N/A | $25 | $50 |
| Minnesota | $26.75 | $3,000–$7,000 | $0 | $45.25 | $72 |
| Mississippi | $16 | $3,000–$7,000 | $55 | $55 | $126 |
| Missouri | $44 | $3,000–$7,000 | $25 | $40 | $109 |
| Montana | $41.72 | $3,000–$7,000 | N/A | $41.72 | $83.44 |
| Nebraska | $15.00 ($10.00 base + $5.00 security fee) | $3,000–$7,000 | $0 | $60.00 (5-year license: $55.00 base + $5.00 security surcharge) | $75.00 (CLP $15.00 + CDL $60.00) |
| Nevada | $57.25 | $3,000–$7,000 | $25 | $57.25 | $139.50 |
| New Hampshire | $20 | $3,000–$7,000 | $20 | $60 | $100 |
| New Jersey | $125 | $3,000–$7,000 | $0 | $42 | $167 (= $125 CLP + $42 CDL, no endorsements) |
| New Mexico | $10 | $3,000–$7,000 | N/A | $18 | $28 |
| New York | $10.00 | $3,000–$7,500 | $40.00 | $164.50 | $214.50 |
| North Carolina | $43.25 | $3,000–$7,000 | $0 | $107.50 | $150.75 |
| North Dakota | $15 | $3,000–$7,000 | $5 | $50 | $75 |
| Ohio | $28.50 | $3,000–$7,000 | $50 | $46.50 | $125 |
| Oklahoma | $71.50 | $3,000–$7,000 | $0 (no separate skills test fee listed) | $81.50 | $153 |
| Oregon | $40 | $3,000–$7,000 | $145 | $160 | $345 |
| Pennsylvania | $30 | $3,800–$9,500 | $91.50 | $151.50 | $273 |
| Rhode Island | $41.50 | $3,000–$7,000 | $100 | $81.50 | $223 |
| South Carolina | $19.50 | $3,000–$7,000 | $25 | $25 | $69.50 |
| South Dakota | $43 | $3,000–$7,000 | N/A | $43 | $86 |
| Tennessee | $14 | $1,300–$7,000 | $0 | $46 | $60 |
| Texas | $25 | $3,000–$7,000 | Not listed as a separate fee on the DPS fees page | $97 | $122 ($25 CLP + $97 CDL) |
| Utah | $52 | $3,000–$7,000 | $78 | $78 | $130 ($52 CLP/knowledge test + $78 skills test) |
| Vermont | $18.00 | $3,900–$9,000 | $68.00 ($29.00 scheduling deposit + $39.00 road test) | $72.00 (2 Years) / $108.00 (4 Years) | $197–$233 |
| Virginia | $3 | $3,000–$7,000 | $0 | $64 | $67 |
| Washington | $40 | $3,500–$9,000 | $175 | $102 | $317 (CLP $40 + Skills Test $175 + CDL $102) |
| West Virginia | $25 | $3,000–$7,000 | $100 | $61.25 | $186.25 |
| Wisconsin | $30 | $3,000–$7,000 | N/A | $74 | $104 |
| Wyoming | $45 | $3,000–$7,000 | $85 | $45 | $175 |
The total cost of getting a CDL ranges from $100 to $300 in government fees alone, depending on the state. However, CDL training programs (ELDT-compliant truck driving schools) typically cost $3,000–$7,000 out of pocket, making training the largest expense. Some employers offer sponsored training programs at no cost.
Government CDL fees include the Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) fee ($10–$100+), the skills test fee (often free at state DMV, $150–$400 at third-party sites), and the CDL issuance fee ($0–$100). Most states bundle these differently, so check your state's specific breakdown.
CDL training at a private truck driving school typically costs $3,000–$7,000 for self-pay students. Company-sponsored programs may cover training costs in exchange for a work commitment. Community colleges sometimes offer lower-cost CDL programs at $1,500–$4,000. WIOA grants and VA benefits can also offset training costs.
Several states keep total government CDL fees under $100, with some offering the skills test at no additional cost through state DMV offices. Training costs are similar nationwide due to federal ELDT requirements, so the biggest savings come from employer-sponsored programs or financial assistance.