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Get your Connecticut CDL — government fees ($120), ELDT training, skills test, and step-by-step guide. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Commercial Driver's License
$120
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,800-$9,000
TRAINING COST
4 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Gather Required Documents
Obtain a valid Connecticut driver's license, proof of SSN, Medical Examiner's Certificate, and complete Form R-229a.
DOT physical exam typically costs $75–$150
Schedule DMV Appointment and Pass Knowledge Test
Schedule an appointment at a CT DMV office, pass the CDL knowledge test(s), pay the knowledge test fee, skills test fee, and CLP fee to obtain your Commercial Learner's Permit.
$16 knowledge test + $30 skills test (prepaid) + $20 CLP
Fee: $66Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete ELDT through an FMCSA-approved training provider. Theory training requires 80% or higher on written test.
Community colleges $3,800–$5,500; private schools $6,000–$9,000
Fee: $3,800–$9,000Hold CLP for 14 Days
You must hold your CLP for a minimum of 14 days before taking the skills test.
CLP valid for 1 year, cannot be renewed
Pass CDL Skills Test
Take and pass the CDL skills test: vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving test.
Skills test fee was prepaid at CLP issuance ($30)
Fee: $0Obtain CDL
Pay the CDL license fee to receive your full commercial driver's license, valid for approximately 4 years.
New issue CDL
Fee: $70Commercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Endorsement Fees
Training Cost
CLP ($20) + CDL ($70) + skills test ($30)
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Community colleges (Gateway, Middlesex) $3,800–$5,500; private schools (NETTTS, Allstate) $6,000–$9,000
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
State Fee: $30
Paid at time of knowledge test; waived for school bus drivers with employment letter
Three-Part Exam
Both state-administered and third-party CDL skills testing are available in Connecticut.
Third-party fee: $100–$200 (Third-party tester fee; varies by provider)
Scheduling Note
Schedule through CT DMV appointment system or through an approved third-party tester
Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51
Residency Requirement
Must possess a valid, non-CDL Connecticut driver's license
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $5 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $5 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $5 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $5 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $10 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $5 |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$20
CLP fee; waived for school bus drivers with employment letter
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
12 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
4 years
Renewal Fee
$70
4-year renewal; $25 late renewal fee. Expires on birthday.
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
CDL valid for approximately 4 years, expiring on birthday. Effective June 16, 2025, paper medical examiner certificates are no longer accepted — electronic submission through National Registry only.
Regulatory Board
Schedule an appointment at a Connecticut DMV office. Provide required documents including out-of-state CDL, proof of SSN, medical forms, and completed Form R-229a. Surrender your out-of-state license.
Transfer Fee
$70
CDL change of state of record; may be $70 or $87.50 depending on issuance period (3.5 to 5 years)
Timeline
Within 30 days of establishing Connecticut residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening; HAZMAT knowledge test required to retain HAZMAT endorsement
One-time fee waiver available for honorably separated veterans who apply within two years of separation and were CT residents at time of induction. Requires Form B-88 and original DD-214.
Eligibility
Honorably separated military within 2 years of discharge who were Connecticut residents at time of induction; or active duty with equivalent vehicle operation experience
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in Connecticut.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Connecticut range from $3,800 to $9,000. Community colleges (Gateway, Middlesex) $3,800–$5,500; private schools (NETTTS, Allstate) $6,000–$9,000
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Unique to Connecticut
Skills test fee ($30) is prepaid at the time of the knowledge test, not at the time of the skills test. School bus drivers get fee waivers with employment letters. Connecticut offers a one-time military fee waiver for honorably separated veterans.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Connecticut.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#20 of 51
Cost
#23 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
Entry Level
$49,190
25th percentile
Median
$58,700
+2% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$62,820
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
15,860 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.6%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+53,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
228,600
per year (avg.)
2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.
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All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides. Complete your permit prep before attending a driving school.
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Exploring other careers? Compare licensing requirements for real estate agents, insurance agents, and notaries in Connecticut.