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Get your Delaware CDL — government fees ($65), 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
Governing Authority
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (Department of Transportation)
(302) 744-2500
Official website →Most information on this page has been verified.
80% of data points are verified against official sources. 4 fields based on preliminary research. 1 field needs verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
$65
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
8 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Gather Required Documents
Obtain a valid Delaware driver's license, proof of residency, and a current Medical Examiner's Certificate from a nationally certified medical examiner.
DOT physical exam typically costs $75–$150. Effective June 23, 2025, DE only accepts electronic medical certificates from National Registry.
Pass Knowledge Tests and Obtain CLP
Visit a Delaware DMV office, pass the CDL knowledge test(s), and obtain your Commercial Learner Permit.
CLP valid for one year; one renewal allowed within one-year period
Fee: $10Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete ELDT through an FMCSA-approved training provider listed on the Training Provider Registry.
Training costs vary by school and program
Fee: $3,000–$7,000Hold CLP for 14 Days
You must hold your CLP for a minimum of 14 calendar days before taking the skills test.
Pass CDL Skills Test
Schedule and pass the CDL skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic controls, road test) at a DMV location or approved third-party testing organization. Provide a representative CMV that is registered, insured, and safe.
Modernized CDL skills test implemented February 26, 2025. Schedule at Delaware City, Dover, Georgetown, or Wilmington.
Obtain CDL
Pay the CDL license fee and receive your commercial driver's license.
CDL license fee; valid for 8 years
Fee: $55Commercial 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 ($10) + CDL ($55); state skills test fee not separately confirmed
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Costs vary by school and program length
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
Three-Part Exam
Delaware established a Third-Party CDL skills testing program under Regulation 2226. Approved organizations can administer CDL skills exams. Contact CDLThirdParty@delaware.gov for information.
Third-party fee: $200–$500 (Varies by third-party testing organization; program established under Regulation 2226)
Scheduling Note
Contact DMV locations to schedule: Delaware City (302) 832-5176, Dover (302) 744-2515, Georgetown (302) 853-1003, Wilmington (302) 434-3220.
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 be a resident of Delaware
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $10 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $10 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $10 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $10 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $20 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $10 |
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
$10
CLP fee effective October 10, 2025
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
12 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
8 years
Renewal Fee
$55
8-year renewal cycle (effective October 10, 2025). Late fee of $10 applies for expired CDL.
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
CDL valid for 8 years (exceptions for immigration length of stay, HAZMAT holders, and Driving Privilege Card holders). May only renew within 30 days prior to expiration. Late fee of $10 for expired CDL.
Regulatory Board
Visit a Delaware DMV office to transfer your out-of-state CDL. Complete Human Trafficking Awareness training (effective July 12, 2021). Surrender out-of-state license.
Transfer Fee
$55
CDL fee effective October 10, 2025
Timeline
Within 30 days of establishing residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening; HAZMAT knowledge test required to retain HAZMAT endorsement; Human Trafficking Awareness training required
Heroes on the Highway program: active military and recently discharged veterans with truck/heavy equipment driving experience can obtain CDL through waiver of pre-trip skills test. Must still pass commercial knowledge testing requirements. School Bus (S) and Passenger (P) endorsements cannot be transferred under this program.
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated (within 12 months of discharge date) military with equivalent vehicle operation experience; commanding officer must certify vehicle type eligibility
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 Delaware.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Delaware range from $3,000 to $7,000. Costs vary by school and program length
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Unique to Delaware
Delaware has one of the longest CDL renewal cycles at 8 years. The state requires Human Trafficking Awareness training for all new CLP applicants and CDL transfers — a unique requirement among states.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Delaware.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#23 of 51
Cost
#8 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
$51,060
25th percentile
Median
$58,510
+2% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$62,400
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
5,950 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.
Source: Drivers License/Identification Cards - CDL - Delaware DMV
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Drivers License/Identification Cards - CDL - Delaware DMV
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Drivers License/Identification Cards - CDL - Delaware DMV
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 Delaware.