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Commercial Driver's License
Governing Authority
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (Division of Motor Vehicles under DelDOT / Department of Transportation)
(302) 744-2500
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
$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
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
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.
Ready to pass the CDL Knowledge Test?
Practice exams built for the CDL licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Preparing for the written and skills tests? Read our CDL exam prep guide for study tips and what to expect on test day.
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
CDL Knowledge Test
Browse study guides
CDL Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic CDL Knowledge Test practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
CDL Knowledge Test
Passing Score
80%
Format
Written multiple choice
Key Topics Covered
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the CDL Knowledge Test.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — CDL Knowledge Test
Prepare for your CDL Knowledge Test with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| 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
Delaware has 8% below average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
Delaware has average cdl truck drivers density relative to population.
Delaware ranks #33 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
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; CDL with Hazmat is 5yr (HazMat not eligible for 8 yrs). Renewal within 30 days prior to expiration confirmed on CDL page.
Regulatory Board
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
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
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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.
Start Your CDL Training in Delaware
State-approved online courses you can start today.
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.
CDL Schools in Delaware
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
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Official Sources
CDL Driver requirements in Delaware verified against Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (Division of Motor Vehicles under DelDOT / Department of Transportation), April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: