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Get your District of Columbia CDL — government fees ($215), 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
District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV)
(202) 737-4404
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
$215
TOTAL GOV FEES
$4,000-$8,000
TRAINING COST
8 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Obtain Valid DC Non-Commercial Driver License
Must hold a valid DC NCDL before applying for a CDL.
Meet Eligibility Qualifications
Verify identity, residency, good driving history, and pass FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse screening.
Must also complete Human Trafficking Awareness Training
Pass CDL Knowledge Tests and Obtain CLP
Visit DC DMV to pass applicable CDL knowledge tests and obtain a Commercial Learner Permit.
$78 CLP + $10 per knowledge test
Fee: $88Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete ELDT from an FMCSA-approved training provider. Required for first-time Class A/B CDL, upgrades, and H/P/S endorsements.
Training costs vary by school and program
Fee: $4,000-$8,000Hold CLP for Minimum 14 Days
Practice driving with a qualified CDL holder in the front seat.
Pass CDL Road Skills Test
Schedule and pass the three-part CDL skills test: vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and road test.
CDL road skills test fee
Fee: $10Obtain CDL
Pay the CDL license fee to receive your full commercial driver's license, valid for 8 years.
Complies with federal identification guidelines
Fee: $117Commercial 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 ($78) + knowledge tests ($10 each, at least 1) + CDL ($117) + skills test ($10)
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
State Fee: $10
CDL road skills test fee
Three-Part Exam
DC DMV may utilize third-party testing providers for CDL skills examinations.
Scheduling Note
Schedule through DC DMV
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 the District of Columbia
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $20 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $20 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $20 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $20 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $40 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $20 |
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
$78
Commercial Driver Learner Permit
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
6 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
8 years
Renewal Fee
$117
CDL renewal for 8-year term. May renew 6 months prior to expiration.
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
CDL valid for 8 years. May renew 6 months prior to expiration date. HAZMAT endorsement requires retesting and new TSA background check at renewal.
Regulatory Board
Visit a DC DMV service center with required documents. Surrender out-of-state CDL. Complete state conversion process.
Transfer Fee
$117
State conversion fee; same as CDL fee
Timeline
Within 30 days of establishing DC residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening; transfer of school bus or passenger endorsements is prohibited
Active duty service members currently licensed and employed within the last 90 calendar days in a military position requiring operation of a CMV-equivalent military vehicle may waive the CDL road skills test for Class A or B.
Eligibility
Active duty military with at least 2 years CMV driving experience and 2 years clean driving record immediately preceding application. Must have been employed in military CMV position within last 90 days.
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 District of Columbia.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in District of Columbia range from $4,000 to $8,000. 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 District of Columbia
DC requires Human Trafficking Awareness Training as part of the CDL application process. Transfer of school bus or passenger endorsements from other states is prohibited, meaning applicants must retest for those endorsements. DC also requires a Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse screening during the application process.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in District of Columbia.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#4 of 51
Cost
#46 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
$59,160
25th percentile
Median
$63,610
+11% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$76,770
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
830 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 District of Columbia.