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Commercial Driver's License
Governing Authority
District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV)
(202) 737-4404
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.
$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
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
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
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
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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 the District of Columbia
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| 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
District of Columbia has 416% below average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
District of Columbia has below-average cdl truck drivers density — strong demand for new cdl truck drivers.
District of Columbia ranks #51 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
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
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
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
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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.
Start Your CDL Training in District of Columbia
State-approved online courses you can start today.
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.
CDL Schools in District of Columbia
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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Official Sources
CDL Driver requirements in District of Columbia verified against District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV), April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: