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Get your Idaho CDL — government fees ($269), 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
Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) – Division of Motor Vehicles
Official website →Most information on this page has been verified.
88% of data points are verified against official sources. 3 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
$269
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
4 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT through an FMCSA-registered training provider
Required for new CDL, upgrade, or S/P/H endorsement
Obtain DOT Medical Certificate
Complete DOT physical. After June 23, 2025, all medical certificates must be provided electronically by the medical provider.
Apply for Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
Visit a county DMV office. Pass knowledge tests ($5 each) and endorsement knowledge tests ($5 each).
Plus $5 per knowledge test
Fee: $29Practice with CLP
Hold CLP for at least 14 days. Practice driving with a licensed CDL holder.
CLP valid for 1 year
Schedule and Pass CDL Skills Test
Schedule with a Skills Test Examiner in your district. Pass pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road test. Provide your own commercial vehicle for testing.
$10 county DMV fee plus up to $190 examiner fee; fees vary by examiner
Fee: $200Receive CDL
After passing the skills test, pay the CDL issuance fee at a county DMV office and receive your Idaho CDL
4-year license for age 21+; $60 for 8-year
Fee: $40Commercial 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 ($29) + CDL ($40) + skills test ($200)
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: $200
$10 paid to county DMV plus up to $190 to Skills Test Examiner
Three-Part Exam
All CDL skills tests in Idaho are administered by Skills Test Examiners (not directly by the DMV). Fees vary by examiner and district.
Third-party fee: $200–$250 (Varies by examiner; all skills tests are administered by examiners, not the DMV directly)
Scheduling Note
Contact a Skills Test Examiner in your ITD district directly to schedule.
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 Idaho
| 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
$29
Must have Idaho Class D license first
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
12 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
4 years
Renewal Fee
$40
4-year renewal; $60 for 8-year renewal
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
Idaho CDLs are valid for 4 or 8 years for age 21+. CDL holders without HAZMAT endorsements may be eligible to renew online.
Visit a county DMV office with your valid out-of-state CDL and required documents. Surrender your out-of-state license. A vision test is required. Skills test may be waived for valid CDL transfers.
Transfer Fee
$30
CDL upgrade fee; additional fees may apply
Timeline
Within 30 days of establishing Idaho residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening required; written and skills tests generally waived for valid CDL transfers
ITD provides two types of CDL testing waivers for current or recently separated military personnel with verifiable experience operating heavy-duty trucks during military service.
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated military with verifiable 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 Idaho.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Idaho 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 Idaho
Idaho uses a unique examiner-based skills testing model where all road tests are conducted by independent Skills Test Examiners rather than state employees. The county DMV collects $10 and up to $190 goes to the examiner. Idaho also offers a Seasonal CDL for agricultural use.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Idaho.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#38 of 51
Cost
#48 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
$47,460
25th percentile
Median
$53,260
-7% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$61,530
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
14,860 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.
Source: Commercial Driver's License (CDL) | Idaho Transportation Department
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Commercial Driver's License (CDL) | Idaho Transportation Department
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Commercial Driver's License (CDL) | Idaho Transportation Department
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 Idaho.