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Commercial Driver's License
Governing Authority
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) — Department of Public Safety
225-925-4195
Official website →$76.50
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
6 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Gather Required Documents
Obtain a valid Louisiana driver's license, SSN card, Medical Examiner's Certificate, proof of insurance, proof of Louisiana residency, and 10-year driving history.
DOT physical exam typically costs $75–$150
Apply for CLP at OMV
Make an appointment at your local OMV, bring required documents, pass the knowledge test(s) for the CDL class you want, and obtain your CLP.
Cash only; CLP valid for 60 days
Fee: $15Complete 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 days before taking the skills test.
Pass Skills Test via Third-Party Examiner
Schedule and pass the CDL skills test through an approved third-party examiner. Receive a sealed Certificate of Successful Completion.
$100 with your own vehicle; additional cost if renting a vehicle. Do NOT open the sealed envelope.
Fee: $100+Obtain CDL at OMV
Bring the sealed Certificate of Successful Completion to your local OMV office and pay the CDL fee to receive your full CDL.
$76.50 for Orleans Parish residents
Fee: $61.50Commercial 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 ($15) + CDL ($61.50); skills test via third-party only ($100+, not included)
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
All CDL skills tests in Louisiana are administered through third-party examiners. After passing, you receive a sealed Certificate of Successful Completion to bring to the OMV.
Third-party fee: $100+ ($100 with your own vehicle; additional costs if renting a vehicle from provider)
Scheduling Note
Schedule through an approved third-party examiner; contact CDL Helpdesk at 225-925-4195 for assistance
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 Louisiana with proof of residency
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $7.50 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $7.50 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $7.50 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $7.50 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $15 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $7.50 |
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
$15
Cash only at OMV office
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
2 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Louisiana has 7% below average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
Louisiana has average cdl truck drivers density relative to population.
Louisiana ranks #32 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
Renewal Cycle
6 years
Renewal Fee
$61.50
6-year renewal; $76.50 for Orleans Parish; $15 late fee if expired more than 10 days
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
CDL is valid for 6 years. $15 late fee if expired more than 10 days. Orleans Parish residents pay $76.50.
Regulatory Board
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
Visit your local Louisiana OMV office with required documents. Provide current CDL, clearance letter or driving record, identification, SSN, proof of insurance, and pay the CDL fee. Must pass vision exam and HAZMAT knowledge test if retaining HAZMAT endorsement.
Transfer Fee
$61.50
CDL license fee; $76.50 for Orleans Parish
Timeline
Within 30 days of establishing Louisiana residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision exam required; HAZMAT knowledge test if retaining HAZMAT endorsement
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Louisiana participates in the FMCSA military skills test waiver program for eligible military personnel with equivalent vehicle operation experience.
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated (within past year) military with 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 Louisiana.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Louisiana 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.
See our picks for the best CDL schools in Louisiana.
Start Your CDL Training in Louisiana
State-approved online courses you can start today.
Unique to Louisiana
CLP validity of only 60 days is unusually short. Orleans Parish residents pay $15 more for CDL. All skills testing is third-party only. Skills test results must be delivered in a sealed envelope.
CDL Schools in Louisiana
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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CDL Driver requirements in Louisiana verified against Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) — Department of Public Safety, April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: