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Get your Louisiana CDL — government fees ($76.50), 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
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) — Department of Public Safety
225-925-4195
Official website →Most information on this page has been verified.
92% of data points are verified against official sources. 2 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
$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
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
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
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
| 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
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
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
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.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Louisiana.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#50 of 51
Cost
#15 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
$41,320
25th percentile
Median
$48,770
-15% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$60,110
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
26,260 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: Louisiana OMV Express Lane
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Louisiana OMV Express Lane
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Louisiana OMV Express Lane
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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