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Commercial Driver's License
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
$140 (CLP $30 + Road Test $35 + CDL $75)
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
5 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Apply for Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
Make an appointment at an RMV Service Center. Bring completed application, identification documents, Medical Examiner's Certificate, and fees. Pass CDL knowledge test(s) for desired class and endorsements.
CLP valid for 180 days; can be renewed once for an additional 180 days at no charge
Fee: $30 plus $10 per endorsementComplete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT from a registered training provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.
Required since February 7, 2022 for first-time Class A/B CDL, upgrades, and P/S/H endorsements
Schedule and Pass CDL Road Test
After holding CLP for at least 14 days, schedule and pay for your CDL road test. Test includes pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
Road test application and fee can be paid online
Fee: $35Receive Your CDL
After passing the road test, visit an RMV Service Center to pay the CDL license fee and receive your 5-year CDL.
CDL valid for 5 years, expiring on birthday
Fee: $75Commercial 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 ($30) + CDL ($75) + state skills test ($35)
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: $35
License application and road test fee
Three-Part Exam
Massachusetts CDL skills tests are primarily administered through RMV; limited third-party testing availability
Third-party fee: $200–$500 (Varies by provider)
Scheduling Note
Schedule online through the RMV or by appointment
Ready to pass the CDL Knowledge Test?
Practice exams built for the CDL licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
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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 Massachusetts
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $10 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $10 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $10 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $10 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $20 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $10 |
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
$30
2-year permit
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
6 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Massachusetts has 35% below average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
Massachusetts has below-average cdl truck drivers density — strong demand for new cdl truck drivers.
Massachusetts ranks #44 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Renewal Fee
$75
Class A, B, or C renewal
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
CDL renewal available online for NI (Non-Excepted Interstate) self-certified drivers. All endorsements except HAZMAT are automatically renewed. HAZMAT requires TSA background check (allow 60+ days) and retaking the HME knowledge exam.
Regulatory Board
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
Visit any RMV Service Center with your out-of-state CDL, required identification documents, and Medical Examiner's Certificate. Written and road tests may be waived if currently licensed and meeting eligibility criteria. HAZMAT endorsement is not transferable and must be reapplied for.
Transfer Fee
$75
Standard CDL license fee
Timeline
Upon establishing Massachusetts residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedGenerally waived for valid CDL holders; HAZMAT endorsement requires retesting
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Military CDL Skills Test Waiver allows qualified service members to obtain CDL without skills testing. FMCSA Even Exchange Program allows both knowledge and skills test waivers for qualifying MOS codes. School Bus (S) and Passenger (P) endorsement transfers are not permitted under the waiver program.
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated (within past year) military with minimum 2 years of equivalent military truck driving 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 Massachusetts.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts.
Start Your CDL Training in Massachusetts
State-approved online courses you can start today.
Unique to Massachusetts
Massachusetts charges significantly more for adding endorsements after the permit is issued ($30 each vs. $10 with application). The CLP can be renewed once for free, effectively giving applicants up to 360 days. Knowledge exams are notably available in Spanish and Portuguese.
CDL Schools in Massachusetts
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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Official Sources
CDL Driver requirements in Massachusetts verified against Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: