How much does it cost to become a CDL in Massachusetts?

The total estimated cost to become a CDL in Massachusetts is $140. This typically includes application fees, exam fees, training costs, and any required background checks.

What is the minimum age for a CDL in Massachusetts?

The minimum age for intrastate CDL operation in Massachusetts is 18. Interstate CDL operation requires a minimum age of 21 (federal requirement).

Commercial Driver's License

MassachusettsCDL Requirements & How to Get Licensed

Q: How do I become a licensed CDL in Massachusetts?

1. 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. 2. Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT): Complete required ELDT from a registered training provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry. 3. 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. 4. Receive Your CDL: After passing the road test, visit an RMV Service Center to pay the CDL license fee and receive your 5-year CDL.

VerifiedLast verified: March 2026

Governing Authority

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)

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

$140

TOTAL GOV FEES

$3,000-$7,000

TRAINING COST

5 years

RENEWAL CYCLE

18+

INTRASTATE AGE

Get Your CDL in Massachusetts: Step by Step

Verified

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 endorsement

Complete 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: $35

Receive 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: $75

CDL Classes Explained

Commercial 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

•Tractor-trailers (semi-trucks)
•Flatbeds
•Tanker trucks
•Livestock carriers
•Most truck and trailer combinations

Class B CDL

26,001+ lbs GVWR

Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs

Common examples

•Straight trucks (box trucks)
•Large buses (city, school, transit)
•Dump trucks (single axle)
•Segmented buses
•Large delivery trucks

Class C CDL

Under 26,001 lbs GVWR

Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds

Common examples

•Small HAZMAT vehicles
•Passenger vans (16+ passengers)
•Small school buses
•Some specialized vehicles

Cost Breakdown

Self-Pay Path

Government Fees

CLP (Permit) Fee$30

CDL License Fee$75

Skills Test (State)$35

Skills Test (Third-Party)$200–$500

Endorsement Fees

Hazmat Endorsement$10

Passenger Endorsement$10

School Bus Endorsement$10

Tanker Endorsement$10

Doubles/Triples Endorsement$10

Hazmat + Tanker (X)$20

Training Cost

CDL Training Program$3,000-$7,000

Total Gov Fees$140

CLP ($30) + CDL ($75) + state skills test ($35)

Employer-Sponsored Path

Government Fees (You Still Pay)

CLP (Permit) Fee$30

CDL License Fee$75

Skills Test (State)$35

Skills Test (Third-Party)$200–$500

Training Cost

Company-Sponsored Program$0

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.

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CDL Testing in Massachusetts

Knowledge Test

Passing Score: 80%

Test Components

•General knowledge
•Combination vehicles (Class A)
•Air brakes (if applicable)
•Endorsement-specific sections

Skills Test

State Fee: $35

License application and road test fee

Three-Part Exam

1. Pre-Trip Inspection — Demonstrate knowledge of vehicle safety components
2. Basic Vehicle Control — Straight-line backing, offset backing, alley docking
3. On-Road Driving — Turns, intersections, highway driving, general driving behavior

Third-Party Testing

Not AvailableMostly verified

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

Requirements

Intrastate Minimum Age

18 years old

Verified

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

Endorsements & Fees

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.

Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)

CLP Fee

$30

2-year permit

Holding Period

14 days

Validity

6 months

CLP Requirements

•Valid Massachusetts driver's license
•Pass CDL knowledge test(s)
•Pass DOT physical / obtain Medical Examiner's Certificate
•Self-certify operating category
•Appointment at RMV Service Center required

CLP Restrictions

•Must be accompanied by CDL holder in front seat
•May not carry passengers or hazardous materials
•May not operate a school bus with passengers

CDL Renewal

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

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)

Transferring Your CDL to Massachusetts

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

•Valid out-of-state CDL (current at time of application)
•No motor vehicle traffic control convictions in past 2 years (excluding parking)
•Required identification documents
•Medical Examiner's Certificate
•REAL ID option available at conversion

Retesting Required

Verified

Generally waived for valid CDL holders; HAZMAT endorsement requires retesting

Military CDL Waiver

Skills Test Waiver: YesKnowledge Test Waiver: Yes

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

Find CDL Training Schools in Massachusetts

CDL School Finder →

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.

Special Notes

•CLP can be renewed once for an additional 180 days at no charge
•Knowledge exams available in Spanish and Portuguese in addition to English
•Disabled Veterans are exempt from all driver's license transaction fees
•Endorsement fees are $10 with permit application but $30 if added after permit is issued — plan endorsements carefully
•Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) has been mandatory for all first-time CDL applicants since February 7, 2022.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Next Steps

Other Licenses in Massachusetts

Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Massachusetts.

Nearby States

ConnecticutCDL requirements →MaineCDL requirements →New HampshireCDL requirements →New YorkCDL requirements →Rhode IslandCDL requirements →VermontCDL requirements →

State Rankings

Compare all states

How this state compares to 50 others for this profession

Timeline

#1 of 51

Salary

#8 of 51

Cost

#32 of 51

Processing

#1 of 51

Salary & Earnings

Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)

Entry Level

$49,150

25th percentile

Median

$60,630

+6% vs. national avg ($57,440)

Experienced

$64,580

75th percentile

Wage Distribution (Annual)

$44,640

10th

$49,150

25th

$60,630

Median

$64,580

75th

$75,220

90th

32,170 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)

Job Outlook & Growth

National employment projections for 2024-2034

Projected Growth

+2.6%

Below Average

New Jobs

+53,500

over 10 years

Annual Openings

228,600

per year (avg.)

vs. all occupations (4% avg.):-1.4 percentage points

2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)

Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)

Licensing Cost Breakdown

Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license

CLP Fee

$30

Total Government Fees$30

Time investment: 1 months–4 months

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 Licenses (CDL) | Mass.gov

Time to Get Licensed

Estimated total: 6–16 weeks

Obtain Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)

1–2 weeks

Complete ELDT training program

3–8 weeks

Hold CLP for minimum 14 days

2 weeks(can overlap with previous step)

Pass CDL skills test

1–2 weeks

Receive CDL

1–2 weeks

Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.

Source: Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL) | Mass.gov

Application Processing Time

1–2 weeks

Estimated processing time

Source: Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL) | Mass.gov

CDL Exam Prep Books for Massachusetts

Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.

Browse Study Guides on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Professional Equipment & Supplies for Massachusetts

Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.

Dash Cams →Seat Cushions →Work Gloves →

Sources

All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:

Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL) | Mass.gov(accessed 2026-02-25)
RMV Schedule of Fees(accessed 2026-02-25)
Apply for a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) | Mass.gov(accessed 2026-02-25)
Transfer your CDL from out-of-state | Mass.gov(accessed 2026-02-25)

Disclaimer: This information is compiled from official state licensing board websites and verified against multiple sources. Always confirm current requirements directly with your state's licensing authority, as licensing rules can change. Links to official state resources are provided for each data point. LicenseMap does not provide legal, financial, or tax advice. See something incorrect? Report it here.

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Exploring other careers? Compare licensing requirements for real estate agents, insurance agents, and notaries in Massachusetts.