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Get your Mississippi CDL — government fees ($126), 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
Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) – Driver Service Bureau
601-487-7028
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
$126
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
5 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT through an FMCSA-registered training provider
Required before applying for first CDL, upgrading class, or adding HAZMAT/school bus/passenger endorsements
Obtain DOT Medical Certificate
Complete DOT physical and obtain Medical Examiner's Certificate
Apply for Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
Schedule appointment at local DPS office. Bring medical paperwork, pay CLP fee, complete application, take vision test, and pass all written exams.
Must score at least 80% on knowledge exams
Fee: $16Practice with CLP
Hold CLP for at least 14 days. Practice with a licensed CDL holder.
CLP valid for 6 months; renewable once within 2 years
Schedule and Pass CDL Skills Test
Schedule road test by calling 601-487-7028. Pass pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving test at a DPS facility or approved third-party tester.
Must bring valid MS license, CLP, current medical card, CDL application, vehicle, and accompanying CDL holder
Fee: $55Receive CDL
After passing the skills test, pay the CDL license fee and receive your Mississippi CDL
Fee: $55Commercial 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 ($16) + CDL ($55) + state skills test ($55)
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: $55
DPS-administered skills test
Three-Part Exam
Mississippi authorizes third-party testers who must follow the same grading criteria as state examiners
Third-party fee: $100–$300 (Varies by provider)
Scheduling Note
Schedule by phone at 601-487-7028
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 Mississippi
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $5 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $5 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $5 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $5 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $10 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $5 |
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
$16
Valid for 6 months; renewable once within a 2-year period
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
6 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Renewal Fee
$51
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
Mississippi CDLs are valid for approximately 5 years. Renewal must be done in person at a local DPS office. Medical Examiner's Certificate must be current.
Regulatory Board
Schedule an appointment at a local DPS office. Bring your current out-of-state CDL, Social Security card, proof of Mississippi residency, and DOT medical card. HAZMAT endorsement transfers require retaking the written exam and fingerprinting for a federal background check.
Transfer Fee
$29
Timeline
Within 30 days of establishing Mississippi residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening; HAZMAT transfers require written exam and fingerprinting
Mississippi participates in the federal military CDL skills test waiver program. Qualified military personnel with at least 2 years of equivalent CMV operation experience may have the skills test waived. Written knowledge test is still required.
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated military (within past 12 months) with equivalent vehicle operation experience and clean driving record
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 Mississippi.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Mississippi 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 Mississippi
Mississippi has one of the lowest CLP fees in the nation at $16. The CLP can only be renewed once within a 2-year period. Under-21 applicants pay a significantly reduced CDL fee of $6.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Mississippi.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#43 of 51
Cost
#28 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
$40,570
25th percentile
Median
$50,700
-12% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$61,830
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
25,490 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: New Commercial Driver License: Class A, B, and C | DPS Driver Service Bureau
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: New Commercial Driver License: Class A, B, and C | DPS Driver Service Bureau
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: New Commercial Driver License: Class A, B, and C | DPS Driver Service Bureau
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 Mississippi.