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Commercial Driver's License
Governing Authority
DPS Driver Service Bureau (Mississippi Department of Public Safety – Driver Service Bureau)
601-487-7028
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
$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
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: $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
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
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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.
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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
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| 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
Mississippi has 30% above average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
Mississippi is one of the most saturated cdl truck drivers markets in the country.
Mississippi ranks #8 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
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
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
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
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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.
See our picks for the best CDL schools in Mississippi.
Start Your CDL Training in Mississippi
State-approved online courses you can start today.
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.
CDL Schools in Mississippi
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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Official Sources
CDL Driver requirements in Mississippi verified against DPS Driver Service Bureau (Mississippi Department of Public Safety – Driver Service Bureau), April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: