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Get your Montana CDL — government fees ($83.44), 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
Montana Motor Vehicle Division (Department of Justice)
(406) 444-3244
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
56% of data points are verified against official sources. 5 fields based on preliminary research. 6 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
$83.44
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
4 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Gather Required Documents
Obtain a valid Montana driver's license, Medical Examiner's Certificate from a nationally certified medical examiner, and self-certification documents.
DOT physical exam typically costs $75–$150
Pass Knowledge Tests and Obtain CLP
Schedule an appointment at a driver license station, pass CDL knowledge test(s), and obtain your Commercial Learner Permit.
Interstate CLP fee; CLP valid for 180 days, renewable once
Fee: $41.72Complete 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 calendar days before taking the skills test.
Pass CDL Skills Test
Schedule and pass the CDL skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic control, road test). Must provide your own vehicle in good condition, registered and insured.
Skills test fee may be included in licensing fees; third-party testing available
Obtain CDL
Pay the CDL license fee and receive your commercial driver's license.
Interstate CDL fee; valid for 4 years
Fee: $41.72Commercial 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
Training Cost
CLP ($41.72) + CDL ($41.72); skills test fee may be included in licensing fees
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
Montana has state-approved third-party testing centers, including Missoula College and Montana Tech/Highlands College, that administer CDL skills tests.
Third-party fee: $200–$500 (Varies by provider; rescheduling fees may apply)
Scheduling Note
Schedule online through the MT MVD appointment scheduling system. Skills tests are given at all driver license stations by appointment.
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 domiciled in Montana
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | — |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | — |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | — |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | — |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | — |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | — |
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
$41.72
Interstate CLP; intrastate is $35.54
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
6 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
4 years
Renewal Fee
$41.72
Interstate CDL renewal; 4-year cycle. Fee varies by age.
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
CDL valid for 4 years. Must renew in person at any driver license exam station. Pass vision test required. HAZMAT renewal requires TSA fingerprint clearance and knowledge test.
Regulatory Board
Visit any Montana driver license station to transfer your out-of-state CDL. Knowledge (written) tests may be waived. School bus, passenger, and HAZMAT endorsements cannot be transferred without retesting.
Transfer Fee
$41.72
Interstate CDL fee
Timeline
Within 30 days of establishing residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening; knowledge test may be waived; HAZMAT, passenger, and school bus endorsements require retesting
Troops to Trucks program: military personnel with two years experience operating heavy military vehicles may qualify for CDL skills test waiver. Must still pass written knowledge tests.
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated (within 12 months) military with at least 2 years of 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 Montana.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Montana 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 Montana
Montana has a dual CDL system with separate intrastate (Type 2) and interstate (Type 1) licenses at different fee levels. CDL fees vary by age bracket, with reduced fees for drivers over 72.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Montana.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#18 of 51
Cost
#16 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
$50,440
25th percentile
Median
$59,060
+3% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$63,510
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
7,050 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: Commercial Driver License - MT Motor Vehicle Division
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Commercial Driver License - MT Motor Vehicle Division
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Commercial Driver License - MT Motor Vehicle Division
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 Montana.