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Get your Nebraska CDL — government fees ($75), 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
Most information on this page has been verified.
84% of data points are verified against official sources. 4 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
$75
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. Nebraska DMV verifies proof of ELDT electronically.
Cannot schedule skills test appointment without completed ELDT
Obtain DOT Medical Certificate
Complete DOT physical and obtain Medical Examiner's Certificate. Must be updated to the National Registry.
Apply for Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
Visit a Nebraska DMV office with required documents. Pass all applicable written/knowledge tests. Present proof of identification at each visit.
Documents must be certified with raised seal or stamp; faxed/photocopied documents not accepted
Fee: $15Practice with CLP
Hold CLP for at least 14 days. Practice driving with a licensed CDL holder.
CLP valid for 1 year. If CLP expires before completing all 3 skills test segments, ALL testing must be retaken.
Schedule and Pass CDL Skills Test
Schedule appointment by calling (402) 471-7983. The person taking the test must be the one calling. Pass three-part test: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road test.
State tests are free; third-party testers charge $200-$300. Must provide your own vehicle.
Fee: $0Receive CDL
After passing the skills test, complete a data form and vision test, then receive your Nebraska CDL
5-year CDL for age 21+
Fee: $60Commercial 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 ($15) + CDL ($60) + state skills test ($0)
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: $0
State-administered skills tests are free through Nebraska DMV
Three-Part Exam
Third-party testers are authorized companies that can conduct CDL driving skills examinations for a fee
Third-party fee: $200–$300 (Varies by third-party tester)
Scheduling Note
Call (402) 471-7983 to schedule. The applicant taking the test must be the person calling. Email confirmation sent upon scheduling.
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 Nebraska
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $15 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $15 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $15 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $15 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $15 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $15 |
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
$15
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
12 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Renewal Fee
$60
5-year renewal for age 21+
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
Nebraska CDLs are valid for 5 years for drivers age 21+. Under-21 applicants receive prorated licenses that expire when they turn 21.
Regulatory Board
Visit a Nebraska DMV office with required documents. Surrender your out-of-state CDL. Complete a data form and vision test. Skills test may be required in some cases.
Transfer Fee
$60
5-year CDL fee
Timeline
Within 30 days of establishing Nebraska residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
Mostly verifiedVision screening required; additional testing may be required depending on circumstances
Nebraska has a program to help recent veterans or current service members obtain a CDL by having the skills exam waived. Must be currently enlisted or discharged within the past 12 months and have held a military position operating equivalent CMVs.
Eligibility
Currently enlisted in service or reserves, or discharged within past 12 months, with equivalent CMV operation 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 Nebraska.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Nebraska 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 Nebraska
Nebraska offers free state-administered CDL skills tests, making it one of the most affordable states for CDL testing. The state requires the actual test-taker to personally call to schedule their appointment. Nebraska has a restricted CDL program for seasonal agricultural/farm use.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Nebraska.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#25 of 51
Cost
#12 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
$45,830
25th percentile
Median
$57,940
+1% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$71,960
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
24,160 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.
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
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 Nebraska.