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Get your Nevada CDL — government fees ($139.50), 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
$139.50
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
8 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT through an FMCSA-registered training provider. Verify the school is listed in Nevada's Business License Verification.
Varies by training program
Obtain DOT Medical Certificate
Complete DOT physical and obtain Medical Examiner's Certificate. As of June 2025, MECs are received electronically from FMCSA.
Apply for Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
Visit a Nevada DMV CDL office with required documents, pass vision screening, and pass CDL knowledge tests. The KnowToDrive Nevada written exam has a $6.75 fee.
Bring proof of identity, citizenship, and two forms of Nevada residency
Fee: $57.25Practice with CLP
Hold your CLP for at least 14 days. Practice driving with a licensed CDL holder.
CLP is valid for 180 days
Schedule and Pass CDL Skills Test
Schedule skills test at a CDL office offering testing (Elko or North Las Vegas). Pass pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving test.
Skills tests by appointment only
Fee: $25Receive CDL
After passing the skills test, pay the CDL issuance fee and receive your Nevada CDL.
Fee: $57.25Commercial 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 ($57.25) + CDL ($57.25) + state skills test ($25)
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: $25
First-time knowledge and skills test fee; $10 for retests
Three-Part Exam
Third-party CDL certification is available; annual maintenance fee of $555 for third-party testers
Third-party fee: $200–$400 (Varies by provider)
Scheduling Note
Skills tests offered at limited CDL offices (Elko and North Las Vegas). Appointments required.
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 Nevada
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $14.25 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $14.25 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $14.25 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $14.25 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $14.25 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $14.25 |
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
$57.25
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
6 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
8 years
Renewal Fee
$111.25
8-year renewal; $57.25 for 4-year renewal (age 65+)
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
CDLs are valid for 8 years. CDL holders aged 65 and older may only renew for 4 years. HAZMAT endorsement holders cannot get 8-year licenses.
Regulatory Board
Visit a Nevada DMV CDL office with your valid out-of-state CDL and required documents. Surrender your out-of-state license and complete knowledge tests if required. Skills tests may be waived for valid CDL transfers.
Transfer Fee
$111.25
Transfer requiring knowledge tests only; $141.25 if skills tests required
Timeline
Within 30 days of establishing Nevada residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedKnowledge tests required; skills test generally waived for valid CDL transfers
Active-duty military members, National Guard, reserves, or qualified veterans may use the CDL Certification for Waiver of Skills Tests (Form CDL 004).
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated military with equivalent vehicle 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 Nevada.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Nevada 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 Nevada
Nevada requires drivers to be at least 25 years old for endorsements on vehicle combinations over 70 feet. Nevada has transitioned to 8-year CDLs, though HAZMAT holders cannot get 8-year licenses.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Nevada.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#7 of 51
Cost
#31 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
$49,580
25th percentile
Median
$60,900
+6% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$70,920
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
17,430 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 Nevada.