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Get your New Hampshire CDL — government fees ($100), 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
New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (Department of Safety)
(603) 227-4000
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
76% of data points are verified against official sources. 6 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
$100
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
5 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Gather Required Documents
Obtain a valid NH driver's license, proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, and a current Medical Examiner's Certificate (DOT medical card).
DOT physical exam typically costs $75–$150
Pass Knowledge Tests and Obtain CLP
Visit any NH DMV location and pass the CDL knowledge test(s) to obtain your Commercial Driver Learner Permit.
CLP is valid for 180 days; may be renewed once
Fee: $20Complete 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 vehicle control, on-road driving) at a state-designated CDL testing site.
Reexamination fee for road test; contact DMV at (603) 227-4000 to schedule
Fee: $20Obtain CDL
Pay the CDL license fee and receive your commercial driver's license.
CDL license fee; valid for 5 years
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 ($20) + CDL ($60) + skills test ($20)
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: $20
CDL reexamination/road test fee; initial test may be included in CDL fee
Three-Part Exam
CDL skills tests in New Hampshire are administered by state troopers and DMV examiners at designated state locations. No formal third-party testing program was identified.
Scheduling Note
Contact NH DMV at (603) 227-4000 to schedule CDL road skills test. Tests are given at designated state locations including Concord, Durham, I-89 Exit 19, and Twin Mountain.
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 New Hampshire
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $10 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $10 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $10 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $10 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $20 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $10 |
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
$20
Commercial Driver Learner Permit fee
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
6 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Renewal Fee
$60
5-year renewal
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
CDL is valid for 5 years. Must maintain current Medical Examiner's Certificate. Renewal requires in-person visit and vision test. HAZMAT endorsement renewal requires TSA fingerprint clearance and knowledge test.
Regulatory Board
Visit any NH DMV office with required documents to transfer your out-of-state CDL. Surrender your out-of-state license. Written tests are generally not required except for HAZMAT endorsement.
Transfer Fee
$60
Same as CDL issuance fee
Timeline
Within 30 days of establishing residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening only; HAZMAT knowledge test required to retain HAZMAT endorsement
Eligible military members and veterans trained in the operation of heavy vehicles can apply for a waiver of the CDL skills test and obtain a New Hampshire CDL by passing the written exam(s).
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated (within 12 months of honorable or general discharge) 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 New Hampshire.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire
New Hampshire requires the accompanying CDL holder to be at least 25 years old (rather than the more common 21). CLP validity is 180 days rather than the typical 12 months.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New Hampshire.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#21 of 51
Cost
#18 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
$50,540
25th percentile
Median
$58,620
+2% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$63,290
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
6,730 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 New Hampshire.