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Commercial Driver's License
$167 (= $125 CLP + $42 CDL, no endorsements)
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
4 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Obtain Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
Visit an MVC agency with 6 Points of ID, proof of address, Medical Examiner's Certificate, and CDL Self-Certification. Pay the $125 examination fee and pass the CDL knowledge test(s) for your desired class and endorsements.
CLP is valid for 180 days
Fee: $125Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT from a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before taking the skills test.
Required for all first-time CDL applicants since February 7, 2022
Schedule and Pass Skills Test
After holding CLP for at least 14 days, schedule your CDL road skills test through MVC. Test includes pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You must provide the commercial vehicle.
No fee for state-administered skills test
Fee: $0Receive Your CDL
After passing the skills test, pay the CDL license fee and receive your four-year CDL with requested endorsements.
CDL prorated to expire with current NJ driver's license
Fee: $42 plus $2 per endorsementCommercial 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 ($125) + CDL ($42) + state skills test ($0)
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: $0
No fee for state-administered CDL road test
Three-Part Exam
New Jersey primarily administers CDL skills tests through state MVC examiners
Third-party fee: $200–$500 (Varies by provider; NJ primarily uses state-administered tests)
Scheduling Note
Schedule through MVC; appointment required for CDL road skills test
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 New Jersey with a valid NJ Class D driver's license
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $2 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $2 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $2 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $2 per endorsement |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $4 (= $2 hazmat + $2 tanker, as two separate endorsements) |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $2 |
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
$125
Non-refundable; includes knowledge test
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
180 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
New Jersey has 17% below average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
New Jersey has average cdl truck drivers density relative to population.
New Jersey ranks #37 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
Renewal Cycle
4 years
Renewal Fee
$42
Plus $2 per endorsement
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
CDL must be renewed in person; schedule online; bring 6 Points of ID, proof of address, proof of legal presence; $42 fee; CDL Holder Self-Certification and Medical Examiner's Certificate when applicable
Regulatory Board
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
Visit an MVC agency with valid out-of-state CDL, 6 Points of ID, Medical Examiner's Certificate, and CDL Holder Self-Certificate. Knowledge and road tests are waived for valid license holders (HAZMAT endorsement holders must retake the written test). Out-of-state license must be surrendered.
Transfer Fee
$42
Plus $10 transfer permit fee
Timeline
Upon establishing New Jersey residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening only; HAZMAT written test if transferring H endorsement
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Qualified military personnel are exempt from the CDL skills test (behind-the-wheel exam). Applicants must still pass all written knowledge tests, vision screening, and pay all applicable fees. Must have valid NJ Class D license and current or expired military CDL license (within 12 months).
Eligibility
Active, reserve, or discharged military personnel within the last 12 months with a valid NJ driver's license and current or expired military CDL license
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 Jersey.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in New Jersey 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 New Jersey.
Start Your CDL Training in New Jersey
State-approved online courses you can start today.
Unique to New Jersey
New Jersey has one of the highest CLP fees ($125) but charges no fee for the state-administered CDL skills test. The CDL is prorated to expire with the existing Class D license rather than running a full 4-year term from issuance.
CDL Schools in New Jersey
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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Official Sources
CDL Driver requirements in New Jersey verified against New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC), April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: