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Get your Ohio CDL — government fees ($125), 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
$125
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
4 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Obtain Ohio Driver's License
Must hold a valid Ohio non-CDL driver's license.
Obtain Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
Visit a BMV deputy registrar, pass vision test and CDL knowledge test(s).
CLP valid for 12 months
Fee: $28.50Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT from a provider registered on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.
Required for first-time CDL applicants
Hold CLP for Minimum 14 Days
Practice driving with a qualified CDL holder.
Schedule and Pass CDL Skills Test
Schedule and pass all three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic maneuverability, and road test. Available at state or third-party facilities.
Must wait at least 2 days to retry if failed
Fee: $50 (state) or varies (third-party)Visit BMV to Receive CDL
Visit a deputy registrar to pay CDL fee. Photo CDL arrives by mail.
Fee: $46.50Commercial 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 ($28.50) + CDL ($46.50) + state skills test ($50)
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: $50
Pre-trip inspection ($10) + basic maneuverability ($10) + road test ($30)
Three-Part Exam
Third-party testing facilities available with different fee structure than state facilities. Fees determined by individual location.
Third-party fee: $115–$250 (Third-party fees: pre-trip ($27) + maneuverability ($27) + road test ($61); varies by provider)
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 Ohio
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $12 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $12 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $12 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $12 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $24 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $12 |
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
$28.50
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
12 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
4 years
Renewal Fee
$49.25
4-year renewal; $97.40 for 8-year renewal
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
HAZMAT endorsement requires retesting and new TSA background check at renewal. Vision test required. 100% documented disabled veterans receive CDL services free of charge.
Regulatory Board
Visit any deputy registrar license agency, surrender out-of-state CDL, pass vision test, and pay fees. Out-of-state CLP holders may take the Ohio skills test if they present a certificate from an Ohio truck driving school.
Transfer Fee
$46.50
4-year term
Timeline
Within 30 days of establishing Ohio residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision test only for valid CDL transfers
Ohio offers both a Military Skills Test Waiver and a Military Even Exchange Program. The Even Exchange Program exempts qualified military drivers from knowledge tests. Combined with the skills test waiver, this allows a military license to be exchanged for a CDL without additional testing. Requires Form BMV 2070. School bus and passenger endorsement transfers prohibited under waiver.
Eligibility
Active duty or separated within 12 months with at least 2 years of military CMV operation experience in qualifying military occupational specialties
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 Ohio.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Ohio 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 Ohio
Ohio offers both 4-year and 8-year CDL terms with corresponding fee differences. CLP is valid for 12 months (longer than most states). State skills test fees are broken into 3 separate charges (pre-trip, maneuverability, road test). 100% documented disabled veterans receive all CDL services free of charge. Ohio has both Military Skills Test Waiver and Even Exchange programs.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Ohio.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#24 of 51
Cost
#26 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
$48,540
25th percentile
Median
$58,080
+1% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$69,310
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
91,090 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 Ohio.