How much does it cost to become a CDL in Oregon?

The total estimated cost to become a CDL in Oregon is $345. This typically includes application fees, exam fees, training costs, and any required background checks.

What is the minimum age for a CDL in Oregon?

The minimum age for intrastate CDL operation in Oregon is 18. Interstate CDL operation requires a minimum age of 21 (federal requirement).

Commercial Driver's License

OregonCDL Requirements & How to Get Licensed

Q: How do I become a licensed CDL in Oregon?

1. Gather Required Documents: Obtain a valid Oregon driver's license, Medical Examiner's Certificate, proof of identity, and SSN documentation. 2. Pass Knowledge Tests and Obtain CLP: Visit an Oregon DMV office and pass the General Knowledge test (English only), plus Combination Vehicle and/or Air Brake tests as applicable. Obtain your CLP. 3. Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT): Complete ELDT through an FMCSA-approved training provider listed on the Training Provider Registry. 4. Hold CLP for 14 Days: You must hold your CLP for a minimum of 14 days before taking the skills test. 5. Pass CDL Skills Test: Schedule and pass the CDL skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, road test) at a DMV office or approved third-party testing location. 6. Obtain CDL: Pay the CDL license fee to receive your full commercial driver's license, valid for 8 years.

VerifiedLast verified: March 2026

Governing Authority

Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) — Driver & Motor Vehicle Services (DMV)

503-945-5000

Official website →

Some information on this page has not been fully verified.

64% of data points are verified against official sources. 9 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data

$345

TOTAL GOV FEES

$3,000-$7,000

TRAINING COST

8 years

RENEWAL CYCLE

18+

INTRASTATE AGE

Get Your CDL in Oregon: Step by Step

Verified

Gather Required Documents

Obtain a valid Oregon driver's license, Medical Examiner's Certificate, proof of identity, and SSN documentation.

DOT physical exam typically costs $75–$150

Pass Knowledge Tests and Obtain CLP

Visit an Oregon DMV office and pass the General Knowledge test (English only), plus Combination Vehicle and/or Air Brake tests as applicable. Obtain your CLP.

CLP valid for one year

Fee: $40

Complete 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–$7,000

Hold CLP for 14 Days

You must hold your CLP for a minimum of 14 days before taking the skills test.

Pass CDL Skills Test

Schedule and pass the CDL skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, road test) at a DMV office or approved third-party testing location.

State-administered skills test fee

Fee: $145

Obtain CDL

Pay the CDL license fee to receive your full commercial driver's license, valid for 8 years.

Original CDL fee

Fee: $160

CDL Classes Explained

Commercial 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

•Tractor-trailers (semi-trucks)
•Flatbeds
•Tanker trucks
•Livestock carriers
•Most truck and trailer combinations

Class B CDL

26,001+ lbs GVWR

Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs

Common examples

•Straight trucks (box trucks)
•Large buses (city, school, transit)
•Dump trucks (single axle)
•Segmented buses
•Large delivery trucks

Class C CDL

Under 26,001 lbs GVWR

Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds

Common examples

•Small HAZMAT vehicles
•Passenger vans (16+ passengers)
•Small school buses
•Some specialized vehicles

Cost Breakdown

Self-Pay Path

Government Fees

CLP (Permit) Fee$40

CDL License Fee$160

Skills Test (State)$145

Skills Test (Third-Party)$200–$500

Training Cost

CDL Training Program$3,000-$7,000

Total Gov Fees$345

CLP ($40) + CDL ($160) + skills test ($145)

Employer-Sponsored Path

Government Fees (You Still Pay)

CLP (Permit) Fee$40

CDL License Fee$160

Skills Test (State)$145

Skills Test (Third-Party)$200–$500

Training Cost

Company-Sponsored Program$0

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.

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CDL Testing in Oregon

Knowledge Test

Passing Score: 80%

Test Components

•General knowledge
•Combination vehicles (Class A)
•Air brakes (if applicable)
•Endorsement-specific sections

Skills Test

State Fee: $145

Commercial driver's skills test fee (effective January 1, 2024); increased from $70

Three-Part Exam

1. Pre-Trip Inspection — Demonstrate knowledge of vehicle safety components
2. Basic Vehicle Control — Straight-line backing, offset backing, alley docking
3. On-Road Driving — Turns, intersections, highway driving, general driving behavior

Third-Party Testing

AvailableVerified

Both state-administered and third-party CDL skills testing are available in Oregon.

Third-party fee: $200–$500 (Varies by provider)

Scheduling Note

Schedule through Oregon DMV or an approved third-party testing location

Requirements

Intrastate Minimum Age

18 years old

Verified

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 Oregon; must surrender any out-of-state license

Endorsements & Fees

Code	Endorsement	Test Type	State Fee
T	Double/Triple Trailers	Knowledge	—
P	Passenger	Knowledge + Skills	—
N	Tank Vehicle	Knowledge	—
H	Hazardous Materials	Knowledge	—
X	Hazmat + Tank Combo	Knowledge	—
S	School Bus	Knowledge + Skills	—

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.

Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)

CLP Fee

$40

Original CLP fee (effective January 1, 2024)

Holding Period

14 days

Validity

12 months

CLP Requirements

•Valid Oregon driver's license (commercial or non-commercial Class C)
•Pass CDL General Knowledge Test (English only)
•Pass Combination Vehicle test (Class A only)
•Pass Air Brake test (if applicable)
•Pass DOT physical / obtain Medical Examiner's Certificate
•Self-certify operating category
•Surrender any other Oregon or out-of-state license/permit/ID

CLP Restrictions

•Must be accompanied by CDL holder in front seat
•May not carry passengers or hazardous materials
•May not operate a school bus with passengers
•CLP valid for one year

CDL Renewal

Renewal Cycle

8 years

Renewal Fee

$104

8-year renewal cycle (effective January 1, 2024); may be eligible to renew online via DMV2U

Medical Renewal

Every 2 years

Details

CDL valid for 8 years. Can renew up to 12 months before expiration, up to 2 years after expiration, or within 6 months of military discharge. May renew online via DMV2U.

Regulatory Board

Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) — Driver & Motor Vehicle Services (DMV)· 503-945-5000

Transferring Your CDL to Oregon

Visit an Oregon DMV office within 30 days of becoming domiciled in Oregon. Surrender out-of-state CDL, provide required documentation, and pay the original CDL fee.

Transfer Fee

$160

Same as original CDL fee

Timeline

Within 30 days of being domiciled in Oregon

Transfer Requirements

•Valid out-of-state CDL
•Medical Examiner's Certificate
•Self-certification of operating category
•Proof of identity and Oregon domicile
•Social Security Number
•Surrender out-of-state license
•TSA background check for HAZMAT endorsement

Retesting Required

Verified

Vision screening; HAZMAT knowledge test and TSA check required to retain HAZMAT endorsement

Military CDL Waiver

Skills Test Waiver: YesKnowledge Test Waiver: No

Oregon participates in the FMCSA military skills test waiver program. Eligible military personnel may renew within 6 months of military discharge.

Eligibility

Active duty or recently separated (within past year) military with equivalent vehicle operation experience

Find CDL Training Schools in Oregon

CDL School Finder →

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 Oregon.

Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Oregon 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.

Special Notes

•Oregon DMV fees increased significantly effective January 1, 2024 under House Bill 2100.
•CDLs are valid for 8 years in Oregon.
•Oregon DMV accepts cash, checks, money orders, debit cards, mobile payments, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.
•HAZMAT endorsement cannot be issued to non-U.S. citizens or non-permanent residents.
•All CDL tests are in English only.
•Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) has been mandatory for all first-time CDL applicants since February 7, 2022.
•Endorsement fees are bundled into the CDL issuance fee ($160) and are not charged separately. Fee amounts effective January 1, 2024 per House Bill 2100.

Unique to Oregon

Oregon has some of the highest CDL fees in the nation following the 2024 HB 2100 increases. Total government fees of $345 (CLP + CDL + skills test) are among the highest nationally. 8-year CDL validity partially offsets the higher initial cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Next Steps

Other Licenses in Oregon

Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Oregon.

Nearby States

CaliforniaCDL requirements →IdahoCDL requirements →NevadaCDL requirements →WashingtonCDL requirements →

State Rankings

Compare all states

How this state compares to 50 others for this profession

Timeline

#1 of 51

Salary

#5 of 51

Cost

#51 of 51

Processing

#1 of 51

Salary & Earnings

Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)

Entry Level

$52,520

25th percentile

Median

$61,180

+7% vs. national avg ($57,440)

Experienced

$71,830

75th percentile

Wage Distribution (Annual)

$47,620

10th

$52,520

25th

$61,180

Median

$71,830

75th

$82,680

90th

24,720 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)

Job Outlook & Growth

National employment projections for 2024-2034

Projected Growth

+2.6%

Below Average

New Jobs

+53,500

over 10 years

Annual Openings

228,600

per year (avg.)

vs. all occupations (4% avg.):-1.4 percentage points

2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)

Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)

Licensing Cost Breakdown

Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license

CLP Fee

$40

Total Government Fees$40

Time investment: 1 months–4 months

Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.

Source: Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL) & Permits (CLP) - Oregon DMV

Time to Get Licensed

Estimated total: 6–16 weeks

Obtain Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)

1–2 weeks

Complete ELDT training program

3–8 weeks

Hold CLP for minimum 14 days

2 weeks(can overlap with previous step)

Pass CDL skills test

1–2 weeks

Receive CDL

1–2 weeks

Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.

Source: Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL) & Permits (CLP) - Oregon DMV

Application Processing Time

1–2 weeks

Estimated processing time

Source: Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL) & Permits (CLP) - Oregon DMV

CDL Exam Prep Books for Oregon

Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.

Browse Study Guides on Amazon →

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Professional Equipment & Supplies for Oregon

Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.

Dash Cams →Seat Cushions →Work Gloves →

Sources

All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:

Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL) & Permits (CLP) - Oregon DMV(accessed 2026-02-25)
Commercial Driver License Fees - Oregon DMV(accessed 2026-02-25)
Getting a Commercial Driver License - Oregon DMV(accessed 2026-02-25)
Renewing a Commercial Driver License - Oregon DMV(accessed 2026-02-25)

Disclaimer: This information is compiled from official state licensing board websites and verified against multiple sources. Always confirm current requirements directly with your state's licensing authority, as licensing rules can change. Links to official state resources are provided for each data point. LicenseMap does not provide legal, financial, or tax advice. See something incorrect? Report it here.

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Exploring other careers? Compare licensing requirements for real estate agents, insurance agents, and notaries in Oregon.