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Get your Pennsylvania CDL — government fees ($273), 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
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
717-412-5300
Official website →$273
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,800-$9,500
TRAINING COST
4 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Obtain Pennsylvania Driver's License
Must hold a valid PA non-CDL driver's license.
Apply for Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
Schedule appointment at PennDOT Driver License Center, complete Forms DL-31CD and DL-11CD, pay fees.
CLP valid for 12 months
Fee: $65 ($30 CLP + $35 knowledge test)Pass Knowledge Tests
Take and pass CDL knowledge tests for your desired class and endorsements at a Driver License Center.
PennDOT issues Knowledge Test Authorization (KTA) for scheduling
Complete 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 15 Days
Practice driving with a qualified CDL holder. Pennsylvania requires 15 days (1 day more than federal minimum).
Schedule and Pass CDL Skills Test
Schedule skills test through PennDOT website or by calling 717-412-5300. Pass all three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road test.
Tests conducted at Driver License Centers or through PennDOT-authorized third-party examiners
Fee: $91.50Pay CDL Fee and Receive License
Pay CDL fee and receive driving document (camera card). Visit a photo license center for final CDL photo.
Fee: $151.50Commercial 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 ($30) + CDL ($151.50) + state skills test ($91.50)
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: $91.50
CDL skills test fee
Three-Part Exam
PennDOT-authorized third-party examiners available. PennDOT does not conduct CDL skills tests at DMV locations; all tests are through Driver License Centers or third-party examiners.
Third-party fee: $150–$500 (Varies by PennDOT-authorized third-party examiner)
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 Pennsylvania
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $21.50 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $21.50 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $21.50 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $21.50 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $21.50 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $21.50 |
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
$30
Plus $35 knowledge test fee; add $5 per additional commercial permit
Holding Period
15 days
Federal minimum: 14 days
Validity
12 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
4 years
Renewal Fee
$151.50
4-year renewal; $71.50 for 2-year renewal (age 65+)
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
HAZMAT endorsement requires retesting and new TSA background check at renewal. Medical certificates accepted electronically only via FMCSA National Registry as of June 2025.
Regulatory Board
Schedule appointment at PennDOT Driver License Center, surrender out-of-state CDL, complete Form DL-180RCD, pass vision exam, and pay fees.
Transfer Fee
$151.50
Same as CDL fee
Timeline
Within 60 days of establishing Pennsylvania residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening only for valid CDL transfers; skills test generally waived
Qualified military service members may have the CDL skills test waived. Must have at least 2 years of military CMV operation experience. School bus and passenger endorsement skills tests are not waived.
Eligibility
Active duty or separated within 12 months with at least 2 years of military CMV 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 Pennsylvania.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Pennsylvania range from $3,800 to $9,500. 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 Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a 15-day CLP holding period instead of the standard 14 days. PennDOT does not conduct CDL skills tests at DMV locations; all skills tests must be through Driver License Centers or authorized third-party examiners. No cash accepted at any PennDOT location. HAZMAT requires an additional $60 federal fee charged by PennDOT on top of the endorsement fee and TSA background check.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Pennsylvania.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#22 of 51
Cost
#49 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
$49,390
25th percentile
Median
$58,540
+2% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$63,340
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
90,160 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.
Source: Apply for a Pennsylvania Commercial Driver's License - PennDOT
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Apply for a Pennsylvania Commercial Driver's License - PennDOT
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Apply for a Pennsylvania Commercial Driver's License - PennDOT
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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