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Commercial Driver's License
Governing Authority
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) – Driver and Vehicle Services
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
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: $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)
Ready to pass the CDL Knowledge Test?
Practice exams built for the CDL licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $21.50 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $21.50 (Upgrading Commercial Class or Endorsement) |
| 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 (Upgrading Commercial Class or Endorsement) |
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
Pennsylvania has 12% above average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
Pennsylvania has above-average cdl truck drivers density — competitive market.
Pennsylvania ranks #19 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
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
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
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
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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.
See our picks for the best CDL schools in Pennsylvania.
Start Your CDL Training in Pennsylvania
State-approved online courses you can start today.
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.
CDL Schools in Pennsylvania
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
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CDL Driver requirements in Pennsylvania verified against Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) – Driver and Vehicle Services, April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: