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Get your West Virginia CDL — government fees ($186.25), 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
Most information on this page has been verified.
92% of data points are verified against official sources. 2 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
$186.25
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
5 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT through an FMCSA-registered training provider. First-time CDL applicants who never held a CDL prior to February 7, 2022 must complete ELDT.
Also required for first-time P, S, or H endorsement applicants
Obtain DOT Medical Certificate
Complete DOT physical and obtain Medical Examiner's Certificate
Must maintain valid MEC or face CDL downgrade within 30 days of expiration
Gather Documents and Apply for CLP
Gather required identification documents and completed Form DMV-CDL-1. Visit a WV DMV office, pass knowledge tests (general knowledge, air brakes, combination), and receive your CDL instruction permit.
CDL testing fee; must hold Class E or D license for at least 1 year
Fee: $25Practice with CLP
Hold CLP for at least 14 days. Practice driving with a licensed CDL holder.
CLP valid for up to 180 days; not renewable (one-year permit cannot be renewed)
Pass CDL Skills Test
Schedule and pass the skills exam through a third-party tester. All WV skills exams are conducted by third-party testers.
Paid to third-party examiner
Fee: $100Receive CDL
After passing the skills test, pay the CDL license fee and receive your West Virginia CDL
Maximum 5-year fee; amount varies by years issued under 'Drive for Five' program
Fee: $61.25Commercial 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 testing ($25) + CDL ($61.25) + skills test ($100)
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: $100
All skills tests in WV are conducted by third-party testers; fee paid to examiner
Three-Part Exam
All CDL skills exams in West Virginia are conducted exclusively by third-party testers
Third-party fee: $100 (All WV skills tests are conducted by third-party testers at this standard fee)
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 West Virginia
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $10 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $10 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $10 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $10 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $20 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $10 |
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
$25
CDL testing fee plus applicable driver's licensing fees
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
6 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Renewal Fee
$61.25
Maximum 5-year fee for Class A/B/C; varies by years
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
Under the 'Drive for Five' program, all WV driver's licenses expire on your birthday at an age divisible by 5 (25, 30, 35, etc.). CDLs are valid for 5 years. Failure to provide valid MEC within 30 days of expiration results in CDL downgrade to Class E.
Regulatory Board
Visit a WV DMV office within 30 days of establishing residency. Complete the Application for Commercial Driver's License (Form DMV-CDL-1). Surrender your out-of-state CDL. HAZMAT transfers require new fingerprinting and background check.
Transfer Fee
$61.25
Maximum fee; varies by years issued
Timeline
Within 30 days of establishing West Virginia residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening; HAZMAT requires new written exam, fingerprinting, and background check
West Virginia participates in the federal military CDL skills test waiver program. Qualified military personnel with equivalent CMV operation experience may have the skills test waived.
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated military with equivalent vehicle 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 West Virginia.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in West Virginia 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 West Virginia
West Virginia uses a 'Drive for Five' system where all CDLs expire on the holder's birthday at an age divisible by 5. All skills tests are exclusively third-party administered. WV requires holding a regular license for at least 1 year before CDL eligibility. The CLP cannot be renewed -- a new application is required if it expires.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in West Virginia.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#49 of 51
Cost
#43 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
$41,630
25th percentile
Median
$49,040
-15% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$58,720
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
11,560 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 West Virginia.