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Commercial Driver's License
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
$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
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: $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)
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 West Virginia
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| 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
12 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
West Virginia has 7% above average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
West Virginia has above-average cdl truck drivers density — competitive market.
West Virginia ranks #23 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
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
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
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 residence
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening; HAZMAT requires new written exam, fingerprinting, and background check
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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.
Start Your CDL Training in West Virginia
State-approved online courses you can start today.
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.
CDL Schools in West Virginia
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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Official Sources
CDL Driver requirements in West Virginia verified against West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: