Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Fees

This article explains common fees and costs associated with getting a CDL.

Want to cut your CDL fee costs and get paid while you get your CDL? Consider Roehl’s on-the-job CDL training!

Obtaining your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) requires several steps. Each step, from the application for your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) to the Commercial Driver's License itself, incurs its own costs. These costs add up. Several months ago, we wrote an article that focused on the Cost of CDL Training. That article briefly touched upon a few of the fees associated with obtaining your CDL. This article will expand upon the fees we mentioned and provide a bit more detail related to the process of getting your CDL. Knowing what to expect and the costs you may encounter can help you prepare.

Before we proceed, it is essential to note that each state has its own fee schedule. In some cases, there are fees associated with a particular step in the CDL process, and in other cases, there are no fees associated with a particular step. With this in mind, we have compiled many of these fees into a handy, easy to read table, found at the bottom of this article. *If you believe we have missed something, please let us know.

Before we get started, it’s important to note that you can eliminate many of the fees associated with earning your CDL by getting CDL training with Roehl.

Commercial Learner's Permit Application Fee

Fees: Up to $90, depending on the state. In addition to the CLP Application Fee, you will need to obtain a Medical Examiner's Certificate, which has its own fees associated with it.

Learn more about what a Commercial Learner's Permit is in our write-up titled: The Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) & Becoming a Truck Driver. The steps to obtaining CLP are as follows

• You are going to need to pass a written test. This test is based on your state's Commercial Driver's License Manual. You can acquire a Commercial Driver's License Manual from your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Most states post their Commercial Driver's License manual on their official websites; we recommend checking there first - Find Yours Here. Note: There is minimal variation in each state's CDL Manual, if for some reason, you cannot find your state's CDL Manual, use another state's manual to study. In addition to this, we offer free CDL practice tests. These practice tests feature real questions and answers pulled from various state's CDL Manuals.
• Study the manual until you're ready to take the test. The test consists of 50 questions. You must get at least 80 percent or 40 of the questions correct to get your Commercial Learner's Permit.
• Complete a Medical Exam Report form and Medical Examiner's Certification form. This form, provided by a Medical Examiner, will state that a driver is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle in accordance with the physical qualification standards. When you turn in the application for your CLP, this documentation is required. To get started, find a medical examiner near you. Medical Exam fees will vary by examiner/provider; if you're on a budget, shop around first. Note: The Medical Examiner Certification is not typically covered by health insurance. If you are getting your CDL with Roehl, please use our step by step guide
• Submit the completed CLP application and the required fee. As we mentioned above, fees vary, but they can run upwards of $90.

Commercial Driver's License Application Fee

Fees: $0-$43, depending on state.

The Commercial Driver's License "application" is the form you will need to complete when applying for your Commercial Driver's License (CDL). This form will consist of your Identification Information (everything from your name, addresses, DOB, social security number to current license information), questions related to "Certifications" ("are you a resident in the state you're applying for your CDL in?", "do you have any limitations or medical conditions, either mental or physical?", and other questions related to qualifications). In addition to these questions, the application will ask about "CDL Endorsements" you are trying to obtain. For more on "Endorsements", read on.

CDL Endorsement Fees

Fees: Varies, depending on endorsement and state.
There are six endorsements commercial truck drivers can add to their CDL license. To operate certain types of commercial vehicles, a specific endorsement may be necessary. Find the endorsements listed below, along with the requirements for obtaining that kind of endorsement:

• Double/Triple Trailers (Knowledge Test Only)
• Passenger (Knowledge and Skills Tests)
• Tank Vehicle (Knowledge Test Only)
• Hazardous Materials (Knowledge Test Only)
• Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials Endorsements (Knowledge Test Only)
• School Bus (Knowledge and Skills Tests)

CDL Written Test(s) Fees

Fees: Varies by State. Up to $125.

The CDL written test consists of questions on a number of topics, ranging from maintaining safe operating speeds in many types of driving conditions, handling cargo, using an electronic logging device, operating all the systems in the vehicle, and more.
Test-takers receive 60 minutes to complete the exam. If the driver would like a particular endorsement (see above), additional questions may be added. Most endorsement tests add an additional 20 to 25 questions. Most states do not set a time limit for the test-taker to answer the endorsement exam questions.

CDL Skills Test Fees / CDL Road Test Fees

Fees: Up to $250, depending on state.

The CDL skills test involves a road test, a pre-trip inspection test, and a basic vehicle control test. The skills test is a necessary part of obtaining your CDL. During the skills test, you must drive on the road with a test administrator, so the test must be scheduled in advance. If you have two or more years of experience in driving with the military, you may qualify for a waiver. Find out more about the Military Skills Test Waiver and the Even Exchange by visiting the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Military Driver Programs page.

*Note: Some states will also charge a separate fee for the CDL Road Test.
 

CDL License Fee (This is the actual license itself)

Fee: Varies. Up to $120 depending on state.

Once you've passed the CDL exam, you must pay for your commercial driver's license, which can cost upwards of $120. You must renew your CDL on a regular basis, but frequency varies by state. Check your state's requirements to find out more.

What Are the Total Costs For Getting A CDL?

As we discussed in our previous article, CDL tuition can range from $1,500 to $8,000. Combined with the other costs described above, obtaining your CDL can cost up to $9,000. These costs all depend on the location of your licensing and your training. Because fees vary by state, we've compiled a fee schedule for your convenience, which you can view here. Fees are subject to change.

Alternatively, you can avoid many of the expenses that come with obtaining your CDL by enrolling in Roehl's Get Your CDL Paid Training Program, which can save you thousands of dollars – all while Roehl employs you. The paid training to obtain your CDL lasts about three weeks. Training is provided in multiple locations, so you can choose a convenient location.

Want to get your CDL? Don't wait any longer. Contact Roehl to find out more about our job opportunities and our CDL Paid Training Program.

If you think we have missed something in regards to fees associated with getting your CDL, please let us know!

CDL Fees by State