As you start to consider entering the trucking industry, it’s important to take note of the financial investment involved. One of the things you should find out is: how much does a CDL cost? Finding out how much the cost will be can help you prepare sufficient finance.
Prepare for the CDL - Commercial Driver's License exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
CDL school cost and CDL training cost will vary between different school options and various parts of the country. Rather than charging every week or semester, most schools charge one lump sum for the entire course.
How much does it cost to get your CDL? The total cost is typically around $3,000 to $7,000 for the whole program. The cost depends on whether you are getting a class A, class B, or class C CDL license. The more time you need to spend on training, the more you should prepare on spending on tuition.
When you start training for your CDL, you are hired and paid as a full-time employee since day one. You’ll be paid for your travel to the terminals, cover your lodging and meals while you train and obtain your CDL. CDL training usually lasts about seven weeks, running five days per week, and is available in various locations.
Class A CDL programs tend to last longer than Class B and C as Class A allows you to drive a wider variety of trucks and take on larger loads. However, before you could get a CDL license, you must first obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP). CLP fee varies for each state and type of license, which is valid for up to 180 days. Once you have got your CLP, you will also need to pay fees to complete your CDL testing, which includes written test fee, skills test fee, processing fee, and license fee (for license term of 3 years).
CDL test cost may vary by license type and location. Below are the DMV CDL test cost of Connecticut:
General Knowledge Test | $16 |
CDL Endorsement Costs (each) | $5 |
Skills Test | $30 |
CLP, New | $10 |
CLP, Modify | No Fee |
CLP, Duplicate (replacement) | $10 |
CLP, Renewal | $10 |
CDL, Change State of Record (new issue) | Variable ($70 or $87.50) |
CDL, Duplicate (replacement) | $30 |
CDL, Upgrade | $22 |
CDL, Modify | No Fee |
CDL, Renewal | $70 for a four-year renewal |
CDL, Renewal Late Fee | $25 |
Before you try getting a CDL license, make sure you meet have the following requirements to make the process faster and smoother:
Normally, CDL training in Florida should cost somewhere between $2,500 and $4,500. There is normally a $500 difference in pricing between competing truck driving schools in the same general location.
In reality, Class B CDL cost can range from $1,495 on the low end to $13,000 on the high end. Because each school sets its own tuition prices, the cost of your CDL license Class B training can differ from one school to the next.
For CDL license Texas cost, you may refer to the table when obtaining your CDL license in Texas:
CDL type | Cost |
New: 18 to 84 years old | $61 |
Renewal: 18 to 84 years old | $61 |
New: 85 years and older | $26 |
Renewal: 85 years and older | $26 |
Replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged CDL | $11 |
Change address or name | $11 |
Add or remove endorsements or restrictions | $11 |
Original - Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) | $25 |
Renewal - Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) | $25 |
Motorcycle with CDL: New (add to CDL fee) | $15 |
Motorcycle with CDL: Renewal (add to CDL renewal fee) | $8 |
Add motorcycle to existing CDL | $16 |
Non-domiciled CDL
(For non-U.S. residents) | $121 |
Temporary non-domicile CDL
(For non-U.S. residents) | $21 |
CDL for individuals registered under Texas Sex Offender
| $21 |
CDL Cost by State | CDL License Cost | CLP Permit Application Cost |
CDL Cost Alaska | $120.00 | $15.00 |
CDL Cost Arizona | $25.00 | $25.00 |
CDL Cost Arkansas | $42.00 | - |
CDL Cost California | $82.00 | - |
CDL Cost Colorado | $17.08 | $18.52 |
CDL Cost Connecticut | $70.00 | $10.00 |
CDL Cost Delaware | $48.00 | $5.00 |
CDL Cost Florida | $75.00 | - |
CDL Cost Georgia | $32.00 | $10.00 |
CDL Cost Hawaii | $5.00 | $30.00 |
CDL Cost Idaho | $40.00 | $29.00 |
CDL Cost Illinois | $60.00 | $50.00 |
CDL Cost Indiana | $35.00 | $17.00 |
CDL Cost Iowa | $8.00 | $12.00 |
CDL Cost Kansas | $18.00 | - |
CDL Cost Kentucky | $88.00 | $11.00 |
CDL Cost Louisiana | $61.50 | - |
CDL Cost Maine | $34.00 | - |
CDL Cost Maryland | $50.00 | $90.00 |
CDL Cost Massachusetts | $75.00 | $30.00 |
CDL Cost Michigan | $25.00 | - |
CDL Cost Minnesota | $51.00 | $10.50 |
CDL Cost Mississippi | $55.00 | $16.00 |
CDL Cost Missouri | $20.00 | $16.00 |
CDL Cost Montana | $52.02 | - |
CDL Cost Nebraska | $59.50 | - |
CDL Cost Nevada | $112.25 | $58.25 |
CDL Cost New Hampshire | $60.00 | $20.00 |
CDL Cost New Jersey | $42.00 | - |
CDL Cost New Mexico | $18.00 | - |
CDL Cost New York | $164.50 | - |
CDL Cost North Carolina | $21.50 | $21.50 |
CDL Cost North Dakota | $15.00 | $15.00 |
CDL Cost Ohio | $43.50 | $28.50 |
CDL Cost Oklahoma | $56.50 | $4.00 |
CDL Cost Oregon | $135.00 | $23.00 |
CDL Cost Pennsylvania | $98.50 | - |
CDL Cost Rhode Island | $82.50 | $72.50 |
CDL Cost South Carolina | $2.50 | $15.00 |
CDL Cost South Dakota | $33.00 | $33.00 |
CDL Cost Tennessee | $64.00 | - |
CDL Cost Texas | $97.00 | $25.00 |
CDL Cost Utah | $52.00 | - |
CDL Cost Vermont | $60.00 | $15.00 |
CDL Cost Virginia | $64.00 | $3.00 |
CDL Cost Washington | $102.00 | $40.00 |
CDL Cost West Virginia | $5.00 | $25.00 |
CDL Cost Wisconsin | $74.00 | $30.00 |
CDL Cost Wyoming | $50.00 | - |
The total CDL license cost in 2026 typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,000, but this can vary significantly. This includes CDL school tuition, state licensing fees, permit fees, medical exam costs, and endorsement fees. Some programs offer financial aid or paid training options, which can offset the upfront investment. Always get a detailed breakdown from your chosen CDL training provider.
The CDL written exam can be challenging due to the breadth of topics covered, including general knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles. Effective preparation involves dedicated study of your state's CDL manual and utilizing high-quality practice tests. PracticeTestGeeks.com offers FREE online CDL practice tests with questions and answers to help you master the material and pass on your first attempt.
Beyond tuition and basic fees, hidden costs for a CDL can include re-testing fees if you fail an exam, transportation to and from CDL school, living expenses during training, and potential lost wages. Additionally, some schools might charge extra for study materials or specific endorsement training. It's vital to inquire about all potential expenses upfront to avoid surprises.
Absolutely! PracticeTestGeeks.com provides comprehensive and FREE CDL practice tests online, specifically designed to help you prepare for the 2026 exams. These mock tests cover all essential sections, including general knowledge, air brakes, and endorsements, with detailed questions and answers. Utilizing these resources is an excellent strategy to boost your confidence and ensure you're ready for the actual CDL exam.
Typically, getting a CDL takes between 3 to 7 weeks for full-time programs, though part-time options can extend to several months. The duration can impact the total cost, especially if you incur living expenses or miss work during training. Shorter, intensive programs might have a higher upfront cost but reduce overall time-related expenses. Consider your schedule and financial situation when choosing a program.