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.
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. 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).
| 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:
Every state set their own requirements and cost to get CDL. Fees to get a Class A CDL includes:
Learn More: Need A Complete List Of All The CDL Requirements? Check Out This List!
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.
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 |
