The total cost to get a CDL license ranges from $100 to $800, depending on your state and whether you need endorsements

The written test fee and skills test fee are set by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. Most states charge $10 to $50 for the written exam and $50 to $150 for the driving skills test. Some states bundle these into a single fee; others charge separately. A few states include the written test at no charge if you pass it at a DMV office, then charge only for the skills test.

The license issuance fee — what you pay to actually receive the CDL card — typically runs $20 to $100 and varies widely by state. A few states charge under $20; others charge $100 or more. This fee is separate from test fees and is due whether you pass on your first attempt or your fifth.

If you need endorsements — such as Hazmat (hazardous materials), Tanker, or Passenger — most states charge an additional $5 to $25 per endorsement. The written test for each endorsement may also have its own fee, usually $5 to $15.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's DMV sets all CDL fees, and costs vary significantly — check your specific state's website for exact amounts before you pay anything.
  • Written test, skills test, and license issuance are usually three separate charges, though some states combine the tests into one fee.
  • Endorsements like Hazmat or Tanker add $5 to $25 each, plus sometimes a separate written test fee for each one.
  • Retesting fees are the same as initial test fees, so if you fail the skills test, you pay the full skills test fee again.
  • Medical certification fees (required before you can take the CDL test) are not part of the DMV fee but typically cost $50 to $150 through a certified examiner.

What the written test costs

The written test fee covers the general knowledge test and any endorsement-specific written tests you take. Most states charge $10 to $30 for the general knowledge test alone. If you add endorsements, each endorsement written test is usually $5 to $15 extra, and you can take multiple endorsement tests in one visit.

A handful of states — including some that offer online testing — charge no fee for the written test itself, only for the skills test and license issuance. Check your state's DMV website to see whether the written test is free or paid in your location. If you fail the written test, you typically pay the full fee again to retake it, though some states allow one free retake within a certain window.

What the skills test costs

The skills test (also called the driving test or road test) is usually the largest single fee: $50 to $150 in most states. This test includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic control skills portion (backing, turning, parking), and an on-road driving portion. You must bring your own vehicle or arrange one through a testing facility.

If you fail the skills test, you pay the full fee again to retake it. Some states allow you to retake it the same day; others require you to wait a few days or schedule a new appointment. Either way, there is no discount for a retake. A few states charge slightly less for a retake ($30 to $50 instead of the full fee), but this is uncommon — assume you will pay full price.

License issuance and renewal fees

Once you pass both tests, the DMV charges a fee to issue your CDL card. This ranges from $20 to $100 depending on your state and how long the license is valid (typically 4 or 8 years). Some states charge the same fee regardless of validity period; others charge more for longer licenses.

When your CDL expires, renewal fees are usually lower than the initial issuance fee — often $15 to $50 — but again this varies by state. Some states charge the same renewal fee as the initial fee. A few states require you to retake the written test at renewal; most do not.

Endorsement fees and tests

Adding an endorsement after you already have your CDL usually costs $5 to $25 per endorsement, plus sometimes a written test fee ($5 to $15). The most common endorsements are Hazmat (hazardous materials), Tanker, Passenger, and Doubles/Triples. You can add multiple endorsements at once, and fees stack — adding three endorsements might cost $15 to $75 total, depending on your state.

Some endorsements require only a written test; others require both a written test and a skills test component. Hazmat, for example, requires a written test and a background check (which may have its own fee, typically $0 to $25). Passenger endorsement usually requires a written test and a skills test. Check your state's requirements before you pay, because the fee structure differs by endorsement type.

Medical certification and other costs outside the DMV

Before you can take the CDL written test, you must obtain a medical certificate from a certified medical examiner. This is not a DMV fee — you pay a private doctor or clinic, typically $50 to $150. The exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general health. Some employers cover this cost; most require the driver to pay.

You may also need to pay for a CDL training course if you do not already have the knowledge to pass the written test or skills test. These courses range from $500 to $3,000 and are optional but common, especially for the skills test. Training is not required by law, but many people find it necessary to pass on the first attempt and avoid retesting fees.

State-by-state fee examples

Because fees vary so much, here are a few real examples. California charges $35 for the written test, $100 for the skills test, and $70 for license issuance — $205 total before endorsements. Texas charges $20 for the written test, $130 for the skills test, and $30 for license issuance — $180 total. New York charges $10 for the written test, $50 for the skills test, and $120 for license issuance — $180 total. These are baseline costs; endorsements and retesting add to these amounts.

Your state's DMV website will list the exact fees for your location. Search "[your state] CDL fees" or visit your state's DMV site directly. Some states post fees online; others require you to call or visit in person. It is worth checking before you schedule your tests, because a few states have recently raised fees and the information on third-party sites may be outdated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the full skills test fee if I fail and retake it?

Yes, in almost all states. You pay the full skills test fee each time you take it, whether it is your first attempt or your fifth. A few states offer a small discount on retakes, but most do not. Budget for the possibility of retesting when you plan your expenses.

Can I add endorsements later, or do I have to get them all at once?

You can add endorsements anytime after you have your CDL. You do not have to get them all upfront. Each endorsement costs a separate fee, so adding them one at a time or all together makes no difference to the total cost — only to when you pay it.

Is the medical certificate fee included in the DMV fee?

No. The medical certificate is obtained from a private certified medical examiner, not the DMV, and you pay them directly. This cost ($50 to $150) is separate from all DMV fees. Some employers cover it; most do not.

What happens if I move to a different state after I get my CDL?

You can transfer your CDL to a new state, but each state has its own process and fees. Most states allow you to transfer without retesting, but you may pay a transfer or issuance fee ($20 to $100). A few states require you to retake the written test or skills test. Contact your new state's DMV to learn the specific requirements and costs.

Are there any fee waivers or discounts for low-income drivers?

A few states offer reduced fees for low-income applicants, but this is not common. Some states waive or reduce the medical certificate fee through community health programs. Contact your state's DMV or a local workforce development office to ask whether any fee information programs exist in your area.