CDL license costs vary by state, but most drivers pay between $100 and $300 for the license itself, plus $50 to $150 per written test attempt and $100 to $300 per skills test attempt
The total cost to obtain a commercial driver's license depends on which state you're in, whether you already hold a regular driver's license, and how many test attempts you need. Most of the expense comes from testing fees rather than the license document itself. A few states bundle testing into a single fee; most charge separately for the written exam, the pre-trip inspection test, and the road test. If you fail any test, you pay again to retake it.
Beyond the state fees, many drivers also pay for a CDL training school or study materials. That cost is separate from the licensing fees and ranges from a few hundred dollars for online prep courses to $3,000 to $7,000 for a full commercial driving school program. This guide covers only the state licensing and testing costs, not training.
Key Takeaways
- Most states charge $50 to $150 for the written knowledge test and $100 to $300 for the skills test, with the license fee itself usually $50 to $100.
- Some states like California and Texas charge a single combined fee of $150 to $250 instead of breaking costs into separate tests.
- If you fail a test, you typically pay the full test fee again; some states allow one free retake within a set period.
- You must already hold a valid regular driver's license in most states before you can test for a CDL, and some states charge an additional fee to add the commercial endorsement.
- A few states offer reduced fees for military veterans or first-time test-takers, so check your state's DMV website for discounts.
How states structure CDL testing and licensing fees
States fall into two main fee structures. Some charge a single flat fee that covers the written test, the vehicle inspection test, and the road test all together. Others charge you separately for each component. Texas charges a single $250 fee for all three tests. California charges $150 for the written test and $150 for the skills test (inspection and road combined). New York charges $10 for the written test, $10 for the pre-trip inspection, and $20 for the road test, then adds a $65 license fee on top.
The license document itself—the card you receive after passing—typically costs $25 to $100 depending on the state. Some states include this in the test fee; others bill it separately when you pass. A few states charge an additional endorsement fee if you're adding a commercial class to an existing regular license rather than obtaining a CDL from scratch.
Retake fees are usually the same as the initial test fee. If you fail the written exam, you pay the written test fee again. If you fail the skills test, you pay that fee again. Some states allow one free retake within 30 days; most do not. Check your state's DMV website or call before your first attempt to confirm whether retakes are free or paid.
Typical cost breakdown by test component
| Test Component | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Written knowledge test | $10–$150 | Some states bundle this into a single fee; others charge separately. Covers general CDL rules and hazmat if applicable. |
| Pre-trip inspection test | $0–$100 | Often bundled with the road test. Some states include it in a combined skills fee. |
| Road test (driving skills) | $50–$300 | The most expensive component. Some states charge more for certain vehicle classes or endorsements. |
| License document fee | $25–$100 | Charged after you pass all tests. Some states include this in the test fees. |
| Hazmat endorsement test (if needed) | $10–$100 | Additional fee if you need to transport hazardous materials. Usually taken at the same time as other tests. |
States with the lowest and highest CDL costs
New York has among the lowest total costs: $10 for the written test, $10 for the pre-trip, $20 for the road test, and $65 for the license, totaling $105 before any endorsements. South Carolina charges $20 for the written test and $100 for the skills test, plus a $20 license fee, for a total of $140. These states do not charge separate fees for retakes if you fail within a certain window.
Florida charges $75 for the written test and $150 for the skills test, plus a $75 license fee, totaling $300. Georgia charges $35 for the written test and $200 for the skills test, plus a $35 license fee, totaling $270. Illinois charges $50 for the written test and $300 for the skills test, plus a $30 license fee, totaling $380. These higher-cost states typically do not offer free retakes.
The difference between the lowest and highest states can exceed $250 for the same license. If you are relocating for work, the state you choose to test in can meaningfully affect your upfront cost. Some drivers who live near state borders test in the lower-cost state if they are not yet employed by a carrier in their home state.
What happens if you fail a test and need to retake it
Most states require you to pay the full test fee again if you fail. A few states—including New York and South Carolina—allow one free retake within 30 days of a failure. After that free retake, you pay the standard fee for any additional attempts. Other states offer no free retakes at all.
The written test can usually be retaken within days. The skills test (pre-trip and road) often has a longer wait because testing slots fill up, especially in high-traffic areas. In some states, you must wait 7 to 14 days before retaking the skills test; in others, you can schedule when ready if a slot is open. Budget for the possibility of needing two or three attempts, especially for the road test, which has a higher failure rate than the written exam.
If you fail the road test, you typically do not have to retake the written test or pre-trip inspection—only the road portion. Confirm this with your state's DMV before your test, because a few states require you to retake all components if you fail any one of them.
Discounts and fee waivers for certain drivers
Some states offer reduced or waived fees for military veterans, active-duty service members, or their spouses. Florida waives the skills test fee for honorably discharged veterans. Georgia offers a 50% discount on the license fee for veterans. These discounts vary widely and are not available in every state, so contact your state's DMV to ask whether you may have access to.
A few states offer fee reductions for drivers who complete an approved CDL training program. The discount is usually $25 to $50 off the skills test fee. This is not a blanket rule—check whether your state participates and whether your chosen school is on the approved list before enrolling.
Some states charge lower fees for certain endorsements or vehicle classes. For example, a Class B CDL (straight truck) may cost less to test for than a Class A (tractor-trailer). If you only need to drive a smaller commercial vehicle, you may pay less than a driver who needs the full Class A license.
Additional costs beyond state licensing fees
The state licensing fee is only one part of the total cost to become a CDL driver. Most people also pay for a CDL training course, which ranges from $300 for an online study program to $7,000 for a full 4-week commercial driving school. Some employers reimburse training costs after you complete a set period of employment, but you typically pay upfront.
You will also need a valid medical certificate (DOT physical) before you can drive commercially. This costs $50 to $200 depending on the provider and your location. Some employers cover this cost; most require you to pay for it yourself. The certificate is valid for two years and must be renewed before it expires.
If you need a hazmat endorsement to transport hazardous materials, you will also need a background check and fingerprinting, which cost $15 to $50 depending on your state. This is separate from the hazmat test fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the CDL test in a different state than where I live?
Yes, but you must be a resident of that state or have a valid reason to test there. Most states require you to hold a driver's license issued by that state or to establish residency before testing. If you are relocating for work, you may be able to test in your new state before your move is complete. Contact the DMV in the state where you want to test to confirm residency rules.
Do I have to pay for the written test and skills test at the same time?
No. Most states allow you to take the written test first, and only pay for the skills test when you are ready to schedule it. Some states require you to pass the written test before you can schedule the skills test. A few states charge a single combined fee upfront regardless of when you take each test.
What if I pass the written test but fail the skills test multiple times?
You only pay the skills test fee for each attempt. You do not retake the written test unless your state requires it. Most states allow you to keep your written test pass for 6 to 12 months while you practice and retake the skills test. Confirm the validity period with your state's DMV so you know how long you have before the written test expires.
Are there payment plans for CDL licensing fees?
Most state DMVs do not offer payment plans for licensing fees because the costs are relatively low compared to other licenses. You typically pay the full amount when you schedule or take the test. Some commercial driving schools offer payment plans for their training programs, but that is separate from the state licensing fees.
Do I need to pay for a medical certificate before I take the CDL test?
No. You can take the written and skills tests without a medical certificate. However, you cannot legally drive a commercial vehicle until you have passed the medical exam and obtained your DOT medical certificate. Most employers require you to have this before your first day of work, so plan to get it done shortly after you pass your CDL tests.