Commercial Driver License (CDL): Costs, Requirements, and Class A vs B vs C
Published · 7 min read · Commercial
What is a CDL?
A Commercial Driver License (CDL) is a federally regulated license that allows you to operate heavy trucks, buses, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials. CDL rules are set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), so the basic requirements are the same in every state — but states administer the testing and add their own fees on top.
The three classes
Class A
Combination vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) over 26,001 lbs, where the towed unit weighs more than 10,000 lbs. This is the "tractor-trailer" license — over-the-road truckers. With a Class A you can legally operate any Class B or C vehicle as well.
Class B
Single vehicles over 26,001 lbs, or a vehicle towing a trailer under 10,000 lbs. Examples: dump trucks, straight box trucks, school buses, city transit buses, garbage trucks. A Class B does not allow you to drive Class A combinations.
Class C
Vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers (including the driver), OR any vehicle hauling hazardous materials in placardable quantities. Examples: shuttle buses, hazmat tankers under 26,001 lbs.
Endorsements (extra capabilities)
- H — Hazardous materials (requires TSA background check, $87 federal fee)
- N — Tank vehicles
- P — Passenger transport (16+ passengers)
- S — School bus
- T — Double/triple trailers
- X — Combined H + N (hazmat tanker)
Federal requirements
- 21+ years old to drive a CMV across state lines (18 for intrastate in most states)
- Valid non-CDL driver license in good standing
- DOT medical examiner certificate
- Pass general knowledge written test + class-specific written tests + skills test
- Hold a Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) for at least 14 days before the skills test
- Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a certified provider — federally required since 2022
Total cost
The CDL itself is the cheapest part — typically $50-$120 in license fees. The expensive parts are training and testing:
- ELDT training: $3,000-$8,000 at a private CDL school. Some carriers (Werner, Schneider, Swift) sponsor training in exchange for a 1-year contract.
- DOT physical: $50-$150
- Skills test fees: $50-$300 depending on state
- Background check (hazmat only): $87
- License fee: $50-$120
Total out of pocket if not sponsored: typically $4,000-$10,000.
Earning potential
According to BLS, the median heavy truck driver earns about $55,000/year, with experienced over-the-road drivers earning $70,000-$95,000. Specialized operators (hazmat tanker, oversize loads, owner-operators) can earn $100,000+. See SalaryByCity for your area.
Disqualifications
Federal rules disqualify CDL holders for:
- DUI in any vehicle (1-year first offense, lifetime second)
- Refusing a chemical test
- Hit-and-run involving a CMV
- Driving with a suspended/revoked CDL
- Felony involving the use of a CMV
These are stricter than non-CDL rules. A DUI in your personal car can end your CDL career.
The DMVPeek editorial team aggregates and verifies fee schedules, requirements, and office data from all 51 US state motor vehicle departments. Every statistic on this site is cross-referenced against the official agency website before publication, with quarterly re-verification cycles.
Read our full methodology or contact us with corrections.