Commercial Driver's License (CDL Class A) Cost
At a glance
- Exam fee
- $75
- Issuing body
- State DMV / FMCSA
- Domain
- Skilled trades
- Validity
- Per state (typ. 4-8 yrs)
Informational only — not financial or career advice. Exam fees and certification requirements change, and the figures here are accurate only as of the listed verification date. Confirm the current fee and rules directly with the certifying body before you register or budget. We report the official-body exam fee for a single attempt; it excludes prep courses, materials and retakes, and is not the total cost of certifying.
The Commercial Driver's License (CDL Class A) exam fee charged by state DMV offices is $75 for a single attempt, as of June 2026. This official-body fee covers the examination only and does not include third-party training courses, study materials, or retake attempts. Candidates should confirm the current fee directly with their state's DMV or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) before budgeting, as fees are subject to change. Additional costs such as mandatory Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), typically ranging from $4,000 to $12,000, and state license issuance fees are separate from the exam fee and vary by jurisdiction.
The CDL Class A certification most commonly leads to employment as a heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for workers in this occupation is $57,440. This figure represents median earnings data only and should not be interpreted as a guaranteed salary or expected income for certification holders. Individuals should verify current licensing requirements, fees, and eligibility criteria with their state DMV or the FMCSA before proceeding.
Related pay (occupation median). The U.S. BLS reports a median annual wage of $57,440 (typically $38,640–$78,800 from the 10th to the 90th percentile) for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, the occupation this certification most often targets. That is the occupation’s pay, not a guaranteed lift from the certificate — actual pay depends on role, employer, location and experience. Source: BLS OEWS national file.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Certification | Commercial Driver's License (CDL Class A) |
| Issuing body | State DMV / FMCSA |
| Base exam fee | $75 |
| Fee notes | license fee $30-75; ELDT training $4,000-12,000 |
| Prerequisites | ELDT (entry-level driver training) + medical card |
| Validity / renewal | Per state (typ. 4-8 yrs) |
What this fee does and doesn’t include
The figure here is the official-body exam fee for a single attempt. It does not include third-party training, prep courses, study materials, or retake fees — those are separate and vary by provider. Membership-tiered bodies may offer a lower member rate (noted above). Confirm the live fee on the issuer’s registration page before budgeting.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Commercial Driver's License (CDL Class A) exam?
Does this include a prep course?
Exam fee compiled from issuer’s registration page →, verified June 2026. How we compile this. Confirm the current fee before you pay — bodies re-price periodically.
Prerequisites & how to register → · Prep guide → · Compare Skilled trades certs →