How Much Does it Cost to Get a CDL?
The price to obtain your commercial driver’s license (CDL) will vary by state. But on average, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $8,000 for a truck driver training course that will prepare you to pass your CDL test. The price will vary depending on the type of license and endorsements you want as well as the school you attend.
While you don’t need to go to a trucking school to get your CDL, most trucking companies require drivers to have completed a CDL training course or company sponsored course before they will offer them a job. A truck driver training course will also prepare you for the driving skills portion of your state CDL test.
Unlike colleges or universities who charge per credit hour, trucking schools charge one lump sum for your entire education. While some may be more affordable than others, the price does not reflect the quality of the education. The price variation is due to a variety of factors such as the experience of instructors, available technology, or the intensity of the program.
The overall cost of your CDL license also depends on the type of CDL license you want. Class A, B, and C CDLs each cost a different amount. Contact your local DMV for an exact cost breakdown. Additionally, extra endorsements add an additional cost to your overall amount. Again, endorsement costs will vary across the country, but you can expect to pay anywhere between $10 to $50 per endorsement depending on which state you are in.
While endorsements may add an extra fee to your overall CDL license cost, these endorsements give you a competitive edge in the job field and allow you to take on higher paying jobs that require additional endorsements and experience.
To help with CDL training costs, many trucking schools offer financial assistance, scholarships, or paid training programs. Some trucking companies even offer tuition reimbursement if you drive with their company for a contracted amount of time.
For a more detailed breakdown of how much a CDL license costs in your state, contact your nearest DMV.