Commercial Driver License Holder License Guide 2026
Commercial Driver License Holder licensing in 2026 is regulated state-by-state: pre-license education requirements vary by state, the exam is most commonly administered by State DMV, and published first-attempt pass rates are not consistently published.
By The LicenseFig Editorial Team · independent editorial research project
Operates commercial vehicles (Class A/B/C). Requires FMCSA-compliant state testing: written knowledge tests, a skills test, and a medical card.
National overview — CDL at a glance
| States with verified data | 12 of 51 |
| Pre-license education | varies by state |
| Most common exam vendor | State DMV |
| Exam passing score | varies by state |
| National pass-rate reference | not published |
| Published state pass rates | not published |
| Exam fee | varies by state |
| Application fee | varies by state |
| Common renewal cycle | every 8 years |
| Background check | varies by state |
State-by-state essentials (top verified states)
Arizona
Full guide ↗- Exam vendor
- State DMV
- Renewal
- 5 yrs
Florida
Full guide ↗- Exam vendor
- State DMV
- Renewal
- 8 yrs
How to get a CDL license — step by step
- 1Meet the basic requirements
Minimum age is 18 in every state with a published figure.
- 2Complete pre-license education
Approved training hours are not published in our verified dataset — check your state board for the current figure.
- 3Register and pass the exam
The exam is most often administered by State DMV. Schedule through the vendor portal after your education is reported.
- 4Pay fees and submit your application
Expect an exam fee of varies by state and an application fee of that varies by state. Submit any required background check results with your application.
- 5Maintain your license
The most common renewal cycle is every 8 years. Track continuing-education deadlines so your license never lapses.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours of education do I need to become a CDL?
Required training hours are not consistently published in our dataset — check your state board for the current figure.
How hard is the Commercial Driver License Holder exam?
Most states do not publish first-attempt pass rates — check your state board.
What does a CDL license cost?
Fee schedules are not published in the verified dataset — check your state board before paying.
Who administers the Commercial Driver License Holder exam?
The most common vendors are State DMV (12 states). Your state chooses one vendor — confirm on your state's licensing page.
Can I transfer my CDL license to another state?
Reciprocity for CDL licenses is decided state-by-state and is not uniformly published. Contact both state boards before moving to confirm whether your license transfers or requires an exam.
Dig deeper into CDL licensing
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Requirements change frequently — verify all figures with your state licensing board (data retrieved 2026-08-20).