Getting your CDL In Missiouri
To obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Missouri, the following steps must be followed:
1. Obtain a Missouri driver’s license
2. Obtain a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certificate
3. Study the Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual and pass a written knowledge test at a Missouri State Highway Patrol Examination Station
4. Obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) by passing a skills test consisting of a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and an on-road test
5. Hold the CLP for at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test
6. Pass a CDL skills test comprising of three portions, namely, pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving
The cost of obtaining a CDL in Missouri may vary depending on several factors such as the type of CDL, endorsements needed, and fees for each step of the process. Generally, the fee ranges from $50 to $100 for obtaining a CLP, while the cost of the CDL skills test may range from $40 to $100.
Note that the specific fees may vary depending on the test location and any additional fees required for each test.
To obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Missouri, you need to go through a process that includes meeting certain requirements, completing training, passing written and practical exams, and paying the necessary fees. Please note that the information provided is based on the knowledge available up until September 2021, and there may have been updates or changes since then. It’s always best to consult the official website of the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) or the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Here is a general outline of the CDL process in Missouri:
1. Determine the CDL Class: Missouri offers several classes of CDL, including Class A, Class B, and Class C, depending on the type of vehicle you intend to operate.
2. Eligibility Requirements: Ensure you meet the basic requirements set by the Missouri DOR and MSHP. You must be at least 18 years old for an intrastate CDL (within Missouri) or 21 years old for an interstate CDL (across state lines). You must have a valid regular driver’s license and provide proof of citizenship or legal presence in the United States.
3. Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): Before obtaining a CDL, you will need to obtain a CLP. To get a CLP, you need to pass a written knowledge test specific to the class of CDL you’re seeking. The test covers topics like general knowledge, air brakes (if applicable), combination vehicles (if applicable), and any endorsements you may need. You must also pass a vision screening and provide proper identification and proof of residency.
4. CDL Training: Consider enrolling in a CDL training program at a commercial driving school or a community college. These programs provide hands-on training and prepare you for the CDL skills test. While not mandatory, completing a training program can enhance your skills and job prospects.
5. Skills Test: Once you’ve obtained your CLP and completed your training, you can schedule an appointment with the Missouri MSHP to take the CDL skills test. The skills test typically includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and an on-road driving test. You may also need to complete additional tests for specific endorsements.
6. Endorsements: If you plan to operate vehicles with additional features or requirements, such as carrying hazardous materials, transporting passengers, or driving a tanker, you may need to obtain specific endorsements. Endorsements require additional written tests and possibly additional skills tests.
7. Fees: The fees associated with obtaining a CDL in Missouri may vary. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the base fee for a CDL in Missouri is $20 for a three-year license. There may be additional fees for specific endorsements or other services. These fees are subject to change, so it’s best to check the Missouri DOR or MSHP websites or contact their offices directly for the most current fee information.
It’s important to note that additional costs may arise, such as those related to CDL training programs, medical examinations, and background checks.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on CDL requirements and fees in Missouri, please refer to the official website of the Missouri Department of Revenue or the Missouri State Highway Patrol or contact their offices directly.
CDL Permit Rule Requirements
CDL Medical Certification Requirements
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Hazardous Materials
- Requirements for Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Endorsement Applicants
- Hazardous Materials Endorsement FAQs
Legal Information
Manuals
CDL Testing
- CDL written knowledge testing may be completed at any Missouri State Highway Patrol Driver Examination Station. Pursuant to §302.720.2(1) RSMo, the written testing shall only be administered in English and no translators shall be allowed for applicants taking the knowledge test. The Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual is available online, in any MSHP Driver Examination office, or any Missouri license office.
- CDL skills testing is available to the public by appointment only at defined Missouri State Highway Patrol CDL Test Sites. CDL skills test applicants must have completed applicable knowledge testing and have held a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) a minimum of 14 days prior to skills testing.
- Reasonable testing accommodations for CDL applicants with disabilities, including persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, will be made in accordance with current State and Federal guidelines. Applicants may request consideration of accommodation by contacting the Missouri State Highway Patrol Driver and Vehicle Safety Division at 573-751-2341.
- Applicants that wish to operate in a non-exempted interstate or non-exempted intrastate commerce are required to obtain a DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate prior to the issuance of a CLP or CDL. Drivers with physical impairments that may affect their ability to safely operate a CMV, must obtain a “variance” form issued through the Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). For example, such “variance”, often a Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE), is required for drivers with impaired or missing limbs, and must be carried with the Medical Examiner’s Certificate at all times.
- Resources:
- Information from FMCSA regarding medical requirements can be found at www.FMCSA.dot.gov.
- Information regarding Missouri Department of Transportation’s variance or waiver application program may be found:
- Online: www.modot.org/SC;
- By phone: 866-831-6277 (toll free); or
- Email: contactmcs@modot.mo.gov.
Military
- Military CDL Skills Test Waiver – Missouri law allows active-duty or retired service member to complete an application for waiver of skills testing to obtain a commercial driver license (CDL). You must have been regularly employed within 90 days prior to waiver application date in a job requiring operation of a commercial motor vehicle and have operated the commercial vehicle for the military for at least 60 days during the 2 years immediately preceding application date.
In lieu of the Missouri CDL skills test, you must submit a completed Application for Military CDL Skills Test Waiver (Form 5140), along with all other required documentation. Please take care to complete the Form 5140 accurately. Failure to do so may result in the loss of eligibility of the waiver.
You must still complete the required knowledge examinations (at a Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) driver examination station) for the commercial driver license class applied for.
You may then apply and pay for the new CDL at any Missouri license office, and the written test results must not be more than 6 months (180 days) old at the time of application. - Military CDL Even Exchange Knowledge and Skills Test Waiver – Missouri allows a current or former military service member to complete an application for waiver of knowledge and skills testing to obtain a CDL. A military applicant who is or was employed or designated as one of the following MOS ratings
may be eligible to apply for such waiver:
- U.S. Army; 88M, 14T, or 92F;
- U.S. Air Force; 2T1, 2F0, or 3E2;
- U.S. Marine Corps; 3531; or
- U.S. Navy; E.O.
You must have been regularly employed, within one year prior to the waiver application date, in a job requiring operation of a commercial motor vehicle and must have operated the commercial vehicle for the military for at least the two years immediately preceding separation from the military. A completed Application for Military CDL Even Exchange (Form 5800) must be submitted, along with all other required documentation, at the time of application at any Missouri license office. Please take care to complete the Form 5800 accurately. Failure to do so may result in the loss of eligibility of the waiver.
Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act (MCSIA)
Nondomiciled
Commercial Driver License or Commercial Learner’s Permit – State of Domicile
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation 49 CFR 383.5, defines “State of Domicile” as the state where a person has his or her true, fixed and permanent home and principal residence at which he or she has the intention of returning whenever absent.
In compliance with the Federal regulation and Missouri State Code of Regulation 12 CSR 10-24.405, all commercial driver license or commercial learner’s permit applicants must submit two acceptable documents as proof of Missouri residency as part of any new, renewal, duplicate or address change transaction.
Acceptable documents:
Utilize the Department’s interactive guide to ensure you have the documents required to apply for your REAL ID.
School Bus (S) Endorsement
Commercial Endorsements and Restrictions
Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Registration Fees
Additional Information
- Motor Carrier Services – This website is your gateway to Missouri state requirements, forms, and information for businesses and individuals interested in commercial operations of trucks, tractor-trailers, buses, limousines, or other commercial motor vehicles, on public highways in Missouri.
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