How much does a CDL license cost in California: A Full Breakdown

Are you preparing to get a California Commercial Driver’s License but wondering about how much does it cost to get a CDL license in California? The California CDLs cost between $6,000 and up to $8,000 depending on whether you are applying for Class A, B, or C. These fees include the basic license, its renewal, or an endorsement for special classes of driving, such as Hazmat or passenger transport. That is not all in the total cost, though. Other added costs will include training, medical examination, and TSA background checks. Whether you are starting a new career or upgrading your license, this guide covers all costs in detail for confident budgeting and avoiding unexpected expenses. Let’s have a look right now!

How Much Does It Cost To Get A CDL License in California?

For both Class A and Class B CDLs, the fees range upwards of $6,000-$8,000 for original and renewal licenses, while the cost of endorsements, retests, and other services is extra. For Class C CDLs, the license and endorsement fees start at $5,000. Extra costs that should be considered are medical exams, background checks, and training, which add to the general cost.

Class A or B fees

Here is a breakdown of some of the Class A or Class B CDL fees that you have to pay in California.

• Original CDL License fee: $98.
• Renewal fee: $58.
• Commercial driving or skill retest fee: $45.
• Replacement fee (lost or stolen license): $43.
• Information update fee (name changes, address changes, or other personal information changes): $36.
• Removing restrictions (air brake or automatic transmission): $98.
• Passenger endorsement: $98.
• Tank endorsement, Doubles/Triples endorsement, or Hazmat endorsement: $58 for each.

In short, take a look at the below table:

Class C fees

For a Class C CDL, which is normally used for a single vehicle or combination of vehicles designed to transport 16 or more people, not including the driver, or used for carrying materials found hazardous in nature, costs are as follows:

• Original or renewal CDL license fee: $58.
• Adding Tank, Hazmat, or Passenger endorsements: $58 for each.
• Commercial driving or skill retest fee: $45.
• Replacement fee (lost or stolen license): $43.
• Information update: $36.

Testing fee

Although some of the testing associated with CDL licensing is included in basic licensing fees, there are additional fees associated with re-testing and third-party testing. For instance, re-testing for the driving skills portion of the exam is $45 per attempt. Third-party testing providers may have their own testing fees, depending on the location and individual service provider. These testing fees especially apply to those individuals who need further practice in driving or who fail the test the first time.

Medical examination fee

All CDL applicants should undergo a DOT or Department of Transportation medical examination to ensure they are physically capable of driving commercially. Costs for this exam range from $50 to $150, depending on the provider. You will need to go to one of the certified medical examiners listed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s registry to complete this requirement. Ongoing medical recertification may be necessary based on your health condition and license class.

Training fee

All new CDL applicants must undergo the ELDT mandated by the FMCSA. Training costs range from a low of about $3,000 to a high of $8,000 for private CDL schools; community colleges range from $1,000 to $5,000, while some trucking companies offer free or low-cost training with an agreement to work for them. ELDT will cover both classroom and behind-the-wheel training to better prepare you for federal requirements to take the CDL exams.

TSA background check for H endorsement fee (if applicable)

In order to get the Hazmat – H endorsement, you will need to undergo a TSA background check. This includes fingerprinting and a security check to ensure that you are qualified to meet the federal requirements. The cost for this background check is $86.50 plus the cost of the endorsement. The TSA may require this check to be renewed on occasion to keep the endorsement.

FAQs

1. How much does CDL school cost in California?

The average cost for attending a CDL school in California will range from about $3,000 to $8,000, depending on the program type, the duration, and the provider of the training. Community colleges may offer courses that start lower, from about $1,000 to $5,000, while private schools frequently offer comprehensive training packages at higher prices. Some trucking companies also offer no-cost or low-cost CDL training in return for a guarantee to drive for them.

2. How much does a California CDL permit cost?

The cost of a CDL instruction permit in the state of California is $38 – $40. This permit is necessary for behind-the-wheel practice with a licensed CDL driver and is one step before getting your full CDL license.

Final thoughts

Now you have the full explanation of how much does it cost to get a CDL license in California. The cost of getting a CDL license in California consists of several things, beginning with DMV fees for Class A, B, or C licenses, then followed by some additional expenses such as training, medical examination, endorsements, and many more. You need to understand what these costs involve to be well-prepared with finances during this wonderful journey into making a career in commercial driving. If you are going for your first CDL application or need an upgrade on your existing license, it is possible to bypass that unexpected expense with a little planning. Good preparation will launch you forward into a wonderful career.