Ready to kickstart your journey as a commercial driver in Mississippi? This complete guide on how to get a CDL in Mississippi covers everything you need to know from eligibility requirements and application steps to passing the CDL knowledge and skills tests. Whether you’re aiming for endorsements or simply navigating the process, this guide ensures you’re fully prepared to hit the road confidently.
Let’s dive into the essentials for earning your Commercial Driver’s License!
What are the Mississippi CDL requirements?
Before starting to get the CDL in Mississippi, you have to meet several requirements to successfully pass the CDL application. These requirements range from age standards to training courses to the CDL tests – the last step to receive CDL in Mississippi.
Now let’s see the details:
- Age standard: CDL applicants must be at least 18 years old to drive within the state, and at least 21 to drive outside of the state.
- Proof of residency: Applicants have to submit documents that are acceptable to prove their legal presence in Mississippi.
- Medical certification: To prove that applicants are physically ready for a driving job, applicants must provide the Medical Examiner’s Certificate which is issued after passing the DOT physical.
- Entry-level Driver Training: If CDL applicants apply for the CDL for the first time, they are required to complete the ELDT consisting of theory and behind-the-wheel training.
- Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): This permit is issued after taking the CDL knowledge test and is required to take the CDL skills test.
Continue reading the details about Mississippi CDL requirements!
Once you prepare all the necessary documents for the CDL application, submit them to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. If accepted, now it is time to take the CDL knowledge and skills test to finally receive the CDL license.
How to get a CDL in Mississippi?
Take the CDL knowledge test
The CDL knowledge test is organized to examine the applicants’ understanding of driving-related topics such as safety regulations, vehicle operation, emergency codes, and so on. This test consists of three subtests:
- General knowledge test: Assesses a driver’s understanding of road safety, vehicle operation, and regulations necessary for commercial driving.
- Air Brakes test (if applicable): Evaluates knowledge of air brake systems, including components, functionality, and troubleshooting to ensure safe operation of vehicles equipped with air brakes.
- Combination Vehicle test (if applicable): Focuses on skills and knowledge required to operate combination vehicles like tractor-trailers, including coupling and uncoupling procedures and safe maneuvering.
There are also some endorsement tests such as HazMat endorsement, School bus endorsement,… if the vehicle you operate is equipped with special parts or special purposes.
Take the Mississippi CDL practice tests today!
Take the CDL skills test
The CDL skills test is the final step applicants need to pass to start their commercial driving career. This test is to examine the aspiring drivers’ knowledge in using and operating commercial vehicles. Similar to the CDL knowledge test, CDL skills test also includes three subtests:
- Pre-trip inspection: Tests a driver’s ability to identify and assess the condition of critical vehicle components to ensure safety before driving.
- Basic vehicle control: Evaluates skills in handling the vehicle through controlled maneuvers such as backing, turning, and parking.
- On-road driving: Assesses practical driving abilities in real traffic conditions, including following rules, maintaining awareness, and safely operating the vehicle.
Receive the physical license
All done? Now it’s time to receive your reward – the CDL license in Mississippi! To receive it, you might have to wait several days for the physical license to be made.
FAQs
1. How much does it cost to get a CDL in Mississippi?
Typically, you can expect to spend around $4000 to $6000 to obtain a CDL in Mississippi. This cost includes fees from DOT physical examination, training course, testing to license fee.
Continue reading to know How much does it cost to get a CDL in Mississippi!
2. How long does it take to get your CDL in Mississippi?
To get a CDL in Mississippi, people typically spend around six to eight weeks from the preparation stage to testing steps. This is quite a long time mostly due to the training period which is required if CDL applicants register for the first time.
3. Do you have to go to school to get your CDL in Mississippi?
You do not have to go to school to get your CDL in Mississippi; however, it is required that you complete the Entry-level Driver Training before taking the CDL knowledge and skills test to ensure you are equipped with adequate knowledge and experience in operating commercial vehicles.
4. Can I take my CDL test online in Mississippi?
You can not take the CDL test online in Mississippi, instead you have to take it at a specific location required by the state. This is to ensure fairness while taking the test for all the CDL applicants. However, you can certainly take the CDL practice tests online which is necessary for the official test.
Final thoughts
To get a CDL in Mississippi or in any other state, you have to put in a lot of time and effort, as well as financial resources – from the pplication process to taking the tests. Remember to get the documents done to avoid rejection from the state authority. Now you have an answer to the question how to get a CDL in Mississippi, should anything be confusing, do not hesitate to leave questions below for further discussion.
