You are ready to kickstart your trucking career in Ohio, but concerned about the financial investment? Getting your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a crucial step toward a rewarding career in transportation, and understanding the costs involved is essential for proper planning. In short, it typically costs about $3000 to $6000 to get your CDL in Ohio, including DOT physical, training programs, licensing, and testing fees.
Now let’s break down the real costs you can expect, helping you make an informed decision about your future in the trucking industry!
How much does it cost to get your CDL in Ohio?
Typically, you can pay about $3000 to $6000 to get your CDL for the first time in Ohio. This fee includes all the necessary financial responsibilities that you have to fulfill in the path of obtaining the CDL. Now keep reading to unfold each stage’s cost!

DOT physical cost
Remember you need a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) to apply for a CDL in Ohio? To get a MEC, you need to pass the DOT physical in which your general health will be checked.
Regarding this, the cost of a DOT physical exam in Ohio typically ranges from $70 to $90 depending on the provider. Many locations offer competitive rates to CDL applicants, with $80 being a common price point.
Entry-Level Driver Training program fee
To be qualified for the CDL in Ohio, you also need to pass the Entry-Level Driver Training program. Similar to the DOT physical, the ELDT fee in Ohio also varies depending on the training provider. However, programs meeting the federal ELDT requirements typically cost about $5000 including classroom and behind-the-wheel training.
Testing fee
In terms of testing fees, you have to pay for two main tests which are the Knowledge Test to get the Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), and the skills test to get an official Commercial Driver’s License.
Commercial Learner’s Permit fee
The CLP typically costs $28.5 with each endorsement fee being $44.5. For example, if you take H endorsement (Hazardous) and S endorsement (School bus), the total fee you have to pay for the CLP is $117,5.
CDL skills test fee
The CDL skills test’s cost depends on the facility you choose to take the test. If you opt out a state-owned testing sites, the cost is
- Pre-trip inspection: $10
- Basic control test: $10
- Road test: $30
If third-party testing locations are what you choose, the cost is
- Pre-trip inspection: $27
- Basic control test: $27
- Road test: $61
Remember to choose your testing locations to save your budget wisely!
Licensing fee
Do not panic as this is the last fee you need to pay! According to the Ohio BMV, the Commercial Driver’s License fee for four years is $43.5 and $86.0 for eight years duration.
FAQs
1. How much does CDL school cost in Ohio?
CDLs school in Ohio typically costs between $3000 to $7000 depending on the program’s length, type, and included services. Community colleges and private schools may vary, with some offering financial aid or payment plans.
2. How can I get my CDL for free in Ohio?
You can get your CDL for free in Ohio through employer-sponsored programs, workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants, or state workforce development initiatives. Some trucking companies cover training costs in exchange for employment commitments.
3. How much does it cost to get a Class B CDL in Ohio
A Class B CDL in Ohio costs approximately $109 for licensing and testing fees. This includes permit fees, testing, and issuance. Additional costs may include ELDT training, which ranges from $1000 to $3000 depending on the test provider.
Final thoughts
Estimating the CDL cost is crucial before you want to apply and delve into this career. So long story short, you can expect to pay around $3000 to $6000 to get a Commercial Driver’s License in Ohio. This amount may seem to be high; however, remember that you can earn much more after getting a legal CDL in hand. Now the question “How much does it cost to get your CDL in Ohio” is solved. Should anything be confused, do not hesitate to leave questions below for further discussion.