How much does it cost to get a CDL license in California?

How much does it cost to get a CDL license in California? Earning your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in California typically requires an investment of around $3,500. Actual costs can vary depending on factors such as training school fees, testing expenses, medical exams, and additional endorsements you may need. In this guide, Easy Prep breaks down every expense step by step so you’ll know exactly what to budget for when starting your trucking career in California.

How much does it cost to get a CDL license in California?

How much does it cost to get a CDL license in California?

It typically takes around $3,500 to get a CDL license in California. However, this figure is only an estimate; the actual cost can vary depending on many different factors. Below, we’ve outlined the essential expenses you’ll need to cover when applying for a CDL license in California:

Preparation costs

Before starting CDL training, there are a few mandatory steps every applicant must complete. These costs may seem small compared to tuition, but they are essential requirements in the licensing process:

• Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT): All new drivers must complete ELDT before beginning CDL training. For example, CDL eXpert offers an FMCSA-approved online ELDT course for just $49.95, making it a cost-effective way to meet this federal requirement.
• DOT medical exam: To ensure you meet the health and safety standards for commercial driving, you must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam. The cost typically ranges from $75 to $150, depending on the provider and location.

Study costs

In California, there are several training options available to help you earn your CDL, each with its own price range. The right choice depends largely on your financial situation and career goals, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each program before enrolling.

• Community colleges: Typically cost between $2,500 and $5,000. These programs are often more affordable and may provide additional educational resources.
• Private CDL schools: Range from $4,000 to $10,000. While more expensive, they often offer flexible schedules, modern equipment, and faster training.
• Company-Sponsored training: Usually offered at no upfront cost, but requires you to commit to working for the sponsoring company for a set period after completion.

In addition, if you want to save money or simply get more hands-on practice, you can take advantage of our free California CDL practice test. It’s a convenient way to familiarize yourself with real exam-style questions and sharpen your skills before the official test. 

Application fees

When applying for a CDL in California, every applicant must cover certain mandatory state fees. These charges are separate from training costs and are required to move forward in the licensing process:

• Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): The application fee is $41, which also includes your initial knowledge test. Keep in mind that if you need to retake the test, additional fees may apply.
• CDL license fee: Once you’ve completed training and testing, you’ll need to pay $85 to obtain a Class A or Class B CDL license.

Testing fees

After completing your CDL training program, the next critical step is to pass both the knowledge test and the skills test, which together determine your eligibility to obtain a commercial driver’s license. Each of these exams comes with specific fees, and it’s important to budget carefully because the costs can add up if you need to retake them. 

• CDL Skills Test (Road Test): Conducted by third-party testers, the road test typically costs between $100 and $300 per attempt, depending on the testing center and location.
• Knowledge test retake: While your first written knowledge test is included in the application fee, any retake costs $10 per attempt.

Additional fees

Beyond the standard application and testing costs, there are several optional or situational expenses that many CDL applicants may encounter. These fees depend on the type of commercial driving you plan to pursue and any extra qualifications you need:

• HazMat background check: If you plan to transport hazardous materials, you’ll need a federal background check and fingerprinting, which costs $86,50.
• Endorsement Fees: Adding endorsements to your CDL (such as Tanker, Passenger, or Doubles/Triples) comes with extra charges, typically $40 – $58 per endorsement.

Conclusion

So, how much does it cost to get a CDL license in California? On average, you should budget at least $3,500, but the final amount will vary depending on training options, testing fees, medical exams, and any additional endorsements you choose to pursue. By now, you should have a clearer picture of the total expenses involved and be better prepared to plan your budget. We hope this guide from Easy Prep has been helpful in giving you the insights you need to take your first step toward a truck career in California.