So, you’re going for a commercial driver’s license — that’s awesome!
But how exactly do you get a CDL in Missouri?
What are the steps? The requirements? The details?
Welcome to your complete guide to Missouri CDL requirements.
Here, we’ll talk about everything that’s CDL-related — from knowing the different CDL classes, endorsements, and requirements.
Of course, we won’t forget the actual steps of getting it.
There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started right away!
CDL Classes in Missouri
Commercial driver’s licenses in Missouri can fall under one of three classes:
- Class A CDL
- Class B CDL
- Class C CDL
So the question is, which one do you need?
Let’s take a look.
Class A CDL
First up is the Class A CDL. You’ll need this if you’re planning to operate a combination commercial motor vehicle (CMV) with a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or heavier. And, since it’s a combination vehicle, it tows a unit, which must weigh more than 10,000 pounds.
A Class A CDL is the highest license, so, with the proper endorsement, you can operate Class B and Class C vehicles, too.
Class B CDL
You need this CDL class to operate single CMVs with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of over 26,001 pounds. If your vehicle is towing a unit, it must weigh fewer than 10,000 pounds.
Straight vehicles like box trucks or large buses need a Class B CDL.
A Class B CDL still provides flexibility as it allows you to drive Class C vehicles with the right endorsement. However, you can’t operate Class A CMVs.
Class C CDL
What sets Class C vehicles apart is the load it carries.
Remember, not all commercial vehicles are trucks and buses.
So with a Class C CDL, you can operate a CMV with a GVWR of fewer than 26,0001 pounds AND is used for:
- Transporting 16 or more passengers (including the driver)
- Hauling large quantities of hazardous materials (enough to require your vehicle to be placarded)
CDL Endorsements in Missouri
What are endorsements?
To drive specific vehicles or carry specific loads, you need to have the right endorsement on your commercial license. This will show that you received special training for it.
Now, there are 6 endorsements available in Missouri. These are:
- T (Double/Triple Trailer) — if you operate combination vehicles towing two or more units.
- N (Tank) — if you’re driving a vehicle with tanks permanently or temporarily attached to it. It usually transports liquid or gaseous materials.
- S (School Bus) — if you’re operating a school bus.
- P (Passenger) — if you’re transporting passengers using your commercial vehicle.
- H (Hazmat) — if you’re moving hazardous materials in quantities requiring placarding.
- X (Combination H & N) — if you’re transporting hazardous materials in a tank vehicle.
You can get three endorsements on a commercial permit — N, S, and P.
As for the rest (T, H, and X), you can only get it once you have a CDL.
CDL Requirements in Missouri
Before we look at the steps to getting your CDL, let’s see if you qualify.
Like a standard driver’s license, you must meet several requirements before you’re eligible to apply.
Let’s see the basic requirements:
- You meet the age requirement
- 18 if you’re driving within Missouri
- 21 if you’re crossing state lines
- You’re a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident
- You are a Missouri resident
- You have a Missouri-issued driver’s license
- Your driving privileges are active
- You’re compliant with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation’s medical requirements.
- You are proficient in English (enough to speak and read it)
So, how many boxes did you check off?
All? Great, let’s move to the steps!
Only a few? Focus on that first. Remember, you must check off all boxes to qualify for a CDL.
How to Get A CDL in Missouri
The journey to your commercial driver’s license has two main parts:
- Getting your permit (CLP)
- Getting your license (CDL)
Let’s break these parts into detail.
How to Get Your CLP in Missouri
Here are the steps to getting a commercial learner’s permit in Missouri:
- Determine the following:
- What CDL class to get
- Whether or not you need endorsements
- Ensure you’re eligible to apply. You can refer to the section above for a checklist.
- Visit a Missouri State Highway Patrol Driver Examination Station (click here for locations).
NOTE: The Missouri State Highway Patrol conducts all driving-related tests. And although you don’t need to schedule an appointment before going, it’s best to know your preferred site’s operation hours. If you arrive too late in the day, you may not be able to take a test.
- Bring the following documents when you visit a testing site:
- Proof of identity (proof of lawful presence for non-citizens)
- Proof of Missouri residence
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Your active driver’s license
- A valid Medical Examiner’s certificate
- Pay $25 for the CDL written test fee.
- Pass the CDL written test and any endorsement test (if applicable)
- Visit a local Driver’s Licensing Office (click here for locations) and apply for a CDL permit.
- Submit the following documents:
- Proof of identity (proof of lawful presence for non-citizens)
- Proof of Missouri residence
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Your active driver’s license
- A valid Medical Examiner’s certificate
- Your written test passing score
- Pay $16 for the CDL permit fee.
- Receive your CLP (commercial learner’s permit).
Congratulations! You’ve completed part one.
Now, you can practice how to drive a commercial vehicle under your class. Just remember that you should always have a licensed commercial driver at least 21 years old in the front seat.
How to Get Your CDL in Missouri
Your CLP remains valid for a year after its issued. That gives you enough time to complete the following steps before it expires:
- Complete the Entry-Level Driver Training program. It’s a requirement for all applicants who are:
- Applying for a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time
- Applying for an H, S, or P endorsement for the first time
- Upgrading their CDL from a Class A to a Class B CDL
NOTE: You can begin the ELDT program before you get your CLP. You don’t need a permit to enroll — some schools even help you get your CLP.
- Hold your CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills exam.
- Make an appointment for your CDL skills exam with one of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Test Sites.
NOTE: These test sites do NOT accept walk-ins when it comes to CDL skills exams. So make sure you set an appointment before going.
- On your scheduled date, bring the following:
- Your valid CLP
- A vehicle that’s representative of your CDL class
- Your vehicle’s registration and insurance papers
- Pay $25 for the CDL skills exam fee.
- Pass all three parts of the CDL skills exam.
- Go to a Driver’s Licensing Office to apply for a CDL.
- Submit these documents:
- Proof of identity (proof of lawful presence for non-citizens)
- Proof of Missouri residence
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Your active driver’s license
- A valid Medical Examiner’s certificate
- Your skills exam passing score
- Your valid CLP
- Pay the CDL licensing fee:
- 3-year validity – $26
- 6-year validity – $52
- Get your CDL.
And you’re done! You’re officially a commercial driver in Missouri.
FAQs
To give you more information, let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions about CDLs in Missouri.
How much does it cost to get a CDL in Missouri?
Prepare between $2,500 to $4,600 when you’re working on your Missouri CDL.
The fees alone can reach a hundred dollars:
- Permit fee: $16
- Written test fee: $25
- Skills test fee: $25
- Licensing fee: $26/$52
However, your most significant expense is going to be at CDL school. Tuition can range between $2,500 to $4,500, averaging around $3,800.
Don’t forget to compare rates between CDL schools — it may help keep your expenses manageable.
How long is CDL school in Missouri?
CDL school can be as short as 3 weeks to as long as 3 months. Besides cost, this should be another factor to consider when choosing an approved provider.
What disqualifies you from getting a CDL in Missouri?
Several things can disqualify you from getting a CDL. These are as follows:
- Driving with a BAC of 0.04% or higher
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Committing a felony using a commercial vehicle
- Committing serious driving violations such as reckless driving or exceeding the allowable speed limit by more than 15 mph
- Driving a CMV when you’re supposed to be out Out-of-Service
- Violating railroad-highway grade crossing laws
- Having too many violations on your standard license
How many times can you get the CDL permit test in Missouri?
You can take the CDL permit test as many times as you need. However, you can only have 1 attempt per day. And, you will have to pay the test fee again.
This is why it’s best to arrive prepared.
To prepare, you can download a copy of the Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual. This manual is the basis of the permit test.
Also, remember that you must get 80% or higher on each exam (assuming you’re taking more than one due to endorsements) to pass.
How much do truck drivers make in Missouri?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, truck drivers in Missouri earn an average of $50,780 per year. It’s at par with the national annual wage of $50,340.
The Wrap Up
There you have it — all the information you need about Missouri CDL requirements.
It is a lot to take in. But with this complete guide, you now have a roadmap to navigate your journey. And by following the steps one by one, you’ll get everything done in no time.
Good luck!
FAQs
Missouri CDL Requirements (A Complete 2023 Guide)? ›
It's 50 multiple-choice questions that must be answered in one hour. Get just 10 wrong and you will fail and have to return to the DOR another day.
What are the requirements for a CDL license in Missouri? ›- Have a valid state of Missouri driver's license.
- Be at least 18 years old. ...
- Have a Missouri Commercial Learner's Permit (CDL permit) at least 14 days before taking the CDL test. ...
- Pass the required skills test.
- Complete an Entry Level Driver Training Course.
It's 50 multiple-choice questions that must be answered in one hour. Get just 10 wrong and you will fail and have to return to the DOR another day.
What are the 3 tests for CDL permit in Missouri? ›To get your CDL, you must pass both the knowledge and skills tests. CDL knowledge tests include: General Knowledge, Passenger Transport, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Hazardous Materials, Tanker Vehicles, Doubles/Triples, School Bus, Firefighter.
Where can I get a Missouri driver's guide? ›The Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual and Motorcycle Operator Manual are posted on our website at http://dor . mo . gov/. You may also request a copy from the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), or any Motor Vehicle and Driver Licensing Office (license office).
What disqualifies you from getting a CDL in Missouri? ›1 Year Disqualification
Refusing blood and/or breath test if the person is a CDL holder or if person is operating a CMV. Failing to stop at the scene of an accident if the accident causes injury or death. Using a CMV to commit a felony. Driving a CMV with a revoked, suspended, canceled, or disqualified privilege.
Does a truck with air brakes require a CDL? No. This a common misconception; a CDL is not required to operate a truck with air brakes as long as the GVWR is 26,000 lbs. or less.
What happens if you fail CDL test 3 times in Missouri? ›If you fail the test, you can retake it as early as the next business day. However, if you fail the test 3 times, you will have to take additional behind-the wheel training before your next attempt.
How many times can you take a CDL test in Missouri? ›You are allowed only one test attempt per day and must start from the very beginning on each attempt. Be sure to download and study the Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual as it contains pertinent information that will help you pass the CDL Skills Test.
How long is a Missouri CDL permit good for? ›Applicants for a CDL are required to hold a CLP for a minimum of 14 days prior to completing skills testing for a full CDL. The CLP will be issued for a period of 360 days and is non-renewable. Upon expiration, the applicant must complete all required knowledge testing to obtain a new CLP.
Do you have to go to school to get a CDL in Missouri? ›
Complete entry-level driver training (ELDT) from a FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) approved trucking school. CDL training will teach you the skills required for safely driving a large commercial vehicle and prepare you for CDL knowledge and skills tests.
How many questions are on the combination CDL test in Missouri? ›Drivers who want to drive combination vehicles must pass the combination vehicles test. The Missouri CDL combination test consists of 20 questions, and you'll need at least 16 correct answers to pass (80%).
Is the Missouri CDL test multiple-choice? ›The Class F (regular operator) and Class E (For-Hire) written tests administered by the Missouri State Highway Patrol driver examiners are multiple-choice tests.
What vision do you need for CDL in Missouri? ›GENERAL VISION INFORMATION: The standard minimum acuity required for an unrestricted license is 20/40 with either or both eyes. The best-corrected vision between 20/41 – 20/59 with either or both eyes shall be restricted to daylight driving only.
How much does a Missouri drivers test cost? ›| Type of Document | Valid up to 3 years |
|---|---|
| Driver License | |
| *Class A, B, or C Minimum age: 18 | $26 |
| *Class A, B, or C Age 70 or older with “S” endorsement – Requires annual skills testing for renewal. | |
| Class E Minimum age: 18 | $21 |
A Class E driver's license is required when contracted with or employed with a school district to provide transportation services in a vehicle that transports less than 16 including the driver (Department of Revenue). A school bus (S) endorsement is also required on the Class E license.
Can I keep my CDL without a medical card in Missouri? ›CDL or CLP holders required to have a “certified” medical status who fail to provide and maintain an updated medical examiner's certificate with the Department will become “not-certified” and they may lose their CDL.
Can a felon get a CDL in Missouri? ›The answer is yes. Some trucking companies will hire felons as CDL drivers.
What weight do you need a CDL in Missouri? ›Drivers must hold a commercial driver's license if they operate in interstate, intrastate, or foreign commerce and drive a vehicle that is: • A single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or • Has a gross combined weight rating or gross combined weight (GCWR/GCW) of 26,001 pounds or more, inclusive of a towed ...
What is the heaviest you can haul without a CDL? ›The federal requirement specifies that, when a vehicle has a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less, the operator does not need a CDL license.
What is the K restriction on a CDL in Missouri? ›
Intrastate Excepted or Non-Excepted
If you held a Chauffeur's license prior to May 13, 1988 and have a “K” restriction printed on your CDL, you are exempt from the need to have a DOT medical card and should certify as being excepted intrastate (EA).
All Missouri CDL holders are required to certify the type of commercial operation they're engaged in. You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements. You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements.
What is the hardest test with CDL? ›The general consensus is that the road test is the hardest part of getting your commercial driver's license (CDL). However, that could depend on how much you study and practice or how you feel about taking written tests.
Can you fail parallel parking and still pass in Missouri? ›Parallel Parking
It is fine to touch the curb, but don't roll over it. Even if you get points taken off for not successfully parallel parking your car, as long as you don't hit a car or the curb too forcefully, you should still pass your test.
In the state of Missouri you are required to parallel park for the purposes of your driver's test.
How much is CDL school in Missouri? ›In Missouri, the cost of Class A and Class B CDL training can range between $4,000 to $6,000 depending on which truck driving school location you choose to attend.
What are the commercial vehicle regulations in Missouri? ›Trucks can have no more than 20,000 pounds per axle on interstates and 22,000 pounds on highways. Trucks cannot have more than 34,000 pounds on a tandem axle on interstates and 36,000 pounds on highways. Trailers cannot be longer than 53 feet on interstates and designated highways.
What is a Class F license in Missouri? ›Full Driver License (Class F) — Eligible Age: 18
This is the basic driver license, also called an operator license. You must have a Class F license to operate any motor vehicle (other than one requiring you to have a Class A, B, C, or E license.)
Use your CLP to practice driving with a qualified instructor or CDL driver holding a valid license at or above the level of your permit. You must hold the permit for 14 days prior to taking the road test(s).
What is a Class C license in Missouri? ›C Any single vehicle less than 26,001 pounds GVWR or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess. of 10,000 pounds GVWR. This group applies only to vehicles which are placarded for hazardous materials or are designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the operator.
How many hours does a permit driver need in Missouri? ›
At the time of application for the instruction permit, you must sign your name to certify that you will ensure your son or daughter receives a minimum of 40 hours of behind the wheel driving instruction with a minimum of 10 hours nighttime driving between sunset and sunrise.
Do you need a CDL to drive a school bus in Missouri? ›Per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), mechanics operating an empty school bus are not required to have the S endorsement. They are only required to have the proper class of CDL with passenger vehicle (P) endorsement.
How long is truck driving school in Missouri? ›Truck Dynasty Driving Academy in Springfield, Missouri, offers a four-week, 160-hour curriculum. As a bonus, classes start weekly, and you can apply at any time. Our philosophy is to prepare truckers for the roads with the knowledge, skills, and training they need to succeed without wasting any time.
What are the requirements for a Class B CDL in Missouri? ›- Must be at least 18 years old to get your CDL and must be at least 21 years old to have a passenger vehicle endorsement added.
- Proof of United States Citizenship or Permanent Residency.
- Have a valid Missouri Driver's License.
The Missouri CDL tank vehicles test consists of 20 questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 16 questions (80%). The MO tanker test covers the following sections of the Missouri CDL Manual: Driving Safely, Combination Vehicles, Tank Vehicles, Hazardous Materials.
What is the combination test for the CDL in Missouri? ›The Missouri CDL combination test consists of 20 questions, and you'll need at least 16 correct answers to pass (80%). The test covers the combination vehicles section of the Missouri CDL Manual. Take this practice test now to prepare for the actual MO CDL combination test!
How do I get an air brake endorsement in Missouri? ›The air brakes endorsement applies to applicants who wish to drive a vehicle with air brakes in Class A, B, or C CDL. To drive a vehicle with air brakes, you must pass the air brake component of the Missouri CDL knowledge test.
Who has the easiest CDL test? ›Make Your State The Easiest State to Get a CDL
So, if you're still wondering what the easiest state to get a CDL in is, just know it includes Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Indiana, and South Carolina, because that's where our schools are located.
The written test has 25 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer 20 of them correctly to get the passing score you need to receive your permit.
Do truck drivers have to have 20 20 vision? ›A distant binocular acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen) in both eyes with or without corrective lenses; A field of vision of at least 70 degrees in the horizontal Meridian in each eye; The ability to recognize the colors of traffic signals and devices showing standard red, green, and amber.
What line is 20 40 on the eye chart? ›
Line 1: If you are only able to read the big E, your vision is approximately 20/200. If you can read the T & B, you are reading 20/100. Line 2: This line is approximately 20/50. Line 3: This line is ~ 20/40.
What is 20 50 vision mean? ›On the other hand, if you have 20/50 vision, that means you have much worse than normal vision. If you are standing at 20 feet with 20/50 vision, then what you see is what an average person would see standing at 50 feet from the poster.
How much is a CDL permit test in Mo? ›The fee to get a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) in Missouri is $41.00 . The cost to get a CDL is $77.00.
How many mistakes are allowed on driving test Missouri? ›Throughout the driving test, the examiner will subtract points for any driving errors you make. If you lose more than 30 points, you will fail the test.
What is the lowest passing score driving test Missouri? ›While every driving test is unique because it requires you to drive on roads with licensed drivers at whatever time you choose to take the test (meaning you do not take the test in a controlled environment), you need to score at least a 70 out of 100 to receive your license.
What is a chauffeur's license in Missouri? ›Each person driving a taxi or limousine for a company licensed within the City must obtain a Chauffeurs License. Application forms are available online. Each chauffeur's license shall expire on the 30th day of June on an annual basis, unless renewed by that date for another year.
What does restriction A mean on Missouri drivers license? ›Restrictions are marked on the driver license. For example, if you must wear corrective lenses to pass the vision test, then you must also wear them while driving. Your license will have an “A” restriction (for corrective lenses).
How much does it cost to get a CDL license in Missouri? ›Common CDL costs in Missouri are: $7.50 Class A, B, or C Instruction Permit. $22.50 3-year CDL. $45.00 6-year CDL.
How much does a CDL pay in Missouri? ›$40,931 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $63,138 is the 75th percentile.
What size truck requires a CDL in Missouri? ›Drivers must hold a commercial driver's license if they operate in interstate, intrastate, or foreign commerce and drive a vehicle that is: • A single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or • Has a gross combined weight rating or gross combined weight (GCWR/GCW) of 26,001 pounds or more, inclusive of a towed ...
How many times can you take the CDL test in Missouri? ›
You are allowed only one test attempt per day and must start from the very beginning on each attempt. Be sure to download and study the Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual as it contains pertinent information that will help you pass the CDL Skills Test.
How long is a Class A CDL permit good for in Missouri? ›Applicants for a CDL are required to hold a CLP for a minimum of 14 days prior to completing skills testing for a full CDL. The CLP will be issued for a period of 360 days and is non-renewable. Upon expiration, the applicant must complete all required knowledge testing to obtain a new CLP.
How many years is a Missouri CDL license good for? ›Standard CDL holder: Your license is valid for 6 years. HAZMAT-endorsed CDL holder: Your license is valid for 5 years.
What is the highest paid CDL? ›Why Choose a Class A CDL? When deciding between a CDL A or CDL B, you want to weight your career options. Your Class A CDL will generally be able to garner you the highest wages of any type of truck driver. Most students who graduate with their Class A CDL will get into over-the-road (OTR) trucking.
Who pays the best for CDL drivers? ›- Bennett Motor Express.
- Mercer Transportation.
- Sysco Foods.
- Walmart.
- UPS.
- GP Transco.
- Marten Transport.
- ABF Freight System.
- Owner Operator. Salary range: $125,000-$350,500 per year. ...
- Flatbed Owner Operator. Salary range: $350,000-$350,000 per year. ...
- Local Owner Operator Truck Driver. ...
- OTR Owner Operator Truck Driver. ...
- Regional Owner Operator Truck Driver. ...
- Line Haul Owner Operator. ...
- Team Truck Driver. ...
- Box Truck Owner Operator.
CDL Training School Costs
The cost of attending a CDL training school can vary widely depending on the school you choose and the length of the program. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000 for a CDL training program.
The CDL-A Professional Truck Driving program is a 200 hour program which prepares the graduate to enter the commercial driving industry as an over-the-road truck driver.