CDL Requirements in Mississippi
Everything you need to know about getting your Commercial Driver's License in Mississippi — costs, tests, training programs, and how to apply at the MS DMV.
Total Estimated Cost
$130 - $165
Minimum Age
18+ years
Renewal Period
8 years
Passing Score
80%
Mississippi CDL Cost Breakdown
Fees charged by the Mississippi DMV for CDL testing and issuance (training program costs are separate).
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application / Permit Fee | $35 |
| Knowledge Test Fee | $10 |
| Skills Test Fee | $50 |
| CDL Issuance Fee | $35 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $130 - $165 |
* Fees do not include DOT physical ($50-$150), training program tuition, or endorsement test fees. Third-party skills test providers may charge additional fees.
Mississippi CDL Requirements Checklist
You must meet all of the following requirements to obtain a CDL in Mississippi.
Minimum Age: 18 years old
Age 18 for intrastate (within Mississippi) driving. Must be 21 for interstate (crossing state lines).
Residency Requirement
Must be a Mississippi resident with SSN and proof of residency.
DOT Medical Card
Must pass a DOT physical exam by an FMCSA-certified medical examiner. The medical card is valid for up to 24 months. Cost: $50-$150.
ELDT Training Required
Since February 2022, all first-time CDL applicants must complete Entry-Level Driver Training from an FMCSA-registered training provider. Both classroom theory and behind-the-wheel training are required.
Background Check
Your driving record is checked through CDLIS and the National Driver Register. Hazmat endorsements require a separate TSA background check (~$125).
Valid MS Driver License
You must hold a valid Mississippi driver license before applying for a CDL. Out-of-state licenses must be transferred first.
Written Knowledge Tests
You must pass the following written tests at a Mississippi DMV office to obtain your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP). The passing score in Mississippi is 80%.
General Knowledge
Air Brakes
Combination Vehicles
CDL Skills Test Components
After holding your CLP for at least 14 days and completing ELDT training, you can schedule the CDL skills test in Mississippi.
Pre-Trip Inspection
Walk-around inspection demonstrating knowledge of vehicle components, engine compartment, brakes, lights, tires, and coupling devices.
Basic Controls
Performed in a controlled area. Includes straight-line backing, offset backing (left/right), and parallel parking. Scored on pull-ups and final position.
Road Test
On-road driving test evaluating turns, lane changes, intersections, railroad crossings, highway driving, and general safe driving behaviors.
Available CDL Endorsements in Mississippi
Additional written tests are required for each endorsement. Endorsements expand the types of freight and vehicles you can legally operate.
Top CDL Schools in Mississippi
ELDT-registered training programs in Mississippi. Verify any school is listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before enrolling.
| School | City | Tuition | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Gulf Coast CC | Perkinston | $3,200 | 8 weeks |
| Hinds Community College | Raymond | $3,500 | 7 weeks |
| East Mississippi Community College | Mayhew | $3,300 | 8 weeks |
| Mississippi CDL Academy | Jackson | $4,800 | 4 weeks |
* Tuition amounts are approximate and may vary. Contact each school directly for current pricing and financial aid options.
Mississippi-Specific CDL Notes
Mississippi DPS administers CDL tests at highway patrol stations with third-party skills testing available through approved providers. The state has an 8-year CDL renewal period. Mississippi's position along I-55 and I-20, combined with the Port of Gulfport and Ingalls Shipyard logistics, creates diverse CDL employment opportunities.
CDL FAQ for Mississippi
How much does a CDL cost in Mississippi?
Mississippi CDL fees total approximately $130-$165, including a $35 application fee, $10 knowledge test fee, $50 skills test fee, and $35 CDL issuance fee. Community college programs offer some of the lowest training costs in the nation starting at $3,200.
Where do I take the CDL test in Mississippi?
CDL tests are administered at Mississippi DPS highway patrol stations across the state. Third-party skills testing is available through approved providers. Major testing locations include Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, and Tupelo.
How long is a Mississippi CDL valid?
Mississippi CDLs are valid for 8 years, one of the longest renewal periods in the nation. This reduces the frequency and cost of renewals compared to states with 4 or 5-year periods.
What freight industries are in Mississippi?
Mississippi's key freight sectors include poultry processing (Tyson, Sanderson Farms), forestry and lumber, automotive manufacturing (Toyota, Nissan), oil refining, and port-related logistics along the Gulf Coast and Mississippi River.
Are Mississippi CDL training programs affordable?
Yes, Mississippi has some of the most affordable CDL training in the nation. Community college programs at Mississippi Gulf Coast CC, Hinds CC, and East Mississippi CC start at $3,200-$3,500, well below the national average.
CDL Requirements in Other States
CDL Training Guide
Classes, programs, costs, and step-by-step guide.
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