In order to drive large or heavy vehicles such as a semi-trailer, tanker truck, or bus, drivers in Missouri are required to hold a Commercial Drivers License, also known as a CDL. Driving a large commercial vehicle requires greater skill, knowledge, and experience than simply driving a car.
The process for getting your CDL can be complicated, as the requirements can vary from state to state. This article will help you navigate your CDL options and requirements, as well as give you a step-by-step guide for getting your CDL in Missouri.
Eligibility Requirements for a Missouri Commercial Driver’s License
In Missouri, the commercial licensing process is regulated by the Missouri Department of Revenue and licensing requirements are set by the agency.
According to the Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual [1], to be eligible for a CDL in Missouri, you must meet the following requirements:
- Age – You must be 18 years old to drive commercial intrastate (within Missouri only). At age 21, you may qualify to drive interstate (or across state lines).
- Residency – You must be a Missouri Resident and a United States citizen or a permanent resident alien.
- License – You must hold a current and valid non-commercial driver’s license in Missouri.
- Medical – You must submit a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate to be certified to drive commercial. For more information, visit CDL Medical Certification Overview or CDL Medical Certification FAQs websites from the Missouri Department of Revenue.
Steps to Apply for a Missouri CDL Permit and License
Here are the steps you will need to take to apply for a CDL permit and license in Missouri, according to the Missouri Department of Revenue[2] and the Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual:[3]
- Attend a commercial drivers education program. While not required to qualify for a CDL, formal CDL training will teach you the skills required for safely driving a large commercial vehicle and will prepare you for all CDL knowledge and skills tests. Midwest Technical Institute offers a 20-day CDL Training Course at our Springfield, MO campus.
- Obtain your Commercial Learner’s Permit. Getting your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) is a prerequisite to qualifying for a Commercial Driver’s License in Missouri. To earn your CLP, you must pass the state’s written, road sign, and vision tests. A Missouri CLP is valid for 180 days. With a CLP, you are allowed to drive a commercial motor vehicle when accompanied by another driver or instructor with a CDL (with the exception of double/triple trailer or hazardous materials endorsements). You must hold the CLP for a minimum of 14 days before you can schedule your CDL tests with the state.
- Pass required knowledge and skills tests. There are three different classifications of CDL in Missouri – Class A, B, or C. Each classification is determined by the weight rating of the vehicle being driven and pulled. See What is the main difference between CDL-A and B?
Depending on the class of CDL and endorsements you will need, you will be required to take one or more written knowledge tests, such as passenger transport, air brakes, hazardous materials, and more.
You will also be required to pass a road test in a variety of skills, including vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
Additional endorsements are required to drive a school bus, passenger vehicle, tank vehicles, double or triple trailers, and hazardous materials, and require additional testing. You will complete these tests at the same time as you complete your CDL testing.
Driver testing is administered by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. View the full list of CDL Skills Testing Locations [4] for contact information of the location nearest you and to schedule your CDL road test.
- Pay Appropriate CDL Testing and License Fees. According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, the following fees will be assessed for CDL testing, permit and license fees, and other services:[5]
| Document Type | Term | Fee |
| CDL | 3 years or less | $20.00 |
| CDL | 3 years and 1 day up to 6 years | $40.00 |
| Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) | 6 months (180 days) or less | $5.00 |
| CDL with School Bus Endorsement age over 70 | 1 year | $7.50 |
| CDL Written Test Fee | $25.00 | |
| CDL Skills Test Fee | $25.00 | |
| Office Processing Fee | Document issued for 3 years or less | $5.00 |
| Office Processing Fee | Document issued for 3 years and 1 day up to 6 years | $5.00 |
Missouri Commercial Driver’s Education at Midwest Technical Institute
Enrolling in a commercial driver’s education or a truck driving program will help prepare you to pass the state licensing exam and obtain a CDL. Truck driving courses at Midwest Technical Institute include learning in Missouri commercial driving standards, driver safety, air brakes, combination vehicles, log books, trip planning, and more.
The 20-day CDL Training Course at MTI combines classroom theory with hands-on experience. Classroom curriculum prepares drivers for the CDL written tests. A behind-the-wheel training course helps students prepare for the CDL road test. Taught by instructors with real experience in the transportation industry, our classes will teach you everything you need to know in order to pass the CDL license tests.
MTI also teaches a 20-week Professional Truck Driving Program to prepare students to obtain entry-level employment as a licensed Class A truck driver in a variety of transportation industry careers.
Interested in getting your CDL in Missouri? Fill out the form below to contact your local campus. Please note, the CDL Training Course is only available at MTI’s Springfield, MO campus.
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[1] https://dor.mo.gov/forms/CDL%20Manual.pdf
[2] https://dor.mo.gov/drivers/commercial/
[3] https://dor.mo.gov/forms/CDL%20Manual.pdf
[4] http://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/DED/
[5] https://dor.mo.gov/forms/CDL%20Manual.pdf
Additional Sources Used:
https://dor.mo.gov/drivers/commercial/
https://dor.mo.gov/faq/drivers/cdl.php