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 Missouri 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 on how to get a CDL in Missouri.
Eligibility Requirements for a Missouri CDL (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, 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 (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 hold a Medical Examiner Certificate (DOT Card) to obtain a CDL in Missouri. For more information on medical requirements, visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) medical requirements frequently asked questions.
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 CDL license in Missouri, according to the Missouri Department of Revenue and the Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual:
- 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. MTI’s truck driving school in Missouri is recognized by the FMCSA as an approved ELDT provider and prepares students to pass the licensing exam and obtain a Class A CDL license in Missouri. MTI offers a 20-day CDL Training Course at our Springfield, MO campus.
- Obtain your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). Getting your CLP is a prerequisite to qualifying for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Missouri. To earn your CLP, you must pass the state’s written, road sign, and vision tests. 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. At MTI, CDL Training Course students will be prepared to take the CDL permit exam the first week of class. This allows the student to drive while accompanied by a CDL driver (with the exception of double/triple trailer or hazardous materials endorsements). MTI students must obtain their CLP permit prior to field training.
- Meet the Missouri CDL requirements as set by the Missouri Department of Revenue. The Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual provides specific guidelines to individuals who are (a) first time commercial driver license applicants, (b) first time hazardous materials, passenger or school bus endorsement applicants, and (c) individuals seeking to upgrade the classification of an existing CDL.
- 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?
CDL Test Missouri: What You Need to Know
- 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 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.
How Much Do CDL Tests in Missouri Cost?
View the full list of CDL Skills Testing Locations for contact information of the location nearest you and to schedule your CDL road test.
You’ll also be required to pay the associated 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:
Document Type: CDL
- Term: 3 years or less
- Fee: $20
Document Type: CDL
- Term: 3 years and 1 day up to 6 years
- Fee: $40
Document Type: Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
- Term: 6 month (180 days) or less
- Fee: $20
Document Type: CDL with School Bus Endorsement Age over 70
- Term: 1 year
- Fee: $7.50
CDL License in Missouri – Additional Fees
- CDL Written Test Fee: $25
- CDL Skills Test Fee: $25
- Office Processing Fee: $6 (Document issued for 3 years or less)
- Office Processing Fee: $12 (Document issued for 3 years and 1 day up to 6 years)
Source: Missouri Department of Revenue
How hard is it to get your CDL in Missouri?
You can quickly prepare to earn your CDL License in Missouri with hands-on training at MTI.
The 20-day CDL Training Course at MTI’s Springfield, Missouri campus combines classroom theory with behind-the-wheel experience.
When attending CDL school Missouri, you’ll learn:
- CDL permit test and endorsement preparation
- Over-the-road training
- Life on the road and professionalism
- Shipping and receiving
- Defensive driving & extreme driving conditions
- FMCSA rules and regulations
- ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training)
MTI’s Springfield, Missouri campus also offers 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.
Get Your Missouri CDL at MTI
Get on the road to a new career in less than 30 days with CDL Training at MTI!
Schedule a tour of the CDL range and MTI’s Springfield, MO campus.
MTI also offers CDL Training at the Springfield, Illinois campus location.
Interested in getting your CDL? Fill out the form below to contact your local campus.
SOURCES
Missouri Department of Revenue
https://dor.mo.gov/forms/CDL%20Manual.pdf
https://dor.mo.gov/pdf/Medical_Certification_Requirements.pdf
https://dor.mo.gov/faq/driver-license/cdl-medical-certification.html