All 50 states, one table
Entry-Level Driver Training is federal and identical everywhere. What differs is what your state wraps around it: who issues the license, the ages, how long you hold the permit and how long it lasts, who gives the skills test, and whether the state licenses schools. This table is built from each state's own licensing agency.
Start Class A theory, $20Permit hold is the wait between getting the commercial learner's permit and taking the skills test; 14 days is the federal minimum. "Schools" is whether the state adds its own licensing layer on top of the federal registry.
| State | Agency | Ages | Permit hold | Permit valid | Skills test | Schools |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AlabamaFull AL page › | Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Driver License Division | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days | 180 days | Yes. ALEA administers skills tests at ALEA Third-Party Skills Test locations. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| AlaskaFull AK page › | Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | 18 for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines, drive a school bus, or haul hazmat | 14 days | 180 days to schedule and pass the road test, with one 180 day extension allowed | Commercial road tests are given at some DMV offices and by DMV-authorized third-party testers, who set their own fees. | No state licensing layer for theory. Alaska accepts ELDT completed with any TPR-registered provider, including out of state. |
| ArizonaFull AZ page › | Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (ADOT MVD) | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days | See the MVD page | Yes. Arizona authorizes third-party CDL skills testing. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| ArkansasFull AR page › | Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Driver Services (testing by the Arkansas State Police) | 18 for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days | Up to one year; once it expires you retake the general and endorsement knowledge tests | The Arkansas State Police give the tests. Knowledge tests are at every troop testing site; skills tests only at six troop sites (Little Rock, Newport, Hope, Harrison, Russellville, Lowell) by appointment. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| CaliforniaFull CA page › | California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days | 180 days, renewable once for 180 more without retesting | Yes, through the Employer Testing Program (ETP): qualified employers administer the drive test and issue a Certificate of Driving Skill (DL 170 ETP). DMV randomly re-tests some ETP drivers. Otherwise the skills test is at a DMV office by appointment. | California licenses truck driving schools and instructors for behind-the-wheel training, and adds a requirement no other state has: at least 15 hours of behind-the-wheel training, 10 of them on public roads, certified on form DL 1236 before DMV will issue the CDL. Your online theory can come from any TPR-registered provider; the 15 hours and the DL 1236 are the school's part. |
| ColoradoFull CO page › | Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days | 1 year, not renewable | Yes. Skills tests are at approved third-party testing facilities. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| ConnecticutFull CT page › | Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | 18 for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days | One year from issuance; if you do not get the CDL in that year you retake all the tests for a new permit | Knowledge tests are at DMV locations by appointment. Skills tests are scheduled through the DMV; see the DMV page for current locations. | Connecticut requires in-person CDL training organizations in the state to be authorized by the Office of Higher Education. Online theory from any TPR-registered provider is accepted; 49 CFR 380.703(a)(5) only ties state licensing to where in-person training happens. |
| DelawareFull DE page › | Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | 18 with one year of driving experience for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 full days | One year; it cannot be issued or extended beyond one year from the original issue date | The DMV gives the skills test and is the scheduling contact until third-party testing is started. Tests run every weekday except Wednesday, by appointment. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted; the DMV says ELDT is an FMCSA program it does not administer. |
| FloridaFull FL page › | Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), usually through county tax collector offices | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days | 12 months from the date you pass the General Knowledge test | Yes. FLHSMV certifies Third Party Administrators and Testers under 49 CFR 383.75, bonded by test volume. Third parties set their own skills-test fees. They may NOT give knowledge tests; those are office-only. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| GeorgiaFull GA page › | Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) | 18 for in-state driving (18 to 20 carry a Georgia-only restriction), 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days | 12 months; the application covers up to four attempts or 360 days | Yes. DDS tests at nine customer service centers and certifies third-party sites, mostly Technical College System of Georgia campuses. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. ELDT has been required for first-time Class A and B applicants since February 7, 2022. |
| HawaiiFull HI page › | Hawaii county driver licensing offices under the Hawaii Department of Transportation (on Oahu, the Honolulu CDL Office in Pearl City) | 18 for the CDL instruction permit; the counties and HDOT list 21 for the CDL itself (state law sets 19 as the floor for an intrastate-only CDL). 21 for interstate or hazmat. | 14 days | One year per the HDOT guide; see your county CDL office | County CDL offices give the three-part test (pre-trip, skills, road) themselves; appointments are made in person at the office. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted; the county must see your completion in the TPR before it schedules the road test. |
| IdahoFull ID page › | Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) DMV, through county driver license offices | 18 for in-state driving (ITD issues a shorter-term CDL to drivers 18 to 21); 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days, even for CDL holders upgrading | One year; knowledge test results are also valid for one year | Skills tests are given by ITD-certified CDL skills test examiners, most of whom do it part time; they set their own fee within the statutory cap and must notify ITD 48 hours before a test. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| IllinoisFull IL page › | Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days, and the clock restarts if a corrected CLP is issued after adding or removing an endorsement | See the SOS page | Yes. The SOS Third-Party Certification Program licenses private companies, municipalities, fire departments and government agencies to give the skills test for Classes A, B, C and M. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| IndianaFull IN page › | Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) | 18 for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines, drive a school bus, or haul hazmat | 14 days | See the BMV page; skills test results stay valid for one year | Skills tests at BMV-authorized examination sites; results are sent to the BMV electronically. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| IowaFull IA page › | Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) | 18 for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines, drive a school bus, or haul hazmat | 14 days | One year from issue, and the Iowa DOT says there is no renewal period, so finish testing inside the year | Skills tests at Iowa DOT service centers, select county treasurer offices, and Iowa DOT-authorized third-party testers, who may also give the knowledge tests. | No state licensing layer for theory. The Iowa DOT says ELDT is an FMCSA program it does not administer; any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| KansasFull KS page › | Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles | 18 for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines, drive a school bus, or haul hazmat | 14 days | See the Division of Vehicles page; permit renewals require retaking the written exams | Skills tests are given at the state's listed CDL skills testing offices, by appointment only, booked by phone or email with that office. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| KentuckyFull KY page › | Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), Division of Driver Licensing; tests are given by the Kentucky State Police (KSP) | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days | 180 days, renewable once | Skills and knowledge tests are given by the Kentucky State Police, scheduled with KSP. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| LouisianaFull LA page › | Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) | 18 for a CLP and in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days | 60 days, much shorter than most states | Yes. Skills tests through third-party examiners, who return a sealed certificate of completion to the OMV. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| MaineFull ME page › | Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) | The BMV application lets you take the CDL road test at 16 with driver education required under 18, but 21 is required for hazmat, passenger, and school bus endorsements and for crossing state lines | 14 days | See the BMV page; the manual says the permit is valid for a limited time | Skills tests are given by BMV driver license examiners, with appointments scheduled through the main office in Augusta. No weekend or holiday testing. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| MarylandFull MD page › | Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days | See the MVA page | Skills tests are given by the MVA at its own facilities. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| MassachusettsFull MA page › | Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) | 18 for an intrastate (Massachusetts only) CLP; 21 for an interstate CLP, hazmat, or school bus. Under 21 you get a K restriction (intrastate only) | 14 days | 180 days, renewable once for another 180 days at no charge if you renew within 30 days of expiration | Commercial road tests are conducted by the State Police and can only be scheduled by phone through the RMV road test line. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| MichiganFull MI page › | Michigan Department of State (SOS) | 18 for in-state driving with a K restriction until 21; 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days | 12 months | Yes. SOS-authorized businesses give the skills test. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| MinnesotaFull MN page › | Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days | 180 days, not renewable | Yes. Skills test by state examiners or an approved third party. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| MississippiFull MS page › | Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Service Bureau | 18 for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines, drive a school bus, or haul hazmat | 14 days | See the DPS page | Road tests at DPS driver license stations, scheduled by phone through the CDL help desk, or with a DPS-certified third-party tester from the state's published list. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| MissouriFull MO page › | Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) issues the license; the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) gives the tests | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days | See the DOR page | Skills tests at MSHP driver examination stations or certified third-party testers. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| MontanaFull MT page › | Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) | 18 for an intrastate (Montana only) CDL; 21 for an interstate CDL, school bus, or hazmat | 14 days | One year, and all testing must be finished before the CLP expires | Skills tests at MVD CDL testing locations, booked through the MVD online appointment system, with an additional testing option through Helena College. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| NebraskaFull NE page › | Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | 18 for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days | One year; renewal needs a vision test and the written tests again | DMV driver licensing staff and DMV-certified third-party testers both give the skills test. Third-party testers must give the DMV two business days notice, and the DMV can require an audit retest. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted; the DMV checks the TPR electronically before it books your skills test. |
| NevadaFull NV page › | Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days | 180 days | Yes, and mostly third-party: the DMV itself tests at only a handful of offices statewide. Third-party certifiers are bonded and pay an annual certification fee. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| New HampshireFull NH page › | New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | 18 for the CLP and an in-state CDL; drivers under 21 carry a K restriction (New Hampshire only). 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat under federal rules | 14 days | 180 days; it can be renewed once if you passed the knowledge exams within the past year | Road skills tests are scheduled through DMV offices. The DMV pages do not describe a third-party tester program. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted; the DMV will not schedule a skills test until ELDT is complete. |
| New JerseyFull NJ page › | New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) | 18 for the CLP and an in-state CDL; under 21 you are limited to New Jersey only and cannot get the hazmat or passenger endorsement | 14 days | 180 days; all test scores stay valid for 360 days | MVC safety specialists give the skills test at MVC CDL test sites. You bring your own vehicle. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| New MexicoFull NM page › | New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) | 18 for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days | One year; every renewal means retaking all the knowledge tests for that CLP | Skills tests are given by MVD-approved CDL examiners, not MVD counter staff. You bring the scores to the MVD, where they are verified electronically. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| New YorkFull NY page › | New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat, with one exception below | 14 days | See the DMV page | Road tests are primarily through DMV. DMV-licensed truck driving schools with DMV-certified instructors provide behind-the-wheel training and report to the TPR. | New York licenses driving schools and instructors for behind-the-wheel training. Online theory from any TPR-registered provider is accepted; DMV receives the completion electronically and you present form MV-44CDL after the road test. |
| North CarolinaFull NC page › | North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days | 6 months | Yes. NCDMV certifies third-party skills testers. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| North DakotaFull ND page › | North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Driver License Division | 18 for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat. A restricted CDL for custom harvesting is available at 16 | 14 days | See the NDDOT page | NDDOT driver license sites give the road test, and NDDOT also certifies third-party testing programs and testers for the inspection, basic control and road tests. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted; ELDT must be complete before you are eligible for the road test. |
| OhioFull OH page › | Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days | 12 months | Yes. Skills tests at Ohio State Highway Patrol sites and third-party facilities. Knowledge tests at BMV deputy registrar locations. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| OklahomaFull OK page › | Service Oklahoma | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines, drive a school bus, or haul hazmat | 14 full days; you may test on the 15th day | See the Service Oklahoma page | Yes. Skills test at Service Oklahoma or a third party. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| OregonFull OR page › | Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV), part of ODOT | 18 for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days | See the DMV page; knowledge test results and passed skills test results each stay valid for six months | Third-party CDL testers give the skills test. There is no DMV-run CDL skills test; you schedule with a tester and pay their fee. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted; ELDT must be complete before a tester will schedule you. |
| PennsylvaniaFull PA page › | Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 15 days, one more than the federal minimum | 180 days, renewable once for 180 more | Yes, and in practice most drivers use it: PennDOT does not give skills tests at photo license centers. Tests are at Driver License Centers that offer CDL testing or through PennDOT-authorized third-party examiners. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| Rhode IslandFull RI page › | Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | 18 for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines or add the hazmat endorsement | 14 days | One year, no renewal; after it expires you retake every knowledge test | Skills tests are given at the state CDL test site in North Kingstown by appointment; after passing you apply for the CDL at the Cranston DMV. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| South CarolinaFull SC page › | South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days | 1 year | Yes. A third-party skills-testing program run under the SCDMV Office of Inspector General. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| South DakotaFull SD page › | South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing | 18 for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines or add the hazmat endorsement | 14 days | One year | Third-party testers only. The state does not give CDL skills tests at Driver Licensing offices; testers send results to the state. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| TennesseeFull TN page › | Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services | 18, restricted to driving within Tennessee until 21; 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days | 1 year | Yes. About 26 certified third-party organizations (technical colleges, truck driving schools, county school boards). The state caps what a driver can be charged for the skills test administration. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| TexasFull TX page › | Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days | 180 days | Yes. DPS certifies third-party skills testers for Class A, B and C. Many schools test on site. | Texas does not license CDL schools at the state level. TDLR, which licenses driver education, states its instructor license does not cover commercial truck driving, and DPS points ELDT providers to the FMCSA registry. Your theory provider only needs to be on the TPR. |
| UtahFull UT page › | Utah Driver License Division (DLD) | 18 with one year of driving experience; under 21 is restricted to in-state driving and cannot add the H, P or S endorsements | 14 days | 180 days | Either a DLD examiner or an approved third-party tester. Third-party testers set their own fees and send results to the DLD electronically. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| VermontFull VT page › | Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | 18 for a CLP and in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines | 14 days | See the DMV page; the CLP cannot be renewed, so a new one means retaking the knowledge tests | Vermont DMV motor vehicle examiners give the skills test, by appointment only, after you pay a scheduling deposit. | Vermont requires anyone giving paid driving instruction inside the state to hold a Vermont driving school license. Online theory from any TPR-registered provider is accepted for the federal ELDT requirement. |
| VirginiaFull VA page › | Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | 18 for in-state driving with a K restriction that lifts at 21; 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days if you complete an approved commercial driver education program, otherwise 30 days | 12 months | Yes. Virginia authorizes CDL schools as third-party testers. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. Completing an approved driver-ed program is what shortens the permit hold from 30 days to 14. |
| WashingtonFull WA page › | Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days | 180 days, renewable once | Skills testing is entirely third-party. The DOL does not give skills tests at its offices; the examiner must be DOL-authorized before you can schedule. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. School bus endorsement training runs through school districts rather than private CDL schools. |
| West VirginiaFull WV page › | West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | 18 with one year of licensed driving; under 21 gets a K restriction for in-state driving only | 14 days | Up to 180 days; only one renewal or reissue in two years, then you retest every knowledge section | Contracted third-party examiners give the skills test, not the DMV. The state does not supply vehicles. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| WisconsinFull WI page › | Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles (WisDOT DMV) | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days | 180 days | Skills testing is entirely third-party, and WisDOT caps what a tester may charge for the full test and for each section. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
| WyomingFull WY page › | Wyoming Department of Transportation, Driver Services (WYDOT) | 18 for a CLP and in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | 14 days | 365 days; the CDL must be paid for and issued before it expires | WYDOT examiners give the skills test at state exam stations. Third-party examiners may only test their own employees, volunteers or students and cannot charge a fee. | No state licensing layer for theory. Any TPR-registered provider is accepted. |
Sources: each state's licensing agency, linked from the state pages. Checked September and October 2026. Rules change; the agency page is always the final word.
Yes. Entry-Level Driver Training is federal, 49 CFR Part 380, and applies in all 50 states to anyone getting a first Class A or Class B CDL, upgrading from B to A, or adding a first HAZMAT, Passenger or School Bus endorsement.
Not for online theory. 49 CFR 380.703(i) says state qualification requirements for theory instruction do not apply to providers offering that instruction only online. States can and do add rules for the behind-the-wheel part.
At least 14 days before the skills test, which is the federal minimum. Some states add their own waits or validity periods; the table shows each state's.
Only the registered provider can. ELDT365 files theory completions to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry the same day, and your state licensing agency checks the registry before your test.
Related: do I need ELDT, how long ELDT takes, theory vs behind-the-wheel, permit requirements, how to check a provider, and the HAZMAT endorsement by state table.