Missouri Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Requirements

To operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in Missouri, drivers must meet specific standards established by the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The state categorizes licenses into Class A, B, and C based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the truck or combination. For example, a Class A license is required for combinations with a GCWR of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the towed unit exceeds 10,000 pounds. All applicants must provide proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency and maintain a valid medical examiner's certificate unless exempt. Managing compliance for new drivers and seasoned operators is streamlined through DispatchTool, which allows fleets to store digital copies of medical certificates and CDL expiration dates alongside load assignments. By tracking these credentials in a centralized system, dispatchers can prevent assigning loads to drivers with lapsed certifications. You can create a DispatchTool account to begin organizing your fleet's regulatory documents and automating expiration alerts.

Age and Residency Eligibility

Missouri law requires applicants to be at least 18 years of age to obtain a Class A, B, or C CDL for intrastate commerce. However, federal regulations under 49 CFR Part 391 require drivers to be at least 21 years old to engage in interstate commerce or to transport hazardous materials. Applicants must provide a Social Security number and two documents proving Missouri residency, such as a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Non-U.S. citizens must provide valid permanent resident cards or employment authorization documents to qualify for a base CDL.

Medical Certification and Self-Certification

Every Missouri CDL holder must self-certify their type of operation to the DOR. Drivers generally fall into one of four categories: Non-Excepted Interstate (NI), Excepted Interstate (EI), Non-Excepted Intrastate (NA), or Excepted Intrastate (EA). If you operate in Non-Excepted categories, you must submit a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876) completed by a professional on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. These certificates are typically valid for 24 months, though doctors may issue shorter terms for conditions like high blood pressure or sleep apnea.

Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) Standards

Before taking the skills test, applicants must hold a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) for at least 14 days. To obtain the CLP, you must pass the general knowledge exam with a score of 80% or higher. The CLP is valid for 180 days and can be renewed for an additional 180 days. During this period, the permit holder must be accompanied by a valid CDL holder who has at least two years of experience in the same class of vehicle. Missouri charges a $5.00 fee for the permit plus a $6.00 office processing fee.

CDL Classification and Weight Limits

Missouri defines Class A licenses for any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the towed vehicle is over 10,000 pounds. A Class B license is for single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds. Class C is reserved for vehicles under 26,001 pounds that are designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or are used to transport hazardous materials requiring placards. Selecting the wrong class during testing will result in restricted driving privileges.

Skills Testing and ELDT Requirements

Under the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) mandate effective February 7, 2022, Missouri applicants must complete a prescribed program of theory and behind-the-wheel instruction before taking their skills test. The skills test consists of three parts: the Pre-Trip Inspection, Basic Vehicle Control, and the On-Road Test. The Pre-Trip Inspection requires the driver to identify and explain the condition of at least 50 different vehicle components. If a driver fails any segment, they must wait until the following business day to retest and must pay additional testing fees.

Fees and Renewal Cycles

Missouri offers CDL terms of three years or six years depending on the driver's age and preference. A six-year CDL for Class A, B, or C typically costs $40.00 plus a $6.00 office fee. Drivers over the age of 70 are limited to one-year or three-year renewals. If the driver holds a Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) endorsement, the license is limited to a maximum of five years due to the required TSA background check, which costs approximately $86.50. Duplicate licenses for lost or stolen cards cost $20.00 plus the standard office fee.

Endorsements and Restrictions

Drivers can expand their utility by adding endorsements such as T (Double/Triple Trailers), N (Tank Vehicle), H (Hazardous Materials), or S (School Bus). Each endorsement requires a written knowledge test, and the S and P (Passenger) endorsements also require a skills test in a representative vehicle. Conversely, restrictions may be placed on a license. For example, restriction 'L' prohibits the operation of vehicles with air brakes, while restriction 'E' prohibits driving a manual transmission commercial vehicle if the skills test was performed in an automatic.

Sources

Missouri Department of Revenue - Commercial Driver License Guide (2024) — https://dor.mo.gov/driver-license/issuance/commercial/ FMCSA - Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) (2024) — https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/ Missouri State Highway Patrol - Driver Testing (2024) — https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/DVH/DriverExamination/

Frequently asked

How much does a CDL cost in Missouri?

A standard 6-year CDL costs $46.00 total, which includes a $40.00 license fee and a $6.00 office processing fee. If you are adding endorsements or taking written tests, expect to pay an additional $5.00 for each written test attempt.

What is the minimum age for a CDL in Missouri?

The minimum age is 18 for intrastate driving (within Missouri borders). You must be at least 21 years old to drive across state lines (interstate) or to haul hazardous materials.

Do I need ELDT training in Missouri?

Yes, as of 2022, any applicant seeking a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time, or upgrading an existing license, must complete FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training from a provider listed on the Training Provider Registry.

How long is the Missouri CLP valid?

The Commercial Learner’s Permit is valid for 180 days. You must hold the permit for at least 14 days before you are eligible to take your CDL skills road test.

Where do I take the CDL road test in Missouri?

Skills testing is administered by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. You must schedule an appointment at one of their designated testing locations across the state after passing your written exams at a DOR office.