How to get a CDL in Ohio

Fees and rules

Issued by

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), Ohio Department of Public Safety

Learner's permit (CLP) fee

$10 base + $12 state fee, plus deputy registrar fee

Skills (road) test fee

Set by the testing site; e.g. Clark State: $115 full test (pre-trip, skills, road)

CDL license fee

$25 (4-year) or $49.50 (8-year) base fee, plus state and deputy registrar fees

CLP is valid for

12 months

Minimum age (within the state)

18

Where the skills test is given

CDL skills/testing locations statewide, including third-party testing sites (may rent vehicles; fees vary)

Medical card

Self-certify type of driving at CLP/CDL application; paper Medical Examiner's Certificate no longer required (sent electronically)

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Electronic proof of ELDT completion required before scheduling or taking the skills test

Official sources

“A CLP is valid for 12 months.” ohiobmv.gov

“be at least 18 years old” ohiobmv.gov

“For driving and skills testing, visit any CDL skills/testing location in Ohio.” ohiobmv.gov

“Drivers who apply for a Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) or CDL must self-certify their type of driving as described below.” ohiobmv.gov

“Must provide electronic proof of the completion of Entry Level Driver Training” ohiobmv.gov

“shall be accompanied by a fee of ten dollars.” codes.ohio.gov

“Twelve dollars for a commercial driver's license temporary instruction permit;” codes.ohio.gov

“A fee of twenty-five dollars if the license will expire on the licensee's birthday four years after the date of issuance;” codes.ohio.gov