Pennsylvania · CDL truck driver licensing · verified July 2026
Pennsylvania CDL truck driver license requirements
The short answer
As of July 2026, Pennsylvania CDLs are issued by PennDOT's Bureau of Driver Licensing. Applicants submit a Commercial Learner's Permit application (DL-31CD) and self-certification (DL-11CD), receive a Knowledge Test Authorization, pass knowledge tests at a Driver License Center to get the CLP, then wait at least 15 days before the skills test. Initial commercial upgrade pricing is prorated to your existing license's expiration ($43.50-$109.50 including photo and one permit), and a 4-year CDL renewal is $127.50; minimum age is 18 for intrastate and 21 for interstate driving.
Do you need a license to work as a CDL truck driver in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania licenses CDL truck drivers statewide, so one credential is valid across the whole state.
Federal layer: ELDT since Feb 2022; DOT medical certificate for non-excepted operation; endorsements H (TSA check), N, T, P, S, plus PA's X (hazmat+tank). PA specifics: unique Knowledge Test Authorization (KTA) system, the KTA authorizes knowledge testing and the CLP is issued as each test is passed; a 15-day wait applies between permit issuance and the Class A/B/C skills test (one day beyond the federal 14-day minimum); knowledge and skills tests valid 1 year with 3 attempts per permit; upgrading an existing CDL class or endorsement $21.50, removing commercial restrictions $21.50, hazmat upgrade $43.50 (federal TSA fee additional, see form DL-288); restrictions include K (intrastate only), E (no manual), L/Z (air-brake), M/N/O. Farm-vehicle drivers, certified firefighters, and military drivers are exempt from CDL requirements.
What licenses does Pennsylvania issue?
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Driver and Vehicle Services - Bureau of Driver Licensing (CDL Unit) issues the credentials below for this trade. Boards often list further classes for specialties and business licenses; these are the ones this page covers.
Hours are what each class asks for on its own terms. Where a senior class shows fewer than a journeyman, the board is counting time served after the earlier license rather than from the start; the prerequisite column says which.
| License | On-the-job hours | Classroom hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A CDL | not published | not published | Yes |
| Class B CDL | not published | not published | Yes |
| Class C CDL | not published | not published | Yes |
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Driver and Vehicle Services - Bureau of Driver Licensing (CDL Unit) (pa.gov). Verified July 2026.
What exam does Pennsylvania require?
CDL knowledge tests (Class A 70 questions; Class B/C 50; endorsements 20-30; multiple languages except hazmat which is English-only); requires Knowledge Test Authorization. Administered by PennDOT Driver License Centers.
CDL skills test (pre-trip inspection, off-road maneuver, parking exercise); 3 attempts per permit, tests valid 1 year. Administered by PennDOT (scheduling 717-412-5300 or online); third-party testing available.
How much does a Pennsylvania CDL truck driver license cost?
Pennsylvania sets its fees per license class rather than as one figure for the trade, so no single total would be true of every applicant. The published items are below exactly as the board sets them.
- Application feeset per license class
- Renewal fee (recurring)$127.5
How often do you renew, and what continuing education is required?
Renewal period: 4 years (2 years for age 65+; renewal $71.50); 4-year renewal with hazmat $149.50
Continuing education: None. Self-certification of driving type required of all CDL holders; non-excepted drivers must keep a Medical Examiner's Certificate on file with PennDOT. School bus (S) endorsement card is reissued annually with an annual physical (DL-704).
How does the apprenticeship route work?
No apprenticeship requirement; ELDT via an FMCSA-registered provider required before the skills test for initial Class A/B and initial P/S/H endorsements (performance-based, no hour minimums).
How does Pennsylvania compare to neighboring states?
Requirements stop at the state line, which matters if you live near one or expect to move. Here is what the neighboring states ask of the same trade.
| State | Journeyman hours | Licensing model |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | not published | Statewide |
| Delaware | not published | Statewide |
| Maryland | not published | Statewide |
| New Jersey | not published | Statewide |
| New York | not published | Statewide |
| Ohio | not published | Statewide |
| West Virginia | not published | Statewide |
Source: state licensing boards. Verified July 2026.
Sources and verification
Every fact on this page traces to one of these
- PennDOT - Driver Licensing Fee Chart Fact Sheet (July 2025, commercial section)
- PennDOT - Commercial Driver's License Fact Sheet (June 2025)
- PennDOT - CDL Learner's Permit Procedures Fact Sheet
- PA DMV - License Types & Restrictions (age 18 intrastate all classes; 21 interstate)
Last verified July 2026. Found an error? Report it and it will be corrected and logged on the corrections page.
Other states with published requirements for this trade: Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota.
Price the whole path with the license cost estimator, or weigh earning against paying for school with the apprenticeship comparison. Back to CDL truck drivers overview.
Licensing requirements change between our verification sweeps. This page is informational only, so confirm current requirements with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Driver and Vehicle Services - Bureau of Driver Licensing (CDL Unit) before making decisions. Not legal advice.