Mississippi · MDPS

How to get your CDL permit in Mississippi

In Mississippi you apply for a CDL learner's permit with MDPS for $16, and it lasts 6 months. You need a valid Mississippi license and your CLP before you can book a road test.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official MDPS sources

Start the free Mississippi permit classroom Official Mississippi CDL manual

Minimum age: 21 to cross state lines · check with MDPS for in-state
Permit fee: $16
Permit valid for: 6 months
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: Not published
Passing score: 80%

Step by step

1Hold a valid Mississippi driver's license.
2Gather your birth certificate, Social Security proof and two proofs of Mississippi address.
3Fill out the Mississippi CDL application, including the medical self-certification.
4Get a DOT medical card if needed and submit it online or bring it with you.
5Pass the General Knowledge test and any class or endorsement tests, and pay $16.
6Hold your CLP at least 14 days and complete ELDT with a registered provider.
7Call 601-487-7028 to schedule your road test, and bring your CDL fee.

What to bring

Original birth certificate with state seal and certificate number, or another accepted document
Valid immigration documents if you're not a U.S. citizen
Social Security card or government mail showing your full SSN
Two proofs of Mississippi address, like a utility bill, bank statement, pay stub or lease (no P.O. boxes)
Your completed CDL application and medical card
Marriage license, divorce decree, adoption or court order if your name changed

Medical card

You self-certify your type of driving on the Mississippi CDL application. You can upload your medical card through the MDPS online medical card portal or bring it with your application.

Fees

CDL learner's permit (6 months)	$16
CDL (5 years)Bring this fee to your road test.	$55
EndorsementHazMat is priced separately.	$5 each
HazMat endorsement	$100

Fees change. Confirm the current amount with MDPS before you go.

The tests you'll take

General Knowledge (everyone)
Air Brakes (if your truck has air brakes)
Combination Vehicles (Class A)
Endorsement tests (if you want them)

Testing in Mississippi

Road tests are booked by phone at 601-487-7028.
Give at least 48 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule a road test.
Third-party testers also give skills tests in Mississippi.

Study for these tests in the Mississippi classroom

Good to know in Mississippi

Mississippi's $16 permit and $55 five-year CDL are among the cheapest around.
The MDPS CDL help desk is 601-487-7028, the same number as road test scheduling.
MDPS posts more than one version of the CDL manual. Use the newest one.

Confirm with MDPS before you go

We couldn't confirm these from official sources, so we left them out rather than guess:

The minimum age for in-state-only driving — confirm with MDPS.
Whether the CLP can be renewed — ask MDPS.
Knowledge test, skills test and retest fees, including what third-party testers charge — confirm with MDPS or the tester.
Which languages the knowledge tests come in — ask MDPS.
Whether you need an appointment for knowledge tests — check with MDPS.
MDPS wording suggests ELDT may be needed before some tests — confirm the timing with MDPS.

Federal rules that apply in every state(show)

Age: You can get a CLP at 18, but until you turn 21 you can only drive a commercial vehicle inside your own state. Hauling hazmat requires you to be 21.
Knowledge tests: Everyone takes General Knowledge. Class A adds Combination Vehicles, and anyone driving a truck with air brakes takes Air Brakes. You need at least 80% on each test.
14-day wait: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills (road) test. Some states make you wait longer.
Driving on a CLP: A CDL holder with the right class and endorsements must sit in the front seat whenever you drive. Hazmat is never allowed on a CLP. With a passenger or school bus permit you can't carry passengers, and with a tank permit the tank must be empty.
Entry-Level Driver Training: You must finish ELDT with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before your Class A or B skills test. You do not need it to get the permit itself.
Medical card: You self-certify the kind of driving you will do. Most new drivers are 'non-excepted interstate' and need a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner, who now sends the results to your state electronically.
Clearinghouse check: Before issuing a CLP, your state checks FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. A 'prohibited' status blocks the permit until return-to-duty is complete.

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Short lessons with diagrams, a quick check after each one, and a practice test for every permit exam Mississippi gives. Free.

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Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Service Bureau. Rules and fees change, so always check with MDPS before you apply.