Missouri · DOR

How to get your CDL permit in Missouri

In Missouri you take your CDL knowledge tests with the State Highway Patrol and get your CLP at a DOR license office for $44. The permit lasts 360 days and can't be renewed.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official DOR sources

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Minimum age: 18 (in-state only) · 21 to cross state lines
Permit fee: $44
Permit valid for: 360 days, not renewable
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: English only
Passing score: 80%

Step by step

1Get a Missouri driver's license first if you don't already have one.
2Gather your ID, lawful presence, Social Security and two Missouri residency documents.
3Self-certify your type of driving and get a DOT medical card if you need one.
4Pass the vision test and your knowledge tests with the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
5Pay $44 and get your CLP at a DOR license office.
6Hold your CLP at least 14 days and complete ELDT with a registered provider.
7Book your skills test by appointment, then pay for your CDL.

What to bring

Your Missouri driver's license
Proof of U.S. citizenship, permanent residency or immigration status from the DOR acceptable documents list
Proof of your Social Security number
Two documents proving Missouri residency
Your DOT medical card, if you drive non-excepted

Medical card

You self-certify one of four driving categories when you apply. If you drive non-excepted, you need a valid medical certificate before your CLP is issued. Examiners send it to DOR electronically, so you don't need to carry a paper copy once it's on your record.

Fees

Commercial learner's permit$25 written test + $10 permit + $9 office processing.	$44
First-time CDL for a CLP holder$25 skills test + $40 license + $18 processing. Varies by license term.	About $83

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

The tests you'll take

General Knowledge (everyone)
Air Brakes (if your truck has air brakes)
Combination Vehicles (Class A)
Passenger and School Bus (if you want them)
Other endorsement tests (if you want them)

Testing in Missouri

Knowledge and skills tests are given by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Written tests are English only, and translators are not allowed.
You need at least 20/40 vision in one or both eyes, with or without glasses.
Skills tests are by appointment only.

Study for these tests in the Missouri classroom

Good to know in Missouri

Your CLP can't be renewed. When it expires, you retake all your knowledge tests.
Only Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements can go on a Missouri CLP.
Out-of-state CLPs don't transfer. All knowledge tests must be taken in Missouri.
Your CLP is only valid with your Missouri driver's license.

Non-domiciled applicants

As of September 29, 2025, Missouri stopped issuing new, renewed or duplicate non-domiciled CLPs and CDLs until further notice.

Confirm with DOR before you go

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

Retest fees and how long you must wait after a failed test — ask the Highway Patrol or DOR.
Whether you need an appointment for knowledge tests — check before you go.
How to send in a paper medical card if needed — ask DOR.

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.

Ready to study?

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

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Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with Missouri Department of Revenue. Rules and fees change, so always check with DOR before you apply.