Nevada · DMV

How to get your CDL permit in Nevada

In Nevada you need a valid Nevada driver's license, then pass a vision test and your CDL knowledge tests at the DMV to get a CLP. The permit lasts 180 days.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official DMV sources

Start the free Nevada permit classroom Official Nevada CDL manual

Minimum age: 18 (in-state only) · 21 to cross state lines
Permit fee: Check with DMV
Permit valid for: 180 days, renewable
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: Not published
Passing score: 80%

Step by step

1Hold a valid Nevada driver's license.
2Gather proof of identity, your Social Security number and two proofs of Nevada residency.
3Fill out the CDL application (form CDL 002), including your medical self-certification.
4Get a DOT medical exam from a National Registry examiner if you drive non-excepted.
5Pass the vision test, General Knowledge test and any class or endorsement tests at the DMV.
6Hold your CLP at least 14 days and complete ELDT with a registered provider.
7Book your skills test with the DMV or a third-party tester at least 4 days ahead.

What to bring

Your valid Nevada driver's license
Proof of identity plus a second identity document
Proof of your Social Security number
Two proofs of Nevada residency
Completed form CDL 002
Your Medical Examination Certificate if you drive non-excepted

Medical card

You self-certify as excepted or non-excepted on form CDL 002. If you're non-excepted, bring a valid Medical Examination Certificate from a National Registry examiner.

Fees

Skills testDMV skills test. Third-party testers set their own price.	$30 + $3.50 photo
Completing your CDL after the CLP	$57.50
Endorsement added	$14 + $3.50 photo

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

The tests you'll take

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

Testing in Nevada

Interpreters aren't allowed for knowledge or skills tests, and skills test commands are in English.
DMV skills tests are by appointment. Some offices take walk-ins for other services.
Book third-party skills tests at least 4 days in advance.
Nevada CLPs can skills-test in other states, but out-of-state CLPs can't test in Nevada.

Study for these tests in the Nevada classroom

Good to know in Nevada

If you're 18 to 20, you're limited to in-state driving with no passengers or HazMat.
Your CLP supervisor must be 25 or older with at least a year of commercial driving if you're under 21.
Renewing your CLP wipes out any skills test parts you already passed.
A second renewal, or letting it lapse 30+ days, means retaking your knowledge tests.
You must be 25 to drive combinations over 70 feet.
A Tank endorsement on a CLP lets you drive empty tanks only.

Non-domiciled applicants

Nevada does not issue non-domiciled CLPs and is phasing out its Limited-Term CDL program. No new or duplicate Limited-Term CDLs are being issued.

Confirm with DMV before you go

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

The CLP fee — Nevada DMV fee pages list both $141.50 and $57.50, so confirm with the DMV before you go.
Retest fees and how long you must wait after a failed test — ask the DMV.
Which languages knowledge tests are offered in — ask the DMV.
The vision standard and how to submit your medical card — ask the DMV.

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 Nevada gives. Free.

Open the Nevada classroom

Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. Rules and fees change, so always check with DMV before you apply.