Missouri CDL Requirements

The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) issues CDLs in three classes. Class A covers combination vehicles over 26,001 lbs towing over 10,000 lbs. Class B covers single vehicles over 26,001 lbs. Class C covers hazmat or passenger vehicles. Applicants must be 18 for intrastate or 21 for interstate. Missouri requires a valid Missouri driver license, Social Security card, proof of Missouri residency, and US citizenship/legal presence. ELDT requirements apply. Missouri has approximately 40 FMCSA-registered ELDT providers, with training concentrated in the St. Louis and Kansas City metro areas, plus Springfield, Columbia, and Joplin.

The Missouri CDL costs $75 for a 6-year license. The CLP costs $7 and is valid for 180 days — one of the cheapest CLPs nationally. Knowledge tests are $5 per attempt at DOR license offices. Skills tests are available at state fee examination sites and third-party testers at $150-$300. Missouri has a good network of CDL testing locations throughout the state. Knowledge tests are available in English and Spanish. The state allows three skills test attempts before requiring additional training. St. Louis and Kansas City areas have the most testing availability and shortest wait times due to higher examiner capacity.

Missouri CDL training includes State Technical College of Missouri (Linn), St. Louis Community College, and Metropolitan Community College (Kansas City) at $2,000-$4,500. Private schools charge $3,500-$7,000. Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development provides WIOA funds. Endorsements follow federal standards. Most in-demand: T (Double/Triple, for Kansas City and St. Louis intermodal operations), H (Hazmat), and N (Tank). Prime Inc. (Springfield) and Werner Enterprises (Kansas City terminal) are major Missouri-based or Missouri-operating carriers offering company-sponsored CDL training. The state's position as a freight hub creates strong demand for CDL holders year-round.