CDL Cost in California 2026: DMV Fees and Training Costs
California CDL costs in 2026: $100 original Class A/B application, $46 commercial retest, $59 renewal, endorsement fees, training, medical exams, and funding.
California's current DMV fee table gives a reliable state-fee baseline, but it does not represent the full cost of earning a CDL. Training, the DOT medical exam, test-vehicle access, and endorsement requirements often cost much more than the DMV transaction.
Current California DMV Commercial Fees
- Original Commercial Class A or B application: $100.
- Commercial Class A or B renewal: $59.
- Commercial driving or skills retest: $46.
- Replacement commercial license: $44.
- Change license information: $37.
- Removing an air-brake or automatic-transmission restriction when a drive test is required: $100.
- Adding a Passenger endorsement: $100.
- Adding Tank, Doubles/Triples, or HazMat endorsements: $59.
- Original or renewal Commercial Class C: $59.
The $100 Application Is Not an All-In CDL Price
The original Class A/B application fee covers the DMV application transaction, but a first-time applicant still has training and other costs. California requires federal ELDT when applicable and, for an original Class A or B, at least 15 hours of behind-the-wheel commercial training with DL 1236 certification.
Retest Costs Matter
California allows three attempts to pass the commercial skills test. Each retake carries the current $46 commercial driving/skills retest fee. The state also gives three attempts for each required knowledge test before the application becomes invalid and the applicant must reapply.
Other Costs to Budget For
- DOT medical examination and any follow-up medical work.
- CDL school or other ELDT training.
- Representative vehicle use for the skills test.
- Extra behind-the-wheel practice beyond the state minimum.
- HazMat federal security-threat assessment and related costs.
- Travel to a commercial testing site.
- Retesting or a new application if attempt limits are exhausted.
Funding
California's Eligible Training Provider List identifies programs that may be used for WIOA-supported training. Local America's Job Center of California offices can help applicants explore eligibility. ETPL status is not the same thing as automatic approval for a specific person's tuition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the California Class A/B application fee $100?
Yes. California DMV currently lists $100 for an original Commercial Class A or B application.
How much is a CDL skills retest?
California currently lists $46 for a commercial driving or skills retest.
Does WIOA automatically pay the $100 DMV fee and school tuition?
No. Workforce funding depends on the applicant, the local program, the exact training course, and approved covered costs.
Sources: California DMV Licensing Fees; California DMV Commercial Driver's Licenses; California EDD Eligible Training Provider List. Last verified October 2026.
Free California CDL study guides. Not affiliated with California DMV, California EDD, or FMCSA.