A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required in Louisiana to operate commercial motor vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVWR, buses carrying 16 or more passengers, or vehicles placarded for hazardous materials. Louisiana CDL fees start at $66 for a 4-year license. Three CDL classes are available: Class A for tractor-trailer combinations, Class B for single large vehicles, and Class C for passenger and HazMat vehicles. First-time applicants must complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) through an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the skills test. All interstate CDL holders must maintain a valid DOT Medical Certificate. Test your knowledge with the Louisiana CDL knowledge test, then pass the skills test — pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road driving — to earn your license.
Any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the GVWR of the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle or combination not covered by Class A or B, designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or required to be placarded for hazardous materials.
TSA security threat assessment and fingerprinting required. Valid 5 years. Critical for petrochemical corridor operations between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
Required for bulk liquid or gas transport. Extremely common in Louisiana's petrochemical corridor — petroleum, chemicals, and LNG haulers.
Required for vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers including the driver.
Requires P endorsement. Louisiana requires background check for school bus drivers.
Required for pulling double or triple trailers. Class A CDL required.
Combination of H and N endorsements. TSA background check applies. Very common in Louisiana's Chemical Corridor operations.
Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required by federal regulation (49 CFR Part 380, effective Feb 7, 2022) for first-time Class A or B CDL applicants, and for adding H, P, or S endorsements. Training must be completed through an FMCSA-registered provider listed in the Training Provider Registry at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Find a registered ELDT provider in Louisiana →Interstate CDL holders must maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) issued by an FMCSA-certified medical examiner, valid up to 24 months. Submit self-certification and MEC copy to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). Intrastate-only CDL holders may qualify for certain medical self-certification exemptions.
Find an FMCSA-certified medical examiner →Apply at a Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) location with proof of identity, Social Security Number, and Louisiana residency. Pass the required knowledge tests, complete ELDT through an FMCSA-registered provider, then schedule and pass the skills test. The CDL original fee is approximately $66. Visit expresslane.org for scheduling.
Louisiana CDLs are valid for 4 years. Your DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate is separate and must be renewed every 24 months for most interstate drivers, or more frequently if required by your medical examiner.
A Louisiana Class A CDL at age 18 allows intrastate (within Louisiana) driving only. Interstate operation — crossing state lines in a qualifying CMV — requires the driver to be at least 21 under federal FMCSA regulations.
Yes. Drivers hauling petroleum products, chemicals, or LNG in bulk tank vehicles need an N (Tank) endorsement. If those materials are hazardous (which most petrochemicals are), you also need an H (HazMat) endorsement — commonly combined as the X endorsement. The H endorsement requires a TSA background check and fingerprinting.
Louisiana CDL skills tests are administered at OMV testing locations statewide. Approved third-party testing providers may also be available in your area. Visit expresslane.org or contact the Louisiana OMV for current testing locations and scheduling information.
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Louisiana CDL fee is approximately $66 for original issuance and renewal. Knowledge test fees are approximately $15 per test. Skills test fees vary by provider. Verify current amounts at the Louisiana OMV (expresslane.org) before scheduling.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is compiled from publicly available government sources and is provided for general informational purposes only. TruckRadar is an independent search engine — we are not affiliated with any government agency and this content does not constitute legal or compliance advice. Regulations change frequently; always verify current requirements directly with the official source before making compliance decisions.
Official source: Louisiana LA Official DMVLast reviewed: April 8, 2026