A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required in Massachusetts to operate commercial motor vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVWR, buses carrying 16 or more passengers, or vehicles placarded for hazardous materials. Massachusetts CDL fees start at $75 for a 5-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 Massachusetts 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. Important for chemical and fuel operations in eastern Massachusetts.
Required for bulk liquid or gas transport. Common for fuel and chemical tankers operating in the Boston metro and statewide.
Required for vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers including the driver.
Requires P endorsement. Massachusetts requires background check and fingerprinting for school bus drivers through the state CORI system.
Required for pulling double or triple trailers. Class A CDL required. Common on I-90 Mass Pike and I-95 Route 128 corridor runs.
Combination of H and N endorsements. TSA background check applies.
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 Massachusetts →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 Massachusetts RMV. Intrastate-only CDL holders may qualify for a Massachusetts-specific medical waiver under certain conditions.
Find an FMCSA-certified medical examiner →Apply at a Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) location with proof of identity, Social Security Number, and Massachusetts 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 $75. Visit mass.gov/rmv for scheduling.
Massachusetts CDLs are valid for 5 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 Massachusetts Class A CDL at age 18 allows intrastate (within Massachusetts) driving only. Interstate operation — crossing state lines in a qualifying CMV — requires the driver to be at least 21 under federal FMCSA regulations.
The Ted Williams Tunnel and the Sumner/Callahan Tunnels in Boston have height restrictions — typically 13'6" but verify current limits with MassDOT. High-profile vehicles must use alternate routes. CDL drivers routing through Boston must know these restrictions before entering tunnel approaches.
Massachusetts frost law postings typically begin in February and can run through May on non-Interstate roads. MassDOT issues road posting notifications when spring restrictions are in effect. The restrictions are strictly enforced by the RMV and local police. Always check mass.gov/orgs/massdot for current posting status before routing on any non-Interstate Massachusetts road during the spring period.
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Massachusetts CDL fee is $75 for original and renewal with a 5-year cycle. Knowledge test fees are approximately $35 per test. Skills test fees vary by provider — expect $100–$200 at third-party providers. Verify current amounts at mass.gov 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: Massachusetts MA Official DMVLast reviewed: April 8, 2026