Mississippi CDL applicants should treat the process as three connected projects: earn the correct commercial learner’s permit, complete any required federal training, and arrive for the skills test with an appropriate vehicle. The Department of Public Safety Driver Service Bureau publishes the state fee schedule, application requirements, and current combined CDL manual.
Last verified: September 9, 2026.
Mississippi CDL Quick Facts
| Item | Current Mississippi requirement |
|---|---|
| CDL agency | Mississippi DPS Driver Service Bureau |
| Minimum age | 18 for intrastate; 21 for interstate commerce and placarded HazMat operation |
| CDL learner permit | $16, valid six months |
| Five-year CDL | $55 |
| Endorsements | $5 each on the state fee schedule |
| HazMat fee | $100 listed separately by DPS |
| CLP wait | At least 14 days before CDL skills testing |
| ELDT | Required for covered first-time Class A/B, upgrades, Passenger, School Bus, and HazMat applicants |
| Official handbook | Download the Mississippi Combined CDL Manual (PDF) |
The fee page is the controlling public source for current transaction prices. Ask the testing location about appointment, vehicle, and any third-party charges before arriving.
Mississippi Application Documents
The Mississippi CDL application states that applicants must present original Social Security evidence, a certified birth certificate, and two proofs of residence. A valid medical examiner’s certificate is required before DPS can issue the CLP unless the applicant fits a recognized excepted category. Name changes must be supported by the appropriate original marriage, divorce, adoption, or court record.
Do a document check before the appointment. An expired medical card, an address mismatch, or an unsupported name difference can prevent issuance even after you have studied for the exam.
Choose Your Mississippi Practice Module
| Your goal | Knowledge area | Start here |
|---|---|---|
| First permit | General Knowledge | General Knowledge diagnostic |
| Class A | Combination Vehicles | Combination diagnostic |
| Air brakes | Air Brakes | Air Brakes diagnostic |
| HazMat | Hazardous Materials | HazMat diagnostic |
| Tank vehicle | Tank Vehicles | Tanker diagnostic |
| Doubles/triples | Doubles and Triples | Doubles diagnostic |
| Skills test | Pre-trip inspection | Pre-Trip diagnostic |
Mississippi CDL Application Steps
- Choose your license class and endorsements. Base the decision on vehicle ratings, passenger capacity, trailer size, and cargo.
- Download the current combined manual. Study General Knowledge and every section connected to the desired class or endorsement.
- Prepare the original documents and medical certificate. Confirm the exact residency items accepted by DPS.
- Pass the knowledge tests and obtain the CLP. The current state fee page lists the permit at $16.
- Complete ELDT if it applies. Use a provider listed in FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry and verify that completion is reported.
- Hold the CLP at least 14 days. Practice with a qualified CDL holder in the class and type of vehicle authorized by the permit.
- Schedule the skills test. Confirm the location provides the requested CDL service and learn its appointment and vehicle-document rules.
- Pass vehicle inspection, basic control, and road testing. A failure in one part may require rescheduling, so arrive prepared rather than using the paid test as practice.
- Complete issuance. DPS lists a five-year CDL at $55, with separate endorsement and HazMat charges when applicable.
Agriculture Is Not an Automatic CDL Exemption
Federal and Mississippi rules provide limited exceptions for qualifying farm-vehicle operations, but the details matter: vehicle control, cargo ownership, distance, for-hire status, and the exact operation can change the result. Do not use a general “farm truck” label as proof that no CDL is needed. Confirm the vehicle and route with DPS or the appropriate enforcement authority before operating commercially.
An exemption from one CDL requirement also does not necessarily waive vehicle registration, weight, hours-of-service, medical, insurance, or safety rules.
Mississippi Skills-Test Priorities
- Use the current manual. Do not rely on claims that the modernized inspection is simply “shorter.” Learn the components and safety defects in the version DPS currently links.
- Avoid preventable restrictions. An automatic-transmission, non-air-brake, or non-fifth-wheel test vehicle may limit the CDL.
- Prepare for freight conditions. Heat, heavy rain, low-lying flooding, work zones, logging traffic, and Gulf Coast weather require careful speed and space management.
- Inspect securement. Agricultural, timber, and port freight require cargo-specific securement beyond the basic licensing exam.
Official Sources
- Mississippi DPS: New Commercial Driver License
- Mississippi DPS: Driver Service Fees
- Mississippi DPS: Combined CDL Manual (PDF)
- Mississippi DPS: CDL Application and 14-Day CLP Notice (PDF)
- FMCSA: Entry-Level Driver Training
FAQ
How much is a Mississippi commercial learner’s permit?
The current DPS Driver Service fee page lists $16 and a six-month validity period.
How long must I hold the Mississippi CLP?
The official CDL application states at least 14 days before skills testing can be conducted.
How much is the Mississippi CDL?
DPS lists $55 for a five-year CDL. Endorsements and HazMat charges are separate.