2026 data Connecticut board official source

Connecticut Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) License Requirements

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

Operates large commercial vehicles. Federal CDL recognized nationwide.

What the Connecticut data shows for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)s

Becoming a licensed commercial truck driver (cdl) in Connecticut means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 268 training hours, a passing score on CDL Knowledge Tests and Skills Test, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 21. Connecticut regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "CDL Training Program".

Budget $142 to get started, plus $74 at each renewal on a 4-year cycle. Continuing education is not a listed requirement for this profession in Connecticut, so the annualized maintenance burden is lower than in states that mandate ongoing hours.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Federal CDL recognized in all 50 states.

Licensing Ease Score

B
Licensing Ease Score
72/100
Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) · Connecticut

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training B-
268 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$142
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden A
$19/yr
$74 every 4 years
Continuing Education A+
None required
No continuing-education mandate
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Connecticut

Education / Training Hours
CDL Training Program
268 hours
Exam Requirement
CDL Knowledge Tests and Skills Test
Required
Initial License Fee
$142
Renewal Fee
$74
Renewal Cycle
Every 4 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
21 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Connecticut licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, the license path calls for 268 education/training hours, a passing score on CDL Knowledge Tests and Skills Test, and a $142 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) in Connecticut?
Connecticut licenses commercial truck driver (cdl)s who complete its requirements (268 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Connecticut licensing board.
Can I transfer my Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) license to Connecticut from another state?
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for commercial truck driver (cdl)s: Federal CDL recognized in all 50 states. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Connecticut licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Connecticut require a background check for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) licensing?
Connecticut does require a background check before issuing a commercial truck driver (cdl) license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.

What to do with this commercial truck driver (cdl) license

Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) in Connecticut, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a commercial truck driver (cdl)-wide, 50-state comparison.

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Connecticut licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.