CDL Truck Driver in Connecticut

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CT. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$58,700

trending_up +2.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Connecticut.

engineering

15,860

Jobs (CT)

monitoring Stable

+4.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$86

Licensing fees

schedule

3-8 weeks (for CLP and CDL issuance)

Time to complete

route How to become a cdl truck driver in Connecticut

To become a CDL Truck Driver in Connecticut, individuals must obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) and complete FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). Subsequently, applicants must pass a general knowledge test, any required endorsement tests (each costing $5), and a skills test ($30) administered by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The CDL application fee is $70 for a four-year license, and a valid DOT medical certificate is mandatory. Connecticut offers reciprocity for out-of-state CDLs of equal class, though specific endorsements like school bus and hazardous materials may require additional testing.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $42,880

25th percentile $49,190

50th (median) $58,700

75th percentile $62,820

90th (experienced) $73,550

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Connecticut. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Connecticut requirements

Licensing body	Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
State license	Required
Education	FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Exam	CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($16)
Application fee	$70
Renewal	Every 4.0 years
Notes	Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate commerce or 21+ for interstate commerce or to haul hazardous materials. A valid DOT medical certificate is required and must be submitted electronically by the medical examiner to the DMV starting June 16, 2025. All CDL holders and applicants for a CDL or Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) must register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. A Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) is valid for one year and must be held for a minimum of 14 days before taking the CDL skills test. The general knowledge test costs $16, endorsement tests are $5 each, and the skills test is $30. The CDL license fee is $70 for a four-year renewal, with an additional $48 for a public passenger endorsement. Military personnel may be exempt from the skills test.

Source: Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

workspace_premium Connecticut license tiers

Connecticut offers multiple tiers of cdl truck driver licensing:

Tier	Hours required
Class A	N/A
Class B	N/A
Class C	N/A

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+4.0%

Average

Annual openings

237,600

Nationwide per year

Total employment

2,235,100

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -1.15/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleConnecticut license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a cdl truck driver career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a cdl truck driver in Connecticut? expand_more

Connecticut requires cdl truck drivers to complete the required education (FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)), pass the CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test, and submit your application ($70 fee).

Is a cdl truck driver license required in Connecticut? expand_more

You cannot practice as a cdl truck driver in Connecticut without a state license from Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The required exam is the CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test.

How much do cdl truck drivers make in Connecticut? expand_more

The median cdl truck driver salary in Connecticut is $58,700 per year. This is close to the national median of $57,440. The range spans from $42,880 at the entry level to $73,550 for top earners.

How expensive is cdl truck driver licensing in Connecticut? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($16) and application fee ($70). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How long does it take to become a cdl truck driver in Connecticut? expand_more

Most candidates in Connecticut complete the process in 3-8 weeks (for CLP and CDL issuance), from enrollment in a training program through licensure.