CDL Truck Driver in Louisiana
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for LA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Louisiana.
Jobs (LA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a cdl truck driver in Louisiana
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Louisiana, individuals must obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). Key steps include completing FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), passing a general knowledge and skills test, and submitting an application with a fee. Applicants must be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate commerce and possess a valid DOT medical certificate. Louisiana offers reciprocity for CDLs from other states, but new residents must transfer their license within 30 days.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Louisiana. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Louisiana requirements
| Licensing body | Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) |
| State license | Required |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($15) |
| Application fee | $62 |
| Renewal | Every 6.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate or 21+ for interstate commerce. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. The application fee for the CLP is $15, and the knowledge test fee is $15 per attempt. Skills test fees are paid to third-party providers and typically range from $100-$300. Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required for new applicants. A background check and fingerprinting are required for a Hazardous Materials endorsement. Louisiana no longer issues Non-Domiciled CLPs or CDLs. |
workspace_premium Louisiana license tiers
Louisiana 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
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleLouisiana license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk