CDL Truck Driver in Mississippi
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MS. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Mississippi.
Jobs (MS)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a cdl truck driver in Mississippi
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Mississippi, individuals must obtain a Commercial Driver's License from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS). Key steps include completing FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), passing a general knowledge and skills test, and submitting an application with a valid DOT medical certificate. Applicants must be at least 17 for intrastate driving and 21 for interstate, and a background check and 10-year driving history check are conducted.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Mississippi. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Mississippi requirements
| Licensing body | Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) |
| State license | Required |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($5) |
| Application fee | $25 |
| Renewal | Every 4.0 years |
| Reciprocity | Mississippi recognizes valid out-of-state CDLs, but general reciprocity details for transfer are not explicit.Reciprocal states: Mississippi has written reciprocity agreements with Alabama for certain permits, but general CDL reciprocity is not explicitly detailed beyond recognizing valid, unrevoked, and unexpired licenses from other states. Nonresident CDLs may be issued to residents of foreign jurisdictions if their licensing standards do not meet 49 CFR, Part 383. |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 17 years old for intrastate driving and 21 for interstate commerce. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. As of June 23, 2025, Mississippi will no longer accept physical or scanned copies of Medical Certificate forms; federally certified Medical Examiners are required to submit results electronically to FMCSA's National Registry. The CLP fee is $16. The CDL license fee is $55. Endorsements cost an additional $5 each. A HazMat endorsement requires an $86.50 TSA background check fee. Some CDL training programs can be completed in as little as 16 days or 3 weeks. A background check is required. A 10-year driving history check is also performed. While not strictly required, attending a CDL training program is highly recommended. |
Source: Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Mississippi? See whether Mississippi recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our CDL Truck Driver license reciprocity guide.
workspace_premium Mississippi license tiers
Mississippi 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_circleMississippi license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
Compare CDL Truck Driver head-to-head
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