CDL Truck Driver in Ohio
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for OH. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Ohio.
Jobs (OH)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a cdl truck driver in Ohio
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Ohio, applicants must first complete FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). Following this, individuals need to obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing knowledge tests and then successfully pass a CDL skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic maneuverability, and a road test. The licensing body is the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), and a valid DOT medical certificate is required. While Ohio offers reciprocity for out-of-state CDLs, federal regulations mandate that the CDL be issued by the driver's state of residence.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Ohio. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Ohio requirements
| Licensing body | Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) |
| State license | Required |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test |
| Application fee | $46 |
| Renewal | Every 4.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate or 21+ for interstate commerce. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. Fees are approximate: CLP application fee is $27.00 (includes knowledge test fees). Skills test fees are paid to third-party providers and vary, typically $115-$275. Federal ELDT is required for new applicants. A $5.00 fee applies for in-person self-certification at a deputy registrar agency. HazMat endorsement requires a TSA background check ($86.50). |
workspace_premium Ohio license tiers
Ohio 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_circleOhio license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk