CDL Licensing

How to Obtain a Mississippi CDL

3 min read

To drive commercial vehicles in Mississippi, you need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) oversees the CDL issuance process. Below is everything you need to know to qualify, apply, and get your CDL in the state.

CDL Classifications in Mississippi

Mississippi issues three CDL classes:

Class A – For vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, towing over 10,000 pounds.
Class B – For single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or towing a vehicle not over 10,000 pounds.
Class C – For vehicles not in Class A or B, but designed to transport 16 or more passengers or hazardous materials.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a CDL in Mississippi, you must:

Be at least 18 years old to drive intrastate (within Mississippi)
Be 21 years or older for interstate driving or hazardous materials transport
Hold a valid non-commercial Mississippi driver's license
Have at least one year of driving experience

For more details on age and license requirements, see Mississippi Minimum Age Requirements for Licenses.

Step 1: Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)

Before applying for a CDL, you must get a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP). The process includes:

Providing proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number
Passing a DOT medical examination and submitting a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876)
Passing the CDL general knowledge written test

The CLP must be held for at least 14 days before you can take the CDL skills test.

Start with the How to Obtain a Mississippi CDL resource for documentation details.

Step 2: Take the CDL Knowledge Tests

Depending on your desired class and endorsements, you’ll need to pass specific knowledge exams:

General knowledge test (required for all applicants)
Combination vehicles test (Class A)
Air brakes test (if applicable)
Endorsement tests for hazmat, school bus, passengers, etc.

To prepare, use Top CDL Test Preparation Resources in Mississippi.

Step 3: CDL Skills Test

After holding your CLP for at least 14 days and passing any necessary endorsements, schedule your skills test, which includes:

Pre-trip inspection
Basic control skills
Road driving test

Skills tests must be taken in a vehicle that matches the license class you're applying for. Contact your local DPS office for scheduling—find locations at Mississippi DMV Locations and Service Hours.

Step 4: CDL Endorsements

If you plan to operate specialized vehicles, you’ll need appropriate endorsements. Common ones include:

T – Double/triple trailers
P – Passenger transport
S – School bus
N – Tank vehicles
H – Hazardous materials
X – Combination of tank and hazmat

Learn more about these at Mississippi Endorsements for CDLs.

Fees and Documentation

Bring required documents such as proof of identity, residency, and medical certificate. Fees vary by license class and endorsements. A full list is available in the Mississippi DMV Fee Schedule Overview.

Additional Information

Hazmat endorsement applicants must undergo a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check. You can begin that process on the TSA Hazmat Endorsement site.

CDL holders are also subject to random drug and alcohol testing, especially those employed by companies that operate under FMCSA regulations.