Calling everyone in Mississippi looking to get a CDL…
Do you have no idea where to begin?
Maybe you already started the process but don’t know what to do next…
Or maybe you’re not sure what CDL class you need?
Don’t fret.
We’re here to answer all those questions and more.
In this article, we’re going to give you a complete guide to all Mississippi CDL requirements. We’ll cover everything — CDL classes, endorsements, requirements, and steps.
With this, you’re guided through it all.
So let’s begin!
CDL Classes in Mississippi
Unlike most states, Mississippi has 4 CDL classes. These are:
- Class A CDL
- Class B CDL
- Class C CDL
- Class D CDL
Now, before anything else, you need to determine what CDL class to get. To help you, let’s look at each class one by one.
Class A CDL
A Class A CDL is used to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMV) with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds.
Keep in mind, however, that this has to be a combination CMV, with the towed unit weighing 10,001 pounds or more.
Examples of Class A vehicles are tractor-trailers, tanks, and flatbeds.
Another thing. With a Class A CDL, it is possible to get an endorsement to drive Class B and C vehicles.
Class B CDL
Meanwhile, a Class B CDL can operate single CMVs weighing more than 26,001 pounds. If it tows, the unit should not be heavier than 10,001 pounds.
You can see the slight difference between Class A and Class B.
Dump trucks, straight trucks, and box trucks fall under this CDL class.
And just like the Class A CDL, you can get an endorsement to operate Class C vehicles. However, you cannot operate Class A vehicles.
Class C CDL
For the Class C CDL, it can operate single and combination vehicles that specifically transfer 16 or more passengers or transport hazardous materials. Also, it should not fall under Class A or Class B vehicles.
Examples of CMVs that fall under Class C are passenger vans, school buses, and HazMat trucks.
Class D CDL
Finally, the Class D CDL is used to operate any single or combination vehicles that don’t fall under Class A, Class B, or Class C, but are used for commercial purposes.
CDL Endorsements in Mississippi
You must add endorsements to your CDL if you want to drive specialized CMVs.
Now, some of these endorsements can only be added when you have your CDL already, while others can be added to your permit.
Here are the endorsements offered in Mississippi:
- T – if you want to operate double and/or triple trailers
- P – if you want to operate passenger vehicles
- N – if you want to operate tank vehicles
- H – if you want to operate vehicles that carry hazardous materials
- X – if you want to operate both tank vehicles that carry hazardous materials
- S – if you want to operate a school bus
For T, N, and H, you only need a knowledge test to gain your endorsement. For P and S endorsements, you need to pass both a knowledge and skills test.
CDL Requirements in Mississippi
So, you now know what CDL class to get and if you need any endorsements. Now, it’s time to see if you are eligible to get a CDL in the state.
Here are the basic requirements:
- Must be at least 17 years old if driving intrastate, and 21 years old if driving interstate
- Must hold an active driver’s license
- Must be physically fit and qualified to operate a commercial vehicle with a Medical Examiner’s Certificate
- Must be a Mississippi resident
- Must be a US citizen or legal alien
If you can meet all the basic requirements, then let’s move on to the steps to getting your CDL.
How to Get A CDL in Mississippi
Just like a regular driver’s license, you first need a permit. This is called a commercial learner’s permit (CLP).
Let’s go over the steps to getting a CLP in Mississippi.
How to Get Your CLP in Mississippi
Here are the steps to getting your CLP in Mississippi:
- On your scheduled date, submit the following:
- Valid driver’s license
- Filled out Application for Mississippi Driver License/ID form
- A valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate
- Original birth certificate
- SSN card
- 2 proofs of Mississippi residency
You can click here for acceptable documents to bring.
- Pay the CLP fee of $16 and the endorsement fee of $5 each (if applicable).
- Take and pass the CDL Learner’s Permit Knowledge Test and any endorsement test (if applicable).
- Get your CLP.
With this, you can practice driving a CMV in your class. Just remember, you should always have a licensed CDL holder in the front seat.
How to Get Your CDL in Mississippi
And here are the steps and requirements to getting your CDL in Mississippi:
- Hold your CLP for at least 14 days.
- Complete an Entry-Level Driver Trainer (ELDT) program from an FMCSA-approved school. This is only required if you are:
- Getting a first-time Class A or Class B CDL
- Upgrading a Class B CDL to a Class A CDL
- Getting a first-time P or S endorsement
- Getting a first-time H endorsement
- Schedule an appointment for your CDL road test by calling 601-487-7073 or 601-487-7070.
- On your scheduled date, arrive early and bring the following:
- Valid driver’s license
- Valid CLP
- A completed Application for Mississippi Driver License/ID form
- A valid medical card
- Someone that holds the same CDL class as what you are applying for
- A vehicle that falls under your CDL class. You must also bring the vehicle’s valid insurance and registration
- Take and pass the CDL road test.
- Pay the CDL fee:
- Class A, B, and C – $55
- 8-year light Class D – $57
- Class D – $29
- Surrender your CLP.
- Get your CDL.
Congratulations! You are now an official commercial driver in Mississippi.
FAQs
Got some questions? Then let’s answer some of the most frequently asked ones about CDLs in Mississippi.
How much does it cost to get a CDL in Mississippi?
The total cost of getting a CDL will be around $5,000-$7,000. The bulk of this will be from your trucking school.
On average, the median price of a trucking school is around $4,000, plus you have to factor in all the fees you have to pay in getting the CDL. So it’s best to prepare a big amount before going out and starting the process.
What disqualifies you from getting a CDL in Mississippi?
Some medical conditions can disqualify you from getting a CDL in Mississippi. For example, medical conditions that cause hearing loss, vision loss, and epilepsy are disqualifiers. Insulin use is also up there.
Also, if you have a legal prescription for one form of medical drug or another, you may be disqualified if the medicine involved will adversely affect your driving ability.
How long is CDL School in Mississippi?
The length of your training varies depending on which CDL school you go to. Some offer programs that last up to 4 weeks, while others need 6 weeks to complete.
Can I get my CDL test online in Mississippi?
Unfortunately, there is no available online testing for the CDL test in Mississippi. You have to take it in person.
Conclusion
And that completes your guide to Mississippi CDL requirements.
As you can see, the process is not complicated at all. However, it does take time, effort, and even investment.
But now that you know everything you need to know, it will be a lot easier for you.
So what are you waiting for?
Get started today!