All applicable Mississippi CDL allows all interested drivers to operate buses and/or trucks professionally. However, all related knowledge tests must be completed before a license can be issued. Note that not all applicants are eligible for a CDL license, and may be disqualified from operating commercial vehicles based on prior offenses. During the application process, drivers must select a license class and the number of endorsements that they require. Keep in mind that CDL fees vary between applications.
A full commercial drivers license is only issued once all applicable road skills tests have been completed. Study manuals may be used to take practice tests and prepare for all of the state’s CDL examinations. In some cases, a waiver may be used to skip the road skills test, altogether, but restrictions apply. Once an applicant meets all of the state-specific requirements, he or she will be issued a license to drive professionally in the state of Mississippi.
The state’s CDL license requirements must be met by all drivers applying for a license in Mississippi. One or more of the following CDL requirements may affect your eligibility:
A CDL permit must be held before a full license can be issued. Permit applications need to be submitted in person, at a local MS DMV office. Once purchased, a CDL learners permit is valid for six months. All CDL permit rules must be adhered to when practicing in commercial vehicles. Follow the below steps to apply for a permit at the DMV:
A $2.50 CDL permit processing fee is applied to online medical certifications. Keep in mind that the system takes five business days to process an application. Therefore, applicants using the online system must do so at least five days prior to applying for a permit.
The general CDL written test must be completed by all drivers, regardless of the vehicle’s class. In addition, specific endorsement tests may be required. The following written exams are provided by the MS DMV at approved testing centers:
Multiple CDL permit test questions are available in the state’s driving manual, and may be used to test your knowledge before taking the exam.
The state’s training manual includes a CDL practice test at the end of most chapters. Drivers may use the manual to study for each exam. While CDL prep is recommended, certain endorsements may require official training before a test can be taken. For example, drivers applying for the hazmat endorsement must complete a certified CDL training course provided by the employer. School bus CDL school may also be required in your area.
Before you apply for CDL licensure, you must hold a permit for at least 14 days. After which, a skills test can be scheduled, and a CDL application submitted.
In order to get your CDL license successfully, you must:
The practical CDL test must be taken at the DMV or an approved third-party testing center. All vehicles must meet the state’s CDL requirements, and be in the correct class. If you arrive late or fail to bring the correct paperwork your test will be cancelled. The CDL driving test is comprised of three parts, which include:
All three stages of the CDL test must be completed in the order listed above.
A completed military CDL skills test waiver form can be submitted alongside a permit application, if applicable. Not all service members are eligible for the waiver. The application must include a statement from a commanding office attesting to the driver’s experience while on active duty.
If the applicant operates – or has operated – a commercial vehicle while employed by the military, the waiver allows him or her to skip the skills test portion of the application process. All applicable CDL written tests must be passed, and cannot be waived using this form.
All of the state’s new DOT physical requirements must be met before applying for a CDL. Furthermore, your medical information must be kept up-to-date with the DMV at all times. Failure to comply with the state’s rules may result in the removal of your driving privileges.
If you certify as non-excepted, and require a CDL physical, you must submit a valid CDL medical exam card with your permit application. MS residents can submit certification forms and medical cards online or in person. A certified DOT medical examiner must perform the physical.
The weight requirements for a Class A license differ from Class B and C vehicles. The difference between the three CDL vehicle classes is outlined below:
MS CDL endorsements may be added to a new or existing commercial license. One or more of the following endorsements are available to eligible applicants:
Drivers holding an intrastate CDL are only permitted to operate commercial vehicles within state lines. In contrast, applicants holding an interstate CDL are allowed to cross state borders. Applicants must self-certify as one or the other when applying for a permit.
The Mississippi CDL license cost is comprised of an application fee, a permit fee and a license fee. Additional CDL permit costs may be applied.
See below for a breakdown of the state’s CDL fees: