CDL Truck Driver in Connecticut
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CT
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Connecticut
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Connecticut, individuals must obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) and complete FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). Subsequently, applicants must pass a general knowledge test, any required endorsement tests (each costing $5), and a skills test ($30) administered by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The CDL application fee is $70 for a four-year license, and a valid DOT medical certificate is mandatory. Connecticut offers reciprocity for out-of-state CDLs of equal class, though specific endorsements like school bus and hazardous materials may require additional testing.
CDL Truck Driver Requirements in Connecticut
| Detail | Connecticut |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($16) |
| Application Fee | $70 |
| Renewal | Every 4.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate commerce or 21+ for interstate commerce or to haul hazardous materials. A valid DOT medical certificate is required and must be submitted electronically by the medical examiner to the DMV starting June 16, 2025. All CDL holders and applicants for a CDL or Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) must register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. A Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) is valid for one year and must be held for a minimum of 14 days before taking the CDL skills test. The general knowledge test costs $16, endorsement tests are $5 each, and the skills test is $30. The CDL license fee is $70 for a four-year renewal, with an additional $48 for a public passenger endorsement. Military personnel may be exempt from the skills test. |
License Tiers
Connecticut offers multiple tiers of cdl truck driver licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Class A | N/A |
| Class B | N/A |
| Class C | N/A |
CDL Truck Driver Salary in Connecticut
The median cdl truck driver salary in Connecticut is $58,700 per year, which is 2.2% above the national median of $57,440.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $42,880 |
| 25th | $49,190 |
| 50th (median) | $58,700 |
| 75th | $62,820 |
| 90th (experienced) | $73,550 |
Connecticut employs approximately 15,860 cdl truck drivers.
CDL Truck Driver Job Outlook
AI Impact on CDL Truck Drivers
Low AI Exposure (Score: -1.15/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a CDL Truck Driver in Connecticut Worth It?
Factors to consider: Connecticut's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.