CDL Truck Driver in New Hampshire
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NH
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in New Hampshire
To become a CDL Truck Driver in New Hampshire, applicants must obtain an FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) certificate, pass a CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test, and apply through the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A valid DOT medical certificate is required, and applicants must be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate commerce. New Hampshire offers reciprocity for out-of-state CDLs, though a Hazmat endorsement requires additional testing and a background check.
CDL Truck Driver Requirements in New Hampshire
| Detail | New Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($20) |
| Application Fee | $60 |
| Renewal | Every 5.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate or 21+ for interstate commerce. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. The application fee for a CDL is $60.00, and a CDL Learner's Permit is an additional $20.00. Knowledge tests are $20.00 for General Knowledge and Combination Vehicle, and $10.00 for Air Brakes. Skills test fees are paid to third-party providers and vary. Federal ELDT is required for new applicants. Hazmat endorsement renewals require TSA fingerprint clearance and passing the Hazmat knowledge test. |
License Tiers
New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire
The median cdl truck driver salary in New Hampshire is $58,620 per year, which is 2.1% above the national median of $57,440.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $46,520 |
| 25th | $50,540 |
| 50th (median) | $58,620 |
| 75th | $63,290 |
| 90th (experienced) | $73,050 |
New Hampshire employs approximately 6,730 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 New Hampshire Worth It?
Factors to consider: New Hampshire's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.