CDL Truck Driver in New Jersey
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NJ
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in New Jersey
To become a CDL Truck Driver in New Jersey, individuals must obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL) from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). Key steps include completing FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), passing a general knowledge test and a skills test, and submitting a CDL application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate commerce or certain endorsements, and possess a valid DOT medical certificate. While New Jersey does not have CDL reciprocity with other states, out-of-state CDL holders can transfer their license by meeting specific requirements, including a vision test and submitting necessary documentation.
CDL Truck Driver Requirements in New Jersey
| Detail | New Jersey |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($125) |
| Application Fee | $42 |
| Renewal | Every 4.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate or 21+ for interstate commerce, hazardous materials, or passenger endorsements. A valid DOT medical certificate is required and must be kept current. Fees are approximate: $125 for the examination test receipt (which covers knowledge tests), and $42 for the 4-year CDL license. Endorsements cost an additional $2 each. Skills test fees are paid to third-party providers and vary. Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required for new applicants for Class A or B CDLs, or for certain endorsements, prior to taking the skills test. Background checks and fingerprinting are required for school bus and hazardous materials endorsements. |
License Tiers
New Jersey 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 Jersey
The median cdl truck driver salary in New Jersey is $64,720 per year, which is 12.7% above the national median of $57,440.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $48,820 |
| 25th | $58,450 |
| 50th (median) | $64,720 |
| 75th | $77,050 |
| 90th (experienced) | $89,130 |
New Jersey employs approximately 49,450 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 Jersey Worth It?
Factors to consider: New Jersey's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.