CDL Truck Driver in District of Columbia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for DC
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in District of Columbia
To become a CDL Truck Driver in the District of Columbia, you must obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) through the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Key steps include completing FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), passing a general knowledge test and a skills test, and completing mandatory Human Trafficking Awareness training. Applicants must be at least 21 years old for an interstate CDL, or 18 for an intrastate CDL, and hold a valid DOT medical certificate. If you have an out-of-state CDL and reside in DC for more than 30 days, you must convert it to a DC CDL.
CDL Truck Driver Requirements in District of Columbia
| Detail | District of Columbia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | District of Columbia Department 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 | $117 |
| Renewal | Every 8.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 21+ for interstate CDL, hazardous materials, or passenger endorsements. An intrastate CDL (within DC only) is available for those 18+. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. New applicants must complete FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). Additionally, Human Trafficking Awareness training is required for new CLP applicants and those converting an out-of-state CDL. Fees are approximate: $10 for knowledge test, $78 for CLP, $10 for road test, $117 for license. Endorsement fees are $20 each. Drivers with a 'prohibited' Clearinghouse status are prohibited from operating a CMV. |
Source: District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
License Tiers
District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia
The median cdl truck driver salary in District of Columbia is $63,610 per year, which is 10.7% above the national median of $57,440.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $50,580 |
| 25th | $59,160 |
| 50th (median) | $63,610 |
| 75th | $76,770 |
| 90th (experienced) | $90,170 |
District of Columbia employs approximately 830 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 District of Columbia Worth It?
Factors to consider: District of Columbia's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.