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Truck Driver (CDL) Licensing in Ohio

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for truck driver (cdl) in Ohio, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Truck Driver (CDL) in Ohio

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: No educational requirements.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: Vision test required.

  5. 5

    Certification: Certification required.

  6. 6

    License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite).

  7. 7

    Please refer to the licensing authority or the Ohio Career Information System (OCIS) at (800) 700-6247 for more information on license requirements.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • No continuing education requirement to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Ohio Department of Public Safety • Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $58,080 median (1% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #23 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite).).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Ohio Department of Public Safety~Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Ohio

With a median salary of $58,080, Truck Driver (CDL)s in Ohio earn 1% above the national median of $57,440. Ohio ranks #23 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+1.9%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,256

Median annual salary

$58,080

Hourly estimate

$27.92
1% above national median

Difference: +$640

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$41,010
  • P2525th percentile$48,540
  • P50Median$58,080
  • P7575th percentile$69,310
  • P9090th percentile$79,890

State vs National Median

State: $58,080
National: $57,440

Total employment: 91,090 | Annual openings: N/A

Truck Driver (CDL) Salary Ranking

#23 of 50 statesfor Truck Driver (CDL) median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Alaska$64,890
#2New Jersey$64,720
#3Washington$63,760
#4Oregon$61,180
#5Minnesota$61,090

Nearby States Comparison

Truck Driver (CDL) licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Ohio$58,080No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Michigan$55,140Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Pennsylvania$58,540No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
West Virginia$49,040No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$55,590No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Indiana$60,090No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Ohio54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Michigan54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Pennsylvania54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
West Virginia60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Indiana54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Ohio Department of Public Safety • Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles

1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH, 43223

Phone: 8446446268

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in Ohio?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Ohio?

Ohio lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Truck Driver (CDL)s.

What education do you need to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in Ohio?

The board typically expects No educational requirements for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure in Ohio.

What is the typical Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Ohio?

The median annual salary for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Ohio is $58,080. Salaries range from $41,010 (10th percentile) to $79,890 (90th percentile).

How does the Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Ohio compare to the national average?

Truck Driver (CDL)s in Ohio earn 1% above the national median of $57,440, with a state median of $58,080.

How many Truck Driver (CDL)s work in Ohio?

Ohio employs approximately 91,090 Truck Driver (CDL)s according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Truck Driver (CDL) license to Ohio from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Ohio?

The licensing agency is Ohio Department of Public Safety / Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Review agency details at https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/.

How often do you renew a Truck Driver (CDL) license in Ohio?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.