Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Transportation
Truck Driver (CDL) Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for truck driver (cdl) in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Truck Driver (CDL) in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
Physical Requirement: Vision test required.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
For more information contact the state DMV or https://cms.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/how-do-i-get-commercial-drivers-license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- centrally
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) • Driver and Vehicle Services
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$58,540 median (2% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#21 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)~Driver and Vehicle Services and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of $58,540, Truck Driver (CDL)s in Pennsylvania earn 2% above the national median of $57,440. Pennsylvania ranks #21 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median annual salary
$58,540Hourly estimate
$28.142% above national median
Difference: +$1,100
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationTruck Driver (CDL) Salary Ranking
#21 of 50 statesfor Truck Driver (CDL) median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $64,890 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $64,720 |
| #3 | Washington | $63,760 |
| #4 | Oregon | $61,180 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $61,090 |
Nearby States Comparison
Truck Driver (CDL) licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $58,540 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $60,520 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $64,720 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $58,510 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $57,180 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $49,040 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $58,080 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Jersey | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-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
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) • Driver and Vehicle Services
See official licensing board website
Phone: N/A
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Pilot | $129,540 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $72,240 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Pennsylvania is $58,540. Salaries range from $43,780 (10th percentile) to $76,660 (90th percentile).
How does the Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Truck Driver (CDL)s in Pennsylvania earn 2% above the national median of $57,440, with a state median of $58,540.
How many Truck Driver (CDL)s work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 90,160 Truck Driver (CDL)s according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Truck Driver (CDL) license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) / Driver and Vehicle Services. Review agency details at http://www.penndot.gov/.
How often do you renew a Truck Driver (CDL) license in Pennsylvania?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.