Do You Have to Retest if Your CDL Expires? - Rules by State (2025)
In many states, if your CDL has been expired long enough (commonly ≥ 1 year and, in some places, ≥ 2 years), you’ll be required to retest—that can mean a knowledge test, a skills/road test, or both. The exact trigger and what you must retake varies by state. Use the A–Z index below to jump to your state’s rules, and double-check the official DMV page before you schedule.
Why States Require Retesting
Operating a CMV safely isn’t only about “remembering the rules.” It’s about keeping skills sharp and staying current on regulations. After a long lapse, states assume some combination of the following may have changed:
- Regulatory updates: Hours-of-service, medical qualification handling, endorsements (e.g., HAZMAT), and equipment rules evolve.
- Skill fade: Backing, alley-dock, coupling/uncoupling, manual-shift technique, space/clearance management, and hazard scanning can degrade without regular driving.
- Public safety: Retesting ensures re-entry drivers still meet the minimum, consistent safety standards expected under FMCSA and state law.
Bottom line: retesting is designed to protect you, your employer, and everyone else on the road, not to create red tape.
Federal vs. State Responsibilities
- FMCSA (Federal): Sets the national framework—entry-level driver training (ELDT), what constitutes a CDL, minimum knowledge/skills domains, medical qualification standards, how CLPs/CDLs work, and baseline disqualifications.
- State DMVs: Control renewal cycles, retesting thresholds, fees, scheduling, and the exact steps you must take when a CDL is expired. They also handle downgrades tied to medical lapses and endorsement-specific procedures (e.g., HAZMAT TSA checks).
Key takeaway: Two states can comply with the same federal framework yet have very different retest thresholds. Always read your state’s section.
Understanding CDL Expiration and Renewal
A Commercial Driver’s License is typically valid for four to eight years depending on the issuing state. During that time, you must keep your medical examiner’s certificate current and meet any other state requirements tied to your CDL class and endorsements. Once the license expires, you cannot legally operate a CMV. After a longer lapse, many states will require retesting before renewal. Renewal notices help, but it is ultimately the driver’s responsibility to track expiration dates, complete the DOT physical on time, and avoid lapses.
General Retesting Policies
- Expired < 12 months: Most states allow renewal without knowledge/skills retesting (you’ll still need fees and a current medical card).
- Expired 12–24 months: Some states require knowledge + skills exams before renewal.
- Expired 24–36 months: Many states treat you as a new applicant at the two-year mark (CLP + knowledge + skills).
- Expired > 36 months: Expect a full reset in most jurisdictions (CLP, ELDT if applicable, and all exams).
Always confirm your state’s exact threshold and which exams apply before you book.
What Happens If You Drive with an Expired CDL
- Citations and fines: You can be cited for driving a CMV without a valid CDL.
- Employment issues: Many carriers treat an expired CDL as a policy violation; some remove you from dispatch until you’re current.
- Insurance risk: If you crash while driving on an expired CDL, coverage disputes may arise.
- Compounding delays: If the state requires a full retest, lead times for test dates can add weeks to your downtime.
If you’ve already lapsed, stop operating and move directly to the steps below.
How to Renew an Expired CDL (Step-by-Step)
1) Confirm your state’s rule
Use the A–Z section to find your state’s trigger (e.g., “expired ≥ 1 year” or “expired ≥ 2 years”) and what tests are required (knowledge, skills, both). Check whether your CDL has been downgraded due to a medical lapse.
2) Book your appointment(s)
Most expired CDL cases require in-person processing. If a retest is required, schedule knowledge and skills (and any endorsement tests) as soon as possible—skills test calendars fill up fast.
3) Gather documents
- Valid identity and residency documents
- Expired CDL (if still in your possession)
- Medical Examiner’s Certificate (current) and self-certification
- Any endorsement paperwork (e.g., TSA approval for HAZMAT)
- Payment method
4) Prepare for the required tests
If your state requires a knowledge test, review the CDL manual (general + class + endorsements). If a skills retest is required, practice pre-trip inspection, basic control skills (straight-line, offset, parallel, alley dock), and on-road (mirror checks, signaling, lane discipline, speed control, and railroad crossings).
5) Take the tests, pay fees, and renew
Bring all documents, arrive early, and focus on safety over speed during the road portion. When passed, complete the renewal and verify that the status is active.
Documents & Fees Checklist (Quick Scan)
- Government ID + proof of residency
- Expired CDL
- Medical Examiner’s Certificate (current)
- Self-certification (interstate vs intrastate)
- Endorsement documents (e.g., TSA for HAZMAT)
- Knowledge/skills test fees + renewal fee
Tip: If your license was downgraded (often from a medical lapse), restoring to CDL class can require retesting even if the card itself isn’t “expired” in the traditional sense. Always ask your DMV which status they show for you.
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In many states, if your CDL is expired long enough (often ≥ 1 year, sometimes ≥ 2–3 years), you’ll be required to retest (knowledge, skills, or both) to renew. Thresholds vary by state. Always confirm on your state DMV site before you book. See the state rules and sources below.
Reminders
- Bring your current medical examiner’s certificate (and any waiver/variance) when renewing an expired CDL; lapsed medical may trigger downgrade and retesting in many states. (General FMCSA medical status handling.) FMCSA
- ELDT theory is not re-required for simple renewals in most states, but if you must start over as a new “Original” CDL applicant (e.g., Florida ≥ 1 year), ELDT theory and CLP steps may apply. Verify with your state DMV. FL Highway Safety
Start (or Re-Start) with ELDT Nation
If your state requires you to start fresh (CLP + knowledge + skills), getting the FMCSA-approved theory done fast and affordably keeps you moving. ELDT Nation offers:
- Online, self-paced theory (mobile-friendly)
- Interactive videos + quizzes
- Automatic TPR reporting to FMCSA and your DMV
- Help connecting with a behind-the-wheel provider near you
- Valid in all 50 states
Jump to State (A–Z Index)
Tables use short phrases only. Please check full details and official sources are listed under each table.
Alabama
Sources: Alabama ALEA CDL FAQ confirms “RE-examination will be required if your Alabama CDL has been expired over three (3) years.” alea.gov
(General fees page for context.) alea.gov
Alaska
Important: Alaska posts the reinstatement criteria publicly and notes written testing after 1 year and possible road test after 5 years when a license has been canceled. For CDL renewals, you must also meet CDL-specific requirements (medical certification, self-certification). Always verify your specific situation with AK DMV. dmv.alaska.gov+2dmv.alaska.gov+2
(Background statutory note indicating a road test after 5 years exists in older materials; rely on current DMV pages for final decisions.)akleg.gov
Arizona
Sources: ADOT MVD CDL FAQ: “Re-testing is only required if your CDL is expired, withdrawn, suspended, revoked …” (for HME renewal specifics, see ADOT renewal page). Arizona Department of Transportation
Arkansas
Source: Arkansas DFA states “If your commercial license is downgraded or voluntarily surrendered for one (1) year or more, you will be required to retake all phases of the CDL exam.” dfa.arkansas.gov
California
Sources: California DMV confirms that if a CDL has been expired for over two years, a skills test is required to renew, and that certain applicants may waive the skills test if an out-of-state CDL is current or expired less than two years. dmv.ca.gov
Colorado
Colorado’s Code of Colorado Regulations and CDL testing rules confirm the state-administered CDL skills testing framework, but do not publish a simple, current “X years expired = retest” rule on the accessible pages reviewed.
Sources: Colorado CDL testing rules and CCR excerpts (framework for CDL skills testing and restrictions). For the current expired-CDL retest threshold, call or visit CO DMV (policy not visible on accessible pages). Colorado Secretary of State coloradosos.gov
Connecticut
Source: Connecticut DMV notes that if your CDL expires by two years or more, you must obtain a new CLP and take the knowledge and skills tests. Connecticut Portal
Delaware
Sources: Delaware DMV states CDLs are renewable only within 30 days before expiration; driver licensing pages note written/road may be given (normally waived); statute shows a late fee for expired commercial licenses. Verify specifics with DE DMV at renewal. Division of Motor Vehicles delcode.delaware.gov
District of Columbia
Sources: DC DMV states that if a driver license has been expired for more than 545 days, both knowledge and road tests are required; DC’s CDL learner permit guidance confirms retesting after CLP expiration (CDL holders are served at the CDL office; confirm any CDL-specific retest steps when booking). dmv.dc.gov
Florida
Sources: Florida HSMV explicitly states that CDL licenses expired for one year or more require all applicable knowledge and skills exams to obtain a new Original CDL; renewal fee reference on FAQ page. FL Highway Safety
Georgia
Sources: Georgia DDS provides explicit retest rules for Class C licenses when expired ≥ 2 years; CDL pages do not publish a clear duration threshold online. DDS CDL FAQ emphasizes current medical certification and that retesting may be required if medical lapses. For CDL retest timing, confirm directly with DDS. Georgia Department of Driver Service
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Reminders
- Medical certification: If your medical examiner’s certificate lapsed, your CDL may be downgraded. Restoring CDL status can require testing beyond a simple renewal.
- Hazmat (H) endorsement: Renewal often includes a TSA background check and may require additional testing, separate from CDL renewal rules.
- If you must apply “as new”: Expect CLP, ELDT theory, knowledge + skills testing, and standard DMV fees.
Steps to Avoid Retesting
- Renew early: If your state allows renewal 6–12 months ahead, take advantage of it.
- Double-remind medical: Add calendar reminders 60 days and 30 days before your medical card expires.
- Keep your address current: Ensure renewal and medical notices reach you without delay.
- Know your threshold: If your state flips to “retest” at 1 year (or 2), do not cut it close.
- Stay practice-ready: If you’ve been off the road, refresh pre-trip, backing maneuvers (straight-line, offset, parallel, alley dock), and on-road habits (mirror checks, signaling, lane discipline, speed control, railroad crossings).
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