You’re planning to get your Commercial Driver’s License in Mississippi — and you picked a state with unique opportunities for trucking professionals. Mississippi sits at the heart of the Gulf Coast logistics network, with the Mississippi River forming its entire western border and major interstate highways connecting New Orleans to Memphis and Birmingham to Mobile. The state’s trucking industry moves everything from agricultural products in the Delta region to containers at the Port of Gulfport, making qualified CDL drivers essential to the economy.
But before you can join the workforce driving through the Mississippi Delta, along I-10 through the Gulf Coast, or up the hills of north Mississippi, you need to pass the Mississippi CDL exam. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver Service Bureau administers the CDL program under federal FMCSA guidelines, and the process is rigorous by design — because the stakes on the road are real.
This guide gives you everything you need to prepare for the Mississippi CDL test: exact test format, Mississippi-specific requirements, what’s different from other states, and free practice tests covering every knowledge exam you’ll face.
🎯 Quick Start
New to CDL? Read the complete CDL study guide first. Already know the basics? Jump straight to the practice tests below.
Mississippi CDL Requirements: What You Need to Know
Mississippi follows the federal CDL standards established by the FMCSA under 49 CFR Part 383, with some state-specific requirements administered by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver Service Bureau. Here’s exactly what Mississippi requires:
Age Requirements in Mississippi
| License Type | Minimum Age | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Intrastate (Mississippi only) | 18 years | Cannot drive across state lines |
| Interstate (all states) | 21 years | No state-line restrictions |
| HazMat Endorsement | 21 years | Federal requirement — no exceptions |
Mississippi CDL Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| CLP Application | $16.00 | Valid for 12 months |
| CDL Knowledge Test | $5.00 per test | Each knowledge exam attempt |
| CDL License (4-year) | $55.00 | Class A or B |
| CDL License (5-year) | $55.00 | Class A or B |
| Endorsements | $5.00 each | Per endorsement added |
| HazMat Background Check | $100.00 | $63 federal + $37 state |
| Skills Test (Road Test) | $150-$250 | Third-party examiners |
Payment methods: Cash, debit, and credit cards are accepted. No personal checks.
Mississippi ELDT Requirements
Since February 7, 2022, all new CDL applicants in Mississippi must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) through an FMCSA-approved training provider. This is a federal requirement — no state can waive it. Mississippi DPS verifies ELDT completion electronically through the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR).
ELDT is required for:
- Original Class A or Class B CDL
- Upgrading from Class B to Class A
- First-time School Bus (S), Passenger (P), or HazMat (H) endorsements
You must hold your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) for at least 14 days before taking the skills test. Your CLP is valid for 12 months (1 year) in Mississippi.
Mississippi CDL Test Format: What to Expect
The Mississippi CDL exam has two parts: knowledge tests (written) and a skills test (driving). The knowledge tests are computer-based, multiple-choice, and administered at Mississippi Driver License Bureau locations.
Knowledge Tests Overview
| Test | Questions | Pass Score | Required For |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 50 | 80% (40 correct) | All CDL classes |
| Air Brakes | 25 | 80% (20 correct) | Class A & B (if vehicle has air brakes) |
| Combination Vehicles | 20 | 80% (16 correct) | Class A |
| HazMat (H) | 30 | 80% (24 correct) | HazMat endorsement |
| Tanker (N) | 20 | 80% (16 correct) | Tanker endorsement |
| Passenger (P) | 20 | 80% (16 correct) | Passenger endorsement |
| School Bus (S) | 20 | 80% (16 correct) | School bus endorsement |
| Doubles/Triples (T) | 20 | 80% (16 correct) | Double/triple trailers |
All Mississippi CDL knowledge tests follow FMCSA content standards from the Mississippi CDL Driver Manual. The passing score is 80% on every test — no exceptions.
Mississippi Skills Test: Three Parts
The Mississippi CDL skills test is administered by DPS-approved Third-Party Testers — not directly at DPS offices. You must provide your own vehicle for the test, and it must be the same class of vehicle you’re applying for. Skills tests are only available Monday through Friday (no weekend testing).
| Section | What It Tests | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Pre-Trip Inspection | Vehicle safety knowledge | Verbally identify and explain critical components: engine, brakes, tires, lights, coupling systems |
| 2. Basic Vehicle Control | Backing and maneuvering | Straight-line backing, offset backing, parallel parking, alley dock |
| 3. On-Road Driving | Real-world driving | Lane changes, turns, braking, gear usage, speed management, traffic law compliance |
Mississippi skills test retake policy: If you fail any section, you only retake the failed section. Passed segments remain valid until your CLP expires (up to 12 months). If you fail the knowledge test on three consecutive days, you must wait 7 days before retesting. No-shows or arriving more than 15 minutes late require a 2-week waiting period before rescheduling.
What Makes Mississippi CDL Different from Other States?
The core CDL exam is federally standardized — the General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and endorsement tests cover the same material in every state. But Mississippi has specific characteristics that make driving here unique:
Mississippi-Specific Driving Conditions
- Gulf Coast location: Mississippi’s southern border includes 44 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, with the Port of Gulfport handling containers and commercial freight — hurricane season (June through November) requires specialized evacuation route knowledge along I-10, I-55, and I-59
- Mississippi River corridor: The entire western border follows the Mississippi River, with major river crossings at Vicksburg, Greenville, and Natchez — bridge driving and weight restrictions are critical skills
- Extreme heat and humidity: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F with high humidity — tire blowouts, engine overheating, and heat-related equipment failures are major concerns, especially in the Delta region
- Agricultural highways: Mississippi is a leading producer of cotton, soybeans, catfish, and poultry — expect slow-moving farm equipment during planting (spring) and harvest (fall) seasons along rural routes
- Severe weather season: High tornado frequency in spring and summer, frequent thunderstorms, and potential flash flooding — route planning and weather awareness are essential
- Forestry industry: Extensive timber and lumber operations throughout the Piney Woods region — log trucks and sawmill routes are common on state highways
- Coastal refineries: Oil and gas refining operations along the Gulf Coast — HazMat and tanker endorsements are especially valuable in this region
While the CDL knowledge test itself won’t ask you Mississippi-specific questions beyond what’s in the standard handbook, understanding these conditions will make you a safer driver and help you contextualize the safety rules you’re learning. Hurricane preparedness, flood route planning, and heat safety procedures are particularly important for Mississippi CDL holders.
Free Mississippi CDL Practice Tests
Each practice test below covers one of the knowledge exams required for your Mississippi CDL. Questions are based on the FMCSA CDL Manual and the Mississippi CDL Driver Manual. Select the test you need to prepare for:
Core Tests (Required for All CDL Applicants)
- General Knowledge Practice Test — 50 questions covering vehicle inspection, safe driving, cargo management, and CDL regulations
- Air Brakes Practice Test — 25 questions on air brake systems, inspection, and safe operation
- Combination Vehicles Practice Test — 20 questions on coupling, uncoupling, and operating combination vehicles
Endorsement Tests (Optional — Based on What You’ll Drive)
- HazMat (H) Practice Test — 30 questions on hazardous materials regulations, placarding, and emergency response
- Tanker (N) Practice Test — 20 questions on liquid surge, bulkhead systems, and safe tanker operation
- Passenger (P) Practice Test — 20 questions on passenger safety, loading/unloading, and emergency procedures
- School Bus (S) Practice Test — 20 questions on student safety, railroad crossings, and loading/unloading procedures
- Doubles/Triples (T) Practice Test — 20 questions on coupling multiple trailers and managing sway
Full-Length Comprehensive Tests
- CDL Full Practice Test — Comprehensive test mixing questions from all knowledge areas
How to Get Your Mississippi CDL: Step by Step
- Meet the prerequisites: Be at least 18 (intrastate) or 21 (interstate), hold a valid Mississippi driver’s license, and pass a DOT medical exam
- Complete ELDT training: Enroll in an FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training program and complete the theory portion
- Get your CLP: Visit a Mississippi Driver License Bureau office, pay the $16 fee, and pass the required knowledge tests to get your Commercial Learner’s Permit (valid 12 months)
- Hold your CLP for 14 days: Practice driving with a qualified CDL holder in the vehicle with you
- Schedule your skills test: Call 601-487-7028 to book an appointment with a DPS-approved Third-Party Tester (skills tests available Monday-Friday only)
- Pass the three-part skills test: Pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving (skills test costs $150-$250 per attempt)
- Get your Mississippi CDL: Return to DPS with your test results, pay the $55 CDL fee, and get your new license
Mississippi CDL Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the Mississippi CDL General Knowledge test?
The Mississippi CDL General Knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions. You need to answer at least 40 correctly (80%) to pass. The test covers vehicle inspection, safe driving practices, cargo management, CDL regulations, and more.
How much does a Mississippi CDL cost?
The total cost includes a $16 CLP application fee, $5 per knowledge test, a $55 CDL license fee (valid 4-5 years), and $5 per endorsement. If you’re adding a HazMat endorsement, there’s an additional $100 background check fee ($63 federal + $37 state). The skills test costs $150-$250 per attempt through third-party examiners. Additional costs include your DOT medical exam (typically $75–$150) and ELDT training ($3,000–$8,000 if attending a school).
What happens if I fail a Mississippi CDL knowledge test?
If you fail a knowledge test, you can retake it. Mississippi allows you to test for three consecutive days — if you fail on the third consecutive day, you must wait 7 days before retesting. Each knowledge test retake costs $5. If you fail the skills test, the waiting period is 1+ weeks after the first failure, 1-3 weeks after the second failure, and 30 days after the third failure. If you no-show or arrive more than 15 minutes late for your skills test, you must wait 2 weeks before rescheduling.
Can I get a Mississippi CDL at 18?
Yes. Mississippi allows you to get a CDL at 18 for intrastate driving only (within Mississippi). You cannot cross state lines until you turn 21. The HazMat endorsement requires you to be at least 21, regardless of your license type.
Where do I take the Mississippi CDL skills test?
Mississippi CDL skills tests are administered by DPS-approved Third-Party Testers, not directly at DPS offices. CDL-specific testing locations include Hattiesburg, Meridian, Newton, and Richland. Call 601-487-7028 to schedule your road test appointment. Skills tests are only available Monday through Friday (no weekend testing). You must provide your own vehicle for the test — it must match the class of license you’re applying for.
How long is my Mississippi CLP valid?
Your Mississippi Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) is valid for 12 months (1 year) from the date of issue. If your CLP expires before you complete your skills test, you must retake all knowledge tests. Passed segments of the skills test remain valid until your CLP expires.
Is the Mississippi CDL test the same as other states?
The knowledge tests are based on the same FMCSA standards and cover the same material as in every other state. The Mississippi DPS uses the Mississippi CDL Driver Manual, which follows the federal CDL manual closely. Questions about vehicle inspection, safe driving, cargo securement, and endorsements are standardized nationally. Your Mississippi CDL is valid in all 50 states.
Mississippi CDL Resources & Official Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Mississippi CDL Handbook (2025) | Download PDF |
| Mississippi DPS CDL Page | Visit website |
| Mississippi Driver Service Bureau | Visit website |
| CDL Fee Schedule | View fees |
| Skills Test Scheduling | Call 601-487-7028 |
| FMCSA Training Provider Registry | Check ELDT status |
| FMCSA CDL Requirements | Federal standards |
Start Practicing for Your Mississippi CDL Today
The Mississippi trucking industry needs qualified drivers — from Gulf Coast port operations to Delta agriculture routes to interstate freight corridors. Whether you’re hauling cotton from the Delta, containers from Gulfport, or general freight on I-55, a CDL opens doors to good-paying jobs in essential industries.
Our free practice tests are designed to match the real Mississippi CDL exam format — same question count, same passing score, same content areas. Use them until you’re consistently scoring above 80%, and you’ll walk into the testing center with confidence.
Free Mississippi CDL Practice Test — Try It Now
Ready to test your knowledge? Take this free CDL General Knowledge practice test right here — no registration, no sign-up, no payment. These questions mirror the real CDL exam format covering vehicle inspection, safe driving, cargo management, and federal regulations. Score 80% or higher and you’re on track to pass your Mississippi CDL exam.
- 👉 Start with the General Knowledge Practice Test
- 📋 Take the Full Comprehensive Test
- 🚛 Practice Air Brakes
Good luck, future Mississippi trucker. The road is waiting. 🚛