While you might think the process to obtain your Idaho commercial driver's license (CDL) seems tedious the first time around, you will be glad to know that renewing it is far less time consuming, as long as you do so within one year of expiration.

You still have to appear in person at the county driver's license office, but you will only have to take and pass a written hazardous materials test if you wish renew this endorsement. At this time, the Transportation Security Administration will conduct a background check to assess any security threat. You may also be asked to take a new medical exam.

Count on taking the hazardous materials test every time you renew this endorsement and your license. If you want to add it to your CDL, then, of course, you will need to take the required test. As with the addition of any endorsement during your CDL renewal, upgrading means that you will have to undergo proper training and you will also have to pass the appropriate endorsement tests.

You will also be asked to show your proper identification (acceptable proof of citizenship or immigration) as well as provide a list of all states in which you have previously held a license to drive any type of motor vehicle during the last 10 years.

If your license is expired for one year or more, if you'd still like to retain CDL privileges, you must again make a trip to the county driver's license office. You'll have to take the written knowledge exam for Class D as well as all applicable written tests, and, lastly, take the skills test in a vehicle that matches the CDL class for which you are reapplying.

Fees

• Four-year CDL: $28.50

• License upgrade: $15.50

• Additional endorsement: (after issuance of the CDL) $11.50

• Knowledge (written) tests: $3 each

• Skills test $55 ($5 to the driver's license office and $50 to the skills tester)

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