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Get your North Carolina CDL — government fees ($150.75), ELDT training, skills test, and step-by-step guide. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Commercial Driver's License
Most information on this page has been verified.
88% of data points are verified against official sources. 3 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
$150.75
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
5 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Study the NC Commercial Driver License Manual
Review the NC CDL manual to prepare for knowledge tests.
Obtain Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
Visit a local NCDMV driver license office, take vision, traffic sign recognition, and CDL knowledge tests.
CLP valid for 180 days with one renewal; permit arrives within 20 business days
Fee: $43.25Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT from a provider registered on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.
Required for first-time CDL applicants
Hold CLP for Minimum 14 Days
Practice driving with a qualified CDL holder.
Schedule and Pass CDL Skills Test
Call 919-715-7000 to schedule. Pass written driver test, basic control test, and road driving skills test. Must provide your own CMV.
Vehicle must be representative of CDL class applied for
Receive CDL
Pay CDL fee. CDL arrives within 20 business days.
$21.50/year for 5-year term
Fee: $107.50Commercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Endorsement Fees
Training Cost
CLP ($43.25) + CDL ($107.50) + state skills test ($0)
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Costs vary by school and program length
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
State Fee: $0
Skills test fee included in CDL application; administered by NCDMV
Three-Part Exam
Third-party testing available through approved providers
Third-party fee: $100–$400 (Varies by provider)
Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51
Residency Requirement
Must be a resident of North Carolina
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $21.25 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $21.25 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $21.25 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $21.25 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $42.50 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $21.25 |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$43.25
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
6 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Renewal Fee
$107.50
$21.50/year for 5 years; must renew in person
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
CDL cannot be renewed by mail or online; must renew in person at a driver license office. DMV mails reminder card before expiration. HAZMAT endorsement requires retesting and new TSA background check.
Regulatory Board
Visit an NCDMV driver license office, surrender out-of-state CDL, pass vision and sign recognition tests, and pay fees.
Transfer Fee
$107.50
Same as CDL fee; plus CLP fee of $43.25 if retesting required
Timeline
Within 60 days of establishing North Carolina residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision and sign recognition tests; skills test generally waived for valid CDL transfers
Military personnel and recently discharged veterans may have the CDL behind-the-wheel skills test waived. Must have at least 2 years of military CMV operation experience.
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated military with at least 2 years of military CMV operation experience
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in North Carolina.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in North Carolina range from $3,000 to $7,000. Costs vary by school and program length
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Unique to North Carolina
North Carolina charges CDL and endorsement fees on an annual basis ($21.50/year for CDL, $4.25/year per endorsement), paid upfront for the full 5-year term. CDL renewal cannot be done online or by mail. NC requires a traffic sign recognition test in addition to standard CDL knowledge tests. Permits and licenses arrive by mail within 20 business days.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in North Carolina.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#47 of 51
Cost
#37 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
Entry Level
$45,240
25th percentile
Median
$49,580
-14% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$61,590
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
64,610 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.6%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+53,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
228,600
per year (avg.)
2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.
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All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides. Complete your permit prep before attending a driving school.
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Exploring other careers? Compare licensing requirements for real estate agents, insurance agents, and notaries in North Carolina.