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Commercial Driver's License
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
$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
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
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)
Ready to pass the CDL Knowledge Test?
Practice exams built for the CDL licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Preparing for the written and skills tests? Read our CDL exam prep guide for study tips and what to expect on test day.
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
CDL Knowledge Test
Browse study guides
CDL Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic CDL Knowledge Test practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
CDL Knowledge Test
Passing Score
80%
Format
Written multiple choice
Key Topics Covered
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the CDL Knowledge Test.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — CDL Knowledge Test
Prepare for your CDL Knowledge Test with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| 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
North Carolina has 4% below average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
North Carolina has average cdl truck drivers density relative to population.
North Carolina ranks #30 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
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 (and full provisional license) cannot be renewed by mail; in-person renewal required. HAZMAT requires TSA background check.
Regulatory Board
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
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
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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.
See our picks for the best CDL schools in North Carolina.
Start Your CDL Training in North Carolina
State-approved online courses you can start today.
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.
CDL Schools in North Carolina
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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Official Sources
CDL Driver requirements in North Carolina verified against North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV), April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: