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Get your North Dakota CDL — government fees ($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
Governing Authority
North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) — Driver's License Division
701-328-2500
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
64% of data points are verified against official sources. 8 fields based on preliminary research. 1 field needs verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
$75
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
4 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Gather Required Documents
Obtain current driver license, proof of legal presence, proof of North Dakota residence, and Medical Examiner's Certificate.
DOT physical exam typically costs $100-$200
Visit Driver License Facility
Visit a driver license facility with documents. Pass eye examination and submit application.
Pass Knowledge Tests and Obtain CLP
Pass the CDL knowledge test(s) and purchase your Commercial Learner's Permit.
$5 knowledge test + $15 CLP fee
Fee: $20Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete federally-mandated ELDT through an approved provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.
Training costs vary by school and program
Fee: $3,000-$7,000Hold CLP for Minimum 14 Days
Practice driving with a qualified CDL holder. Must hold CLP for minimum 14 days before road test.
Pass Road Test
Pass the CDL road test in a representative commercial vehicle.
Road test fee
Fee: $5Obtain CDL
Pay the CDL license fee to receive your full commercial driver's license.
CDL valid for 4 years
Fee: $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 ($15) + knowledge test ($5) + CDL ($50) + road test ($5)
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: $5
Road test fee
Three-Part Exam
Third-party CDL skills testing may be available in North Dakota.
Scheduling Note
Scheduled through driver license facility after passing knowledge tests
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 Dakota
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $3 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $3 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $3 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $3 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $6 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $3 |
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
$15
$20 for non-domiciled; knowledge test is $5 per attempt
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
6 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
4 years
Renewal Fee
$50
CDL renewal for 4-year term. Must visit automated (full-service) driver license site.
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
Must visit an automated (full-service) driver license site location. Eye exam required on-site or must provide exam statement from state-approved optometrist. Must present proof of citizenship/legal presence and proof of ND residence.
Regulatory Board
Visit a driver license facility with required documents. Must transfer CDL within 30 days of establishing North Dakota residency. Surrender out-of-state CDL.
Transfer Fee
$50
CDL transfer fee
Timeline
Within 30 days of establishing North Dakota residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedEye examination; HAZMAT knowledge test required to retain HAZMAT endorsement
North Dakota offers both CDL knowledge test and skills test waivers for qualified military personnel. Applicants must complete the Application for Military CDL Knowledge Test or Knowledge and Skills Test Waiver (SFN 60071) and mail or email it to the NDDOT Driver's License Division.
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated military with equivalent commercial vehicle operation experience. Form must be signed by commanding officer.
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 Dakota.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in North Dakota 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 Dakota
North Dakota is one of the most affordable states for obtaining a CDL, with very low government fees (CLP $15, knowledge test $5, road test $5, endorsements $3 each). The state allows a restricted CDL for custom harvesting operations at age 16, which is younger than most states. Seasonal CDL and agribusiness license options are available for agricultural operations.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in North Dakota.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#19 of 51
Cost
#12 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
$49,750
25th percentile
Median
$58,970
+3% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$63,840
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
10,510 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 Dakota.