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Commercial Driver's License
Governing Authority
North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) — Driver's License Division
701-328-2500
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
$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
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: $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
Ready to pass the CDL Knowledge Test?
Practice exams built for the CDL licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
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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
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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 Dakota
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| 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
North Dakota has 54% above average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
North Dakota is one of the most saturated cdl truck drivers markets in the country.
North Dakota ranks #1 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
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
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
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
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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.
Start Your CDL Training in North Dakota
State-approved online courses you can start today.
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.
CDL Schools in North Dakota
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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Official Sources
CDL Driver requirements in North Dakota verified against North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) — Driver's License Division, April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: