How do I get a North Dakota CDL
In order to obtain a North Dakota CDL, you must:
- Be 21 years old to cross state lines, 18-20 years old to apply for an intra-state North Dakota CDL, or at 16 years old,
you may test for a CDL restricted to custom harvesting operations only.
- Read, write and speak English.
- Must meet all Federal Medical Requirements in 49 CFR 391. Some of the medical conditions which may disqualify an individual are:
- Heart condition
- Hearing impairment
- Worse than 20/40 visual acuity in either eye
- Diabetes controlled with insulin
- Epilepsy
- Loss of or loss of use of a limb
- Seizure disorder requiring anti-seizure medication
- Apply in person at a North Dakota ND Drivers License Site, pass the required knowledge test(s) for the
North Dakota CDL Class to be driven, and purchase a North Dakota Commercial Learners Permit (CLP). Prior to testing, you will always
need to present your current North Dakota Driver License, proof of legal presence, proof of residence address,
make an application, and pass an eye examination.
- Demonstrate your ability to operate the vehicle by passing a road test in a representative commercial vehicle.
A road test cannot be scheduled without a valid North Dakota CLP.
- Online access to the North Dakota Commercial Drivers License Guide
What do I need to study to obtain a North Dakota CDL?
The North Dakota Commercial Drivers License Guide may be found at any of our ND Drivers
License Sites with locations, days/hours of operation, and phone numbers.
Section 1-2 of the manual contains a chart indicating which sections of the
manual you will need to study for the type of commercial vehicle you plan
to drive. With online access to the North Dakota Commercial Drivers License Guide, go to
page 17 on the PDF and scroll down to a chart indicating which sections of
the manual you will need to study for the type of commercial vehicle you plan
to drive.
North Dakota CDL Exemptions . . .
- Age 14 or 15 may drive a farm motor vehicle within 150 miles of the driver's
farm when transporting agricultural products or farm supplies, provided the
gross weight does not exceed 50,000 pounds.
- Any two-axle, tandem axle, triple-axle, or truck-tractor farm vehicle controlled
and operated by a farmer transporting agricultural products, farm machines
or farm supplies to or from a farm within 150 miles of the person's farm.
Farm vehicle may tow a trailer semi-trailer or farm trailer except double,
triple trailers or if under 18 years of age, a truck tractor.
- Any farm vehicle operated by a farmer may transport hazardous material within
150 miles of the farm without a hazardous material endorsement on the operator's
license.
- The farm exemption applies to farmers from adjoining
states if there is a reciprocity agreement. North Dakota has reciprocity agreements
for Farm CDLs with South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, and Wyoming within 150
miles of the farm.
- For more information, contact Highway Patrol.
How much does it cost to get a CDL
- Knowledge Test - $5 per attempt (One attempt allowed per day)
- Commercial Learner Permit - $15 ($20 for non-domiciled)
- Endorsements - $3 Each
- Road Test - $5
North Dakota CDL Written Knowledge Tests
You will need to pass the
North Dakota Knowledge
Tests that are required for the class of license, restriction, and
endorsements you wish to possess. A general knowledge test for the Class A or
Class B and C license must be successfully completed by all CDL applicants.
The information needed to pass these tests is contained in the
FREE
North Dakota CDL Handbook. Please read and study
this manual carefully.
- Class A - 70 Questions (50 GK + 20 Combination Vehicles) - Skills test required.
- Class B - 50 Questions - Skills test required.
- Class C - 50 Questions - Skills test required for bus, school bus and air
brakes vehicles..
- Passenger Endorsement - 20 questions - Skills test required in bus.
- School Bus Endorsement - 25 questions - Skills test required in school bus.
- Doubles/Triples Endorsement - 20 questions - No additional skills tests.
- Tank Vehicle Endorsement - 20 questions - No additional skills tests.
- Hazardous Materials Endorsement - 30 questions - No additional skills tests.
- Air Brake Restriction Removal - 25 questions - Additional skills test in vehicle with Air Brakes.
If you need help . . .
determining what Class of CDL you need based upon the type
of vehicle you will drive (A, B or C) or are not sure which CDL
Endorsements you need based upon the type of loads you will carry; use the
free CDL Selector Tool . . .
North Dakota
Go to CDL Selector Tool
Not sure which ND CDL Tests you need to pass? Use this tool to determine what Class of CDL and which CDL Endorsements you require.
Classes of North Dakota CDL and Required Tests
CDL Class |
Tests Required |
Possible Endorsements and Required Tests |
Class A
(Combination vehicle endorsement required) |
General Knowledge Written Exam
Combination Endorsement Written Exam
Road Exam |
|
Class B |
General Knowledge Written Exam
Road Exam |
|
Class C |
General Knowledge Written Exam
Road Exam
Note: If upgrading to a Class C from a Class D, no road test is required UNLESS the endorsement requires one. |
|
North Dakota CDL Endorsements
Exam |
Time Allowed (Minutes) |
# of Questions on Exam |
# of Correct Answers Needed to Pass |
General Knowledge |
60 |
50 |
40 |
Air Brakes |
25 |
25 |
20 |
HazMat |
30 |
30 |
24 |
Tank |
20 |
20 |
16 |
Passenger |
20 |
20 |
16 |
Doubles/Triples |
20 |
20 |
16 |
Combination Vehicles |
20 |
20 |
16 |
School Bus |
20 |
20 |
16 |
In addition to the North Dakota CDL (commercial driver's license) information found in our website covering the North Dakota CDL and in the free North Dakota CDL Handbook (which is quite boring and a bit confusing - and doesn't have a single multiple-choice question in it that is asked on the actual tests), the complete online
prep program will prepare you to easily pass your
North Dakota CDL written exams to get your North Dakota CDL permit. The skills test modules are invaluable to give you a head start before doing your
work, possibly saving you a lot of money. The North Dakota CDL test prep program includes the following features . . .