Commercial Driver's License Requirements in North Dakota

Obtaining a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in North Dakota requires compliance with both the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and specific North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) statutes. Under North Dakota Century Code Title 39, any individual operating a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or transporting hazardous materials, must hold a valid CDL. The process involves passing a knowledge test, obtaining a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) for at least 14 days, and completing Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) before the final skills examination. Drivers must be at least 18 years old for intrastate commerce and 21 years old for interstate commerce. DispatchTool assists North Dakota owner-operators in managing these regulatory requirements by tracking driver medical card expiration dates and CDL renewal deadlines within the fleet management dashboard. By centralizing documentation, carriers ensure they remain compliant with NDDOT audits while utilizing truck-safe routing to avoid restricted bridges on state highways like ND-200 or US-85. You can create a DispatchTool account to begin organizing your driver compliance documents and IFTA reporting today.

North Dakota CDL Classifications and Weights

North Dakota defines three primary commercial classes under NDCC 39-06.2. A Class A license is required for combination vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the towed unit exceeds 10,000 pounds. Class B is for single vehicles weighing 26,001 pounds or more, or such a vehicle towing a trailer not exceeding 10,000 pounds. Class C applies to vehicles under 26,001 pounds designed to transport 16 or more passengers or hazardous materials requiring placards. The NDDOT requires drivers to self-certify their type of operation, which determines if they must maintain a federal medical certificate on file.

Eligibility and Identification Requirements

Applicants must provide proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency, such as a certified U.S. birth certificate or valid passport. A Social Security card and two forms of North Dakota residency, such as a utility bill or bank statement, are required. Per NDDOT regulations, the applicant must have a valid non-commercial driver's license and be at least 18 years of age. If the driver intends to cross state lines (interstate) or haul hazardous materials, the minimum age increases to 21. Drivers must also pass a vision screening with at least 20/40 acuity in each eye, with or without corrective lenses.

Knowledge and Skills Testing Procedures

The NDDOT charges a $15 fee for the CDL knowledge test and $5 for each endorsement test, such as Tanker or Doubles/Triples. Upon passing, a CLP is issued for a $20 fee. The skills test, which includes the pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving, carries a $25 fee. The pre-trip inspection requires the applicant to identify at least 80% of the mechanical components correctly. Testing is conducted at specific NDDOT locations, and appointments are mandatory. Failure of the skills test requires a waiting period of at least 24 hours before a retest can be scheduled.

Medical Certification and MEC Rules

North Dakota drivers must comply with FMCSA 49 CFR Part 391 regarding medical qualifications. Most commercial drivers must obtain a Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) from a provider listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. The MEC typically remains valid for 24 months, though conditions like high blood pressure or sleep apnea may result in a shorter 3-month or 1-year certification. Drivers must submit their updated MEC to the NDDOT within 10 days of the examination to avoid a 'downgrade' status, which legally prohibits the operation of commercial vehicles.

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Mandate

As of February 7, 2022, all North Dakota applicants for a Class A or Class B CDL, or those adding an H, P, or S endorsement, must complete ELDT from a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). The training includes both theory and behind-the-wheel instruction. There is no minimum number of hours required for the behind-the-wheel portion, but the instructor must certify the student has reached proficiency in all required maneuvers. The NDDOT will verify the completion of this training electronically through the TPR before allowing the driver to sit for their skills test.

North Dakota Fees and Renewal Cycles

A standard North Dakota CDL is valid for 5 years and expires on the driver's birthday. The renewal fee is $15, while a duplicate license costs $8. If the license includes a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement, the driver must pass a background check through the TSA, which costs approximately $86.50, and retake the H endorsement knowledge test every 5 years. Late renewals may require the applicant to retake all knowledge and skills tests if the license has been expired for more than one year, as per NDDOT administrative policy.

Sources

North Dakota Department of Transportation (2024) — https://www.dot.nd.gov/divisions/driverslicense/cdl.htm North Dakota Legislative Branch - Century Code 39-06.2 (2023) — https://www.ndlegis.gov/cencode/t39c06-2.pdf FMCSA Training Provider Registry (2025) — https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/

Frequently asked

What is the cost of a Class A CDL in North Dakota?

The total cost for the initial license is approximately $65, which includes the $15 knowledge test, $20 CLP fee, $25 skills test, and the $5 pro-rated license fee.

How long do I have to hold a CLP in North Dakota?

Under FMCSA and NDDOT rules, you must hold your Commercial Learner's Permit for at least 14 days before you are eligible to take the CDL skills road test.

Does North Dakota require a CDL for farmers?

North Dakota Century Code 39-06.2-06 provides an exemption for farmers operating a commercial vehicle within 150 miles of their farm, provided the vehicle is used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery, or farm supplies.

Can I get a CDL in North Dakota with a DUI?

Per NDCC 39-06.2-10, a first-time DUI conviction in a non-commercial vehicle results in a 1-year disqualification of CDL privileges, while a second conviction leads to a lifetime ban.