North Dakota CDL Requirements

North Dakota Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Requirements

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) oversees all Commercial Driver's License requirements in the state, following both state regulations and federal FMCSA standards. Whether you're seeking a Class A, B, or C CDL, understanding the complete requirements will help ensure a smooth licensing process.

CDL Classes and Age Requirements

North Dakota offers three classes of commercial driver's licenses, with age requirements based on the type of operation rather than the specific class:

Age Requirements by Operation Type

• 16 years old: Limited to custom harvesting operations only (very restricted agricultural use)
• 18-20 years old: Intrastate CDL only (driving within North Dakota boundaries)
• 21 years or older: Interstate CDL (driving across state lines) and hazardous materials endorsement eligibility

CDL Classes

• Class A: Combination vehicles with GVWR of 26,001+ lbs, towing vehicles over 10,000 lbs
• Class B: Large trucks and buses with GVWR of 26,001+ lbs, towing vehicles 10,000 lbs or less
• Class C: Vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers or hazardous materials

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Requirements

North Dakota fully implements the federal ELDT rule effective February 7, 2022. This training is mandatory for specific CDL applications and must be completed through an FMCSA-approved training provider.

ELDT Required For:

• First-time Class A CDL issuance
• First-time Class B CDL issuance
• Upgrading from Class B to Class A
• First-time Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement
• First-time Passenger (P) endorsement
• First-time School Bus (S) endorsement

The ELDT program includes both theory (classroom/online) and behind-the-wheel training components. Your training provider must electronically submit your completion record to the federal system before NDDOT can schedule your skills test or allow certain endorsement knowledge tests.

Knowledge and Skills Testing Process

Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)

Before taking the CDL skills test, you must first obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit by passing the required knowledge tests:

• General CDL Knowledge Test: Required for all CDL classes
• Class-Specific Knowledge: Covers vehicle inspection and combination vehicle requirements
• Endorsement Tests: As needed for Passenger (P), School Bus (S), Tank (N), Double/Triple Trailers (T), or Hazardous Materials (H)
• Air Brake Knowledge: Required to avoid air brake restrictions (L or Z)

Knowledge tests are available at NDDOT driver license sites across the state, typically without appointment requirements.

Skills Test Requirements

After holding your CLP for at least 14 days, you can schedule the three-part CDL skills test:

1. Vehicle Inspection (Pre-trip): Demonstrate knowledge of safety inspection procedures
2. Basic Vehicle Control: Backing and maneuvering exercises in a controlled environment
3. On-Road Driving: Driving skills demonstration in traffic and various road conditions

Important: Skills tests require appointments and must be taken in a vehicle representative of the CDL class and endorsements you're seeking.

Medical Certification Requirements

North Dakota follows FMCSA medical standards outlined in 49 CFR 391. All CDL holders must maintain valid medical certification unless operating under specific exemptions.

Medical Certificate Requirements

• Valid DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate from a nationally certified medical examiner
• Medical examiner must be listed on the FMCSA National Registry
• Complete medical self-certification with NDDOT declaring your type of commercial operation

Important Change: Effective April 21, 2025, North Dakota will no longer accept paper medical examiner certificates. Medical examiners must upload certificates electronically to the FMCSA system, and NDDOT will receive them from there.

Failure to maintain required medical certification can result in CDL downgrade to a non-commercial license.

CDL Endorsements and Restrictions

Available Endorsements

• P - Passenger: Required for vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers
• S - School Bus: Required for school bus operation
• N - Tank: Required for tank vehicles
• T - Double/Triple: Required for double and triple trailer combinations
• H - Hazardous Materials: Required for hazmat transport (includes TSA background check)

Air Brake Restrictions

North Dakota uses air brake restrictions rather than endorsements:

• L Restriction: No full air brake equipped CMV
• Z Restriction: No full air brake equipped CMV or CMV with air over hydraulic brakes

To avoid these restrictions, pass the air brake knowledge test and take your skills test in a vehicle with full or partial air brakes.

Testing Locations and Scheduling

All CDL testing is conducted at NDDOT driver license sites throughout North Dakota. Major testing locations include sites in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot, with additional regional offices available.

Knowledge Testing

Available at most driver license sites across the state, typically without appointment requirements. You'll apply in person, present required identity and residency documents, pass vision screening, and complete knowledge tests.

Skills Testing

Conducted at designated CDL skills test sites with appointment requirements. Schedule your skills test by phone or through NDDOT's online appointment system after holding your CLP for at least 14 days.

Visit the NDDOT website's Commercial Driver License section for current testing locations, schedules, and appointment availability.

Application Process

1. Meet Age Requirements: Ensure you meet minimum age for your intended operation type
2. Complete ELDT: If required for your CDL class or endorsements
3. Gather Documents: Identity, Social Security, and North Dakota residency proof
4. Obtain Medical Certificate: From FMCSA-certified medical examiner
5. Apply for CLP: Pass knowledge tests and pay required fees
6. Practice with CLP: Hold permit for minimum 14 days
7. Schedule Skills Test: Make appointment at authorized testing location
8. Pass Skills Test: Complete all three components successfully
9. Receive CDL: Pay license issuance fee and receive your commercial driver's license

Renewal and Maintenance

North Dakota CDLs must be renewed periodically according to NDDOT schedules. Maintain current medical certification and complete any required training or testing for endorsement renewals. The hazardous materials endorsement requires renewal every five years with additional background checks.

For the most current fee information, testing locations, and detailed requirements, visit the official NDDOT Commercial Driver License website or contact your local driver license office.