North Dakota CDL Study Guide
North Dakota issues commercial driver licenses through the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT). The state follows federal CDL rules in its 2025-2027 Commercial Driver License Manual. You can drive a commercial vehicle inside North Dakota at 18. You must be 21 to drive across state lines or carry hazardous materials.
Key North Dakota numbers
- Minimum age (intrastate): 18
- Minimum age (interstate or hazmat): 21
- CLP hold before skills test: at least 14 days
- General Knowledge passing score: 80%
- General Knowledge test: ~50 questions
- Air Brakes test: ~25 questions (required if your vehicle has air brakes)
- Combination Vehicles test: ~20 questions (required for Class A)
Topics on the North Dakota General Knowledge test
- Vehicle inspection (pre-trip, en-route, post-trip)
- Driving safely (speed management, space management, hazard perception)
- Transporting cargo safely
- Air brakes (if your vehicle is air-braked)
- Combination vehicles (Class A)
If you fail a test
If you fail a CDL knowledge test in North Dakota, you may retake it at $5 per attempt (one attempt per day). If you fail the skills test, the $5 road test fee applies again.
Frequently asked questions
How old do I need to be to get a CDL in North Dakota?
You must be at least 18 to drive a commercial vehicle inside North Dakota. You must be 21 to drive across state lines or carry hazardous materials.
How long must I hold my North Dakota CLP before the skills test?
You must hold your Commercial Learner Permit for at least 14 days before you can take the CDL skills test.
How much does a North Dakota CDL cost?
The CLP is $15, the CDL is $15 (4 years), the knowledge test is $5, the road test is $5, and each endorsement test is $3.
Do I need to take Entry-Level Driver Training in North Dakota?
Yes. If you are getting your first Class A or B CDL, or your first H, P, or S endorsement, you must complete federal ELDT from an FMCSA-registered provider.
Do I need a DOT medical card to get a North Dakota CDL?
Yes. You must complete a DOT medical exam and submit your Medical Examineru0027s Certificate to NDDOT.
What is the official North Dakota CDL manual?
The 2025-2027 North Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual is the official study guide. You can download it free from dot.nd.gov.
Free practice
Start a North Dakota General Knowledge quiz →
Sources: North Dakota CDL Manual PDF (2025-2027) NDDOT Commercial Driver License Manual page NDDOT Commercial Driver License (CDL) page NDDOT How to Apply for a CDL