Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) / North Dakota
2026 data North Dakota board official source

North Dakota Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Operates large commercial vehicles. Federal CDL recognized nationwide.

What the North Dakota data shows for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)s

To practice as a commercial truck driver (cdl) in North Dakota, the state licensing board requires 177 documented education or training hours, a passing score on CDL Knowledge Tests and Skills Test. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 21 years old. The regulation sits under North Dakota's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "CDL Training Program".

Upfront cost is $39, with renewal running $29 on a 4-year cycle. North Dakota doesn't require continuing education for this license, so upkeep costs stay confined to the renewal fee itself.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Federal CDL recognized in all 50 states.

Licensing Ease Score

A
Licensing Ease Score
86/100
Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) · North Dakota

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training B-
177 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee A+
$39
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden A+
$7/yr
$29 every 4 years
Continuing Education A+
None required
No continuing-education mandate
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in North Dakota

Education / Training Hours
CDL Training Program
177 hours
Exam Requirement
CDL Knowledge Tests and Skills Test
Required
Initial License Fee
$39
Renewal Fee
$29
Renewal Cycle
Every 4 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
21 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) All North Dakota licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with North Dakota licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) in North Dakota? ▼
In North Dakota, the license path calls for 177 education/training hours, a passing score on CDL Knowledge Tests and Skills Test, and a $39 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) in North Dakota? ▼
North Dakota licenses commercial truck driver (cdl)s who complete its requirements (177 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the North Dakota licensing board.
Can I transfer my Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) license to North Dakota from another state? ▼
For commercial truck driver (cdl)s, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: Federal CDL recognized in all 50 states. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the North Dakota licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does North Dakota require a background check for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for commercial truck driver (cdl) licensing in North Dakota. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.

Related Guides

What to do with this commercial truck driver (cdl) license

Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) in North Dakota, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a commercial truck driver (cdl)-wide, 50-state comparison.

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the North Dakota licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.