North Dakota CDL Requirements

The North Dakota DOT Driver's License Division issues CDLs in three classes following federal standards. The CDL costs $25 for a 5-year license. CLP is $15. Knowledge tests are administered at driver's license sites at no additional charge. Skills tests are available through state and third-party testers at $100-$250. North Dakota has approximately 10 FMCSA-registered ELDT providers. Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Williston have the most training and testing availability. The state allows three skills test attempts. CDL demand is strong due to oil field, agricultural, and through-freight needs.

North Dakota CDL training includes Bismarck State College, Williston State College, and Lake Region State College at $2,000-$4,500. Private schools charge $3,500-$7,000. Job Service North Dakota provides WIOA training funds. Most in-demand endorsements: H (Hazmat, for oil field operations), N (Tank, for water and crude oil hauling), and X (Combined, for Bakken operators). Oil field companies often provide employer-sponsored CDL and endorsement training for new hires. The oil field demand means CDL holders with H and N endorsements can earn $70,000-$120,000+ annually in the Bakken region — among the highest CDL wages nationally.