North Dakota CDL Requirements

How to get a CDL in North Dakota through NDDOT, including fees and oil field training opportunities.

CDL Classes, Testing, and Fees

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.

Training and Endorsements

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.

FAQs — North Dakota CDL Requirements

The North Dakota CDL is $25 for 5 years — very affordable. CLP is $15. Third-party skills testing runs $100-$250. CDL school costs $2,000-$4,500 at state colleges. Oil field employers often sponsor CDL training. Total cost is typically $2,500-$5,000.

Hazmat (H) and Tank (N) — ideally the combined X endorsement. These are essential for crude oil and water hauling in the Bakken. CDL holders with X endorsement can earn $70,000-$120,000+ annually in the oil field. Oil field companies often provide endorsement training.

Yes — among the strongest per-capita nationally. Bakken oil field, agriculture (grain, livestock), and through-freight on I-94 all drive demand. CDL holder shortage is chronic. Oil field wages are 2-3x standard rates. Even non-oil-field CDL jobs pay above the national average due to competition for drivers.