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North Dakota · Permit test

The North Dakota CDL permit test

For a commercial learner's permit, you pass the knowledge tests for the class and endorsements you want, plus an eye exam, at a driver license site. The North Dakota CDL permit test is given in English only, with audio testing at eight offices. Each try costs $5, and the permit $15. You hold it at least 14 days before the CDL road test.

CDL manual

Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Which tests make up the North Dakota CDL permit test?

  • General knowledge: everyone takes it.
  • Air brakes: if your vehicle has air brakes, including air over hydraulic. North Dakota doesn't make it an endorsement, but without the test your CDL carries an air brake restriction.
  • Combination vehicles: to drive a combination, such as a tractor-trailer.
  • Passenger transport, and school bus: for bus drivers.
  • Tanker: for liquids or gases in tanks over 119 gallons each and 1,000 gallons or more in all.
  • Doubles and triples: to pull two or three trailers.
  • Hazardous materials: for loads that need placards.

Section 1 of the 2025‑2027 CDL manual has a chart of which sections to study for each test.

NDDOT: Commercial Driver License Manual ↗

North Dakota CDL requirements

  • Age 21 to drive across state lines, or 18 to 20 for a CDL valid only inside North Dakota. At 16, you can test for a CDL restricted to custom harvesting.
  • A current driver's license, proof of legal presence and two proofs of a North Dakota address. You must read, write and speak English.
  • The federal medical standards in 49 CFR 391. Since April 21, 2025, medical examiners upload your certificate to NDDOT electronically.
  • Entry Level Driver Training from a provider on the federal Training Provider Registry, finished before the road test.

Fees

ItemFee
Knowledge test, per try (one a day)$5
Commercial learner's permit$15 ($20 non-domiciled)
Each endorsement$3
Road test$5

The CDL road test and hazmat endorsement

The skills test has three parts: the pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control and the road drive, in the type of vehicle you want to be licensed for. Test in a truck with full air brakes to avoid the air brake restriction, and in a tractor-trailer rather than a truck-trailer for an unrestricted Class A. NDDOT also certifies third-party testers to give skills tests.

Hazmat (H) and doubles/triples (T) endorsements aren't allowed on a learner's permit. For H, you get your CDL first, apply and give fingerprints through the TSA's Universal Enroll, and take the hazmat knowledge test once the security threat assessment is approved.

Sources: NDDOT and 3 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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