Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Transportation
Truck Driver (CDL) Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for truck driver (cdl) in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Truck Driver (CDL) in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 3
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 4
License Type: Tied to business.
- 5
A recruiter must have a separate license for each school that he represents.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NC Department of Transportation • Division of Motor Vehicles • Driver Services/Commercial Drivers License Dept.
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$49,580 median (14% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#46 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (5)
- 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 5. Submit the application to NC Department of Transportation~Division of Motor Vehicles~Driver Services/Commercial Drivers License Dept. and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in North Carolina
With a median salary of $49,580, Truck Driver (CDL)s in North Carolina earn 14% below the national median of $57,440. North Carolina ranks #46 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,298Median annual salary
$49,580Hourly estimate
$23.8414% below national median
Difference: -$7,860
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationTruck Driver (CDL) Salary Ranking
#46 of 50 statesfor Truck Driver (CDL) median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $64,890 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $64,720 |
| #3 | Washington | $63,760 |
| #4 | Oregon | $61,180 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $61,090 |
Nearby States Comparison
Truck Driver (CDL) licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $49,580 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $54,500 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $55,610 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| Georgia | $56,570 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| South Carolina | $51,810 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Virginia | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Tennessee | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Georgia | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| South Carolina | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
NC Department of Transportation • Division of Motor Vehicles • Driver Services/Commercial Drivers License Dept.
3145 Mail Service Center, none, Raleigh, NC, 27699
Phone: 9196157040
Related Careers in North Carolina
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Pilot | $126,740 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $73,100 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $69,320 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $397,850 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in North Carolina?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Truck Driver (CDL)s in North Carolina?
North Carolina lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Truck Driver (CDL)s.
What education do you need to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in North Carolina?
The board typically expects Degree required for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure in North Carolina.
What is the typical Truck Driver (CDL) salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Truck Driver (CDL)s in North Carolina is $49,580. Salaries range from $38,550 (10th percentile) to $73,040 (90th percentile).
How does the Truck Driver (CDL) salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
Truck Driver (CDL)s in North Carolina earn 14% below the national median of $57,440, with a state median of $49,580.
How many Truck Driver (CDL)s work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 64,610 Truck Driver (CDL)s according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Truck Driver (CDL) license to North Carolina from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Truck Driver (CDL)s in North Carolina?
The licensing agency is NC Department of Transportation / Division of Motor Vehicles / Driver Services/Commercial Drivers License Dept.. Review agency details at https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/commercial/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Truck Driver (CDL) license in North Carolina?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.