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Verified by ND Board of Transportation

Truck Driver (CDL) Licensing in North Dakota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for truck driver (cdl) in North Dakota, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Truck Driver (CDL) in North Dakota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: No educational requirements.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: Some physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    For more information about the licensing process, including application and renewal fees, please check with the licensing authority.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • No continuing education requirement to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    ND Department of Transportation

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $58,970 median (3% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #18 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet North Dakota eligibility requirements for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.; For more information about the licensing process, including application and renewal fees, please check with the licensing authority.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to ND Department of Transportation and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in North Dakota

With a median salary of $58,970, Truck Driver (CDL)s in North Dakota earn 3% above the national median of $57,440. North Dakota ranks #18 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.8%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,258

Median annual salary

$58,970

Hourly estimate

$28.35
3% above national median

Difference: +$1,530

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$46,010
  • P2525th percentile$49,750
  • P50Median$58,970
  • P7575th percentile$63,840
  • P9090th percentile$78,070

State vs National Median

State: $58,970
National: $57,440

Total employment: 10,510 | Annual openings: N/A

Truck Driver (CDL) Salary Ranking

#18 of 50 statesfor Truck Driver (CDL) median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Alaska$64,890
#2New Jersey$64,720
#3Washington$63,760
#4Oregon$61,180
#5Minnesota$61,090

Nearby States Comparison

Truck Driver (CDL) licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
North Dakota$58,970No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$61,090Varies by state boardState-approved exam21 years
South Dakota$56,880Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Montana$59,060No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
North Dakota54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Montana60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

ND Department of Transportation

608 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND, 58505-0750

Phone: 7013282601

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in North Dakota?

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 Dakota?

North Dakota lists State 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 Dakota?

The board typically expects No educational requirements for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure in North Dakota.

What is the typical Truck Driver (CDL) salary in North Dakota?

The median annual salary for Truck Driver (CDL)s in North Dakota is $58,970. Salaries range from $46,010 (10th percentile) to $78,070 (90th percentile).

How does the Truck Driver (CDL) salary in North Dakota compare to the national average?

Truck Driver (CDL)s in North Dakota earn 3% above the national median of $57,440, with a state median of $58,970.

How many Truck Driver (CDL)s work in North Dakota?

North Dakota employs approximately 10,510 Truck Driver (CDL)s according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Truck Driver (CDL) license to North Dakota from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. 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 Dakota?

The licensing agency is ND Department of Transportation. Review agency details at http://www.dot.nd.gov/.

How often do you renew a Truck Driver (CDL) license in North Dakota?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.