CDL Truck Driver in North Dakota
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for ND
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in North Dakota
To become a CDL Truck Driver in North Dakota, individuals must obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) through the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT). Key steps include completing FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), passing a general knowledge test and a skills test, and applying for the CDL. Applicants must be at least 18 for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate commerce, and a valid DOT medical certificate is required. North Dakota offers reciprocity for Farm CDLs with South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, and Wyoming within 150 miles of the farm.
CDL Truck Driver Requirements in North Dakota
| Detail | North Dakota |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($5) |
| Application Fee | $15 |
| Renewal | Every 4.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate or 21+ for interstate commerce. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. Effective April 21, 2025, nationally certified medical examiners must upload medical certificates electronically. A CDL restricted to custom harvesting operations may be available at 16 years old. The knowledge test is $5 per attempt, and the road test is $5. A Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) costs $15 and must be held for a minimum of 14 days before the road test. Endorsements cost $3 each. Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required for new applicants. |
License Tiers
North Dakota offers multiple tiers of cdl truck driver licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Class A | N/A |
| Class B | N/A |
| Class C | N/A |
CDL Truck Driver Salary in North Dakota
The median cdl truck driver salary in North Dakota is $58,970 per year, which is 2.7% above the national median of $57,440.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $46,010 |
| 25th | $49,750 |
| 50th (median) | $58,970 |
| 75th | $63,840 |
| 90th (experienced) | $78,070 |
North Dakota employs approximately 10,510 cdl truck drivers.
CDL Truck Driver Job Outlook
AI Impact on CDL Truck Drivers
Low AI Exposure (Score: -1.15/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a CDL Truck Driver in North Dakota Worth It?
Factors to consider: North Dakota's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.