North Dakota CDL Practice Test

North Dakota CDL Resources

Here are more resources related to getting your CDL in North Dakota:

• Learn what is required for getting your CDL in North Dakota

  North Dakota CDL Requirements

• Download the North Dakota CDL manual for free right here.

  North Dakota CDL Manual

• Find Paid CDL Training In North Dakota

  Paid CDL Training In North Dakota

CDL Permit Requirements

In order to get a CDL Permit in North Dakota, applicants must be at least 21 years old to cross state lines, 18-20 years old to apply for an intra-state CDL. Applicants may also apply for a CDL at 16 years old for a restricted CDL intended for custom harvesting operations only.

The cost of a Commercial Learner Permit is $15 plus $3 for each endorsement. It costs $5 for one attempt to take the written exam. Applicants may retake the test, each attempt costs $5 and applicants are limited to one per day. Requirements prior to taking the General Knowledge test include:

• The ability to read, write and speak English
• Meet all Federal Medical Requirements, some medical disqualifications may include a heart condition, hearing impairment, epilepsy, poor vision, diabetes controlled by insulin, or a physical impairment.
• Possess a valid North Dakota driver's license
• Proof of legal presence
• Proof of North Dakota residency
• Proof of identity, including birth date and social security number
• Complete a CDL application in person
• Ability to pass a vision test

Testing locations and hours

Hours vary by location and all sites are closed from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. for lunch (with the exception of Bismarck, Minot, Grand Forks, and Fargo). It is not required, but it is encouraged, to make an appointment for knowledge tests. For testing, applicants need to arrive at least one hour prior to lunch and closing times in order to take the exam. All DMV offices are closed during state observed holidays.

General Knowledge Exam

To prepare for the General Knowledge Exam, it is recommended you take a certified course in CDL Training as well as CDL Practice Tests in North Dakota Use the official North Dakota Commercial Driver's Manual as a study guide. The manual covers the following topics, which will be on the exam:

• Driving Safely - Covers vehicle inspection, basic control of your vehicle, shifting gears, fires, crash procedures, skid control and recovery, seeing hazards, controlling speed, managing space, driving in various conditions including night, fog, winter, hot weather, mountains and more.
• Transporting Cargo Safely - Covers inspecting cargo, weight and balance, securing cargo, and cargo needing special attention.
• Transporting Passengers - Covers when a passenger endorsement is required, vehicle inspection, loading and trip start, on the road, after trip vehicle inspection, prohibited practices, use of brake door interlocks.
• Air Brakes - Covers the parts of an air brake system, dual air brake, inspecting air brake systems, and using air brakes.
• Combination Vehicles - Covers driving combination vehicles safely, combination vehicle air brakes, antilock brake systems, coupling and uncoupling, and inspecting a combination vehicle.
• Doubles and Triples - Covers pulling double and triple trailers, coupling and uncoupling, inspecting doubles and triples, doubles and triples air brake check.
• Tank Vehicles - Covers inspecting tank vehicles, driving tank vehicles and safe driving rules.
• Hazardous Materials - Covers the intent of the regulations, hazardous materials transportation, communication rules, loading and unloading, bulk packaging marking, driving and parking rules, emergencies and glossary.
• School Bus - Covers danger zones and use of mirrors, loading and unloading, emergency exit and evacuation, railroad-highway grade crossings, student management, antilock braking systems, and special safety considerations.

Military Exemptions

The skills test portion of the State CDL Testing process may be waived for individuals who have experience driving commercial motor vehicles for military purposes. Military personnel must meet the following requirements:

• Currently possess a North Dakota driver’s license
• Complete an Application for CDL Skills Test Waiver Military form
• Military Letter (page 2 of application) must be completed by Commanding Officer or appropriate administrative office within the last 30 days
• Clean driving record for the past 2 years
• Currently employed or have been employed within the last 12 months in a military position (requiring CMV operation)
• Exempted from the CDL licensing requirements due to active duty military status
• Have been operating a CMV in the military for at least the last two years (or two years immediately preceding discharge from the military)

CLP Test

The CLP exam in North Dakota is a written test comprised of 50 multiple choice questions. Applicants must receive a score of at least 80% to pass. Endorsements that require additional questions on the knowledge exam are:

• T - Double/Triple Trailers
• H - Hazardous Materials (Federal Background check and knowledge test required each time an H endorsement is added or renewed.)
• P - Passanger Vehicles (Requires an additional knowledge and skills exam.)
• S - School Bus (Requires knowledge and road test in representative school bus equipped with flashing red lights for loading/unloading school children.)
• N - Tank Vehicles

Facts About Commercial Learners Permit in North Dakota

• A CLP is considered a valid CDL for behind-the-wheel training
• While you possess a CLP, you are only permitted to drive with a full CDL holder in the vehicle, and driver's must stay on public roads.
• CLP holder must hold a valid driver's license from the same state as the CLP until the applicant possesses a valid CDL
• Driver's must possess a CLP for 14 days before applying for a full CDL.

CDL Exemptions

The following exemptions apply for farmers in North Dakota:

• Age 14 or 15 may drive a farm motor vehicle within 150 miles of the driver’s farm when transporting agricultural products or farm supplies, provided the gross weight does not exceed 50,000 pounds.
• Any two-axle, tandem axle, triple-axle, or truck-tractor farm vehicle controlled and operated by a farmer transporting agricultural products, farm machines or farm supplies to or from a farm within 150 miles of the person’s farm. Farm vehicle may tow a trailer semi-trailer or farm trailer except double, triple trailers or if under 18 years of age, a truck tractor.
• Any farm vehicle operated by a farmer may transport hazardous material within 150 miles of the farm without a hazardous material endorsement on the operator’s license.
• The farm exemption applies to farmers from adjoining states if there is a reciprocity agreement. North Dakota has reciprocity agreements for Farm CDLs with South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, and Wyoming within 150 miles of the farm.