Checked against official North Dakota sources on Oct 8, 2026
North Dakota CDL practice test
Every state needs at least 80% on each CDL written test, and North Dakota follows the same federal rule. Below are the fees, ages and rules we checked against the official North Dakota source, and a free practice test.
FirstTry CDL is not affiliated with any DMV, FMCSA or government agency. Practice questions are exam-style questions built from the official CDL manual, not actual test questions.
North Dakota CDL facts
| What | What North Dakota says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge test fee | $5 per attempt. Only one attempt is allowed per day. | Official page |
| CLP fee | $15 for a Commercial Learner Permit. It is $20 for a non-domiciled applicant. | Official page |
| Endorsement fee | $3 for each endorsement. | Official page |
| Road test fee | $5 for the road test. | Official page |
| Minimum age | You must be 21 to cross state lines. You can apply for an intrastate CDL at 18 to 20. At 16 you may test for a CDL limited to custom harvesting only. | Official page |
| Intrastate only restriction | A K restriction means the CDL is valid for intrastate driving only. The manual lists who gets it, such as in-state drivers of vehicles over 26,000 pounds and farmers driving articulated farm vehicles within 150 miles of the farm. | Official page |
| CLP holding time | You must hold your CLP at least 14 days before you can take the road test. A road test cannot be scheduled without a valid CLP. | Official page |
| Entry level driver training | You must finish the federal Entry Level Driver Training before you can take the road test. | Official page |
| Same day retest | If you fail any test, you cannot retake the exam the same day. | Official page |
| Airbrake restriction | North Dakota does not call airbrakes an endorsement. Your CDL gets an L or Z restriction unless you pass the airbrake knowledge test and the road test in a vehicle with airbrakes. L means no airbrake equipped CMV. Z means no full airbrake equipped CMV. | Official page |
| Tank vehicle endorsement (N) | Needed for tanks with an individual rated capacity of more than 119 gallons and an aggregate rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more. It needs a knowledge test. | Official page |
| Permit endorsements | H and T endorsements are not allowed on a CLP. P and S are allowed, but no passengers other than the supervising driver or examiner. N is allowed but only for empty tanks. | Official page |
| Hazmat endorsement steps | First get a North Dakota CLP or CDL. Start the federal security threat assessment. Finish the required theory Entry Level Driver Training. Then pass the hazardous material knowledge test. | Official page |
| Farm exemption | Farm vehicle drivers who meet the rules can drive within 150 miles of the farm without a CDL. North Dakota has farm CDL reciprocity with South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana and Wyoming. | Official page |
| Medical certificates | Since April 21, 2025, North Dakota cannot accept paper medical examiner certificates. Nationally certified medical examiners must upload the certificate electronically. | Official page |
| Military skills test waiver | NDDOT offers an application for a CDL knowledge and skills test waiver for military applicants. | Official page |
| Modernized skills test | North Dakota began using the Modernized Commercial Driver License Skills Test on December 1, 2025. It is being phased in at all road testing sites through 2026. | Official page |
| Road test vehicle rules | You must bring your own registered vehicle for the road test. Self-parking vehicles are not allowed. An automatic transmission vehicle gives an automatic only restriction. | Official page |
| Weather delays | Road tests may be delayed or rescheduled for lightning, temperatures of -20F or colder, or other unsafe conditions. | Official page |
Fees and rules change. Confirm on the official North Dakota CDL page before you go. Read the official North Dakota CDL manual.
CDL test formats
We show the national defaults for question counts and time limits. Check the official North Dakota manual for anything that differs.
| Test | Questions | To pass | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 50 | 40 (80%) | About 60 minutes |
| Air Brakes | 25 | 20 (80%) | 25 to 30 minutes |
| Combination Vehicles | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Hazardous Materials | 30 | 24 (80%) | 30 to 40 minutes |
| Tanker | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Passenger | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| School Bus | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | About 25 minutes |
| Doubles/Triples | 20 | 16 (80%) | About 20 minutes |
Practice any of them: all CDL practice tests.