CDL Requirements in North Dakota
Beginning on your path to a commercial driving career can feel like an overwhelming task, so that’s why we’ve decided to break it down to the essentials of what you’ll need to consider! Meeting all of the necessary North Dakota CDL requirements won’t happen overnight, but the sooner you start the closer you’ll be to that first commercial driving job in North Dakota!
To start, you must be at least 18 years old, pass a vision test, provide a current physical examination, and have a valid driver’s license for personal use. For interstate trucking, you’ll need to be at least 21 years old according to the regulations set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).
Earning your CDL license in North Dakota means you’ll need to pass a general knowledge exam, a skills test that includes pre-trip vehicle inspections, and a basic understanding of your vehicle's class and procedures, followed by your official road test during which you’ll be operating a commercial vehicle. It is important to note that the vehicle used for your test will determine the class of license you’ll receive, either CDL class A, B, or C. It is also possible to receive additional endorsements on your license indicating a specialized knowledge in transporting specific cargo types or the ability to transport passengers.
Find CDL Schools in North Dakota
Finding a formal training program to earning your CDL in North Dakota is a great way to ensure you haven’t overlooked any of the necessary requirements or vital information which would stop you from starting a career as a commercial driver. Considering that the current driver shortage is characterized as an issue of the quality of candidates rather than quantity, setting yourself apart with a solid education can show employers you’re serious about becoming a leading professional in the trucking industry.
Whether you take courses through a public, private, or community college, you’ll be sure to gain all of the necessary skill sets – everything from how to properly inspect your vehicle to the fine details of life on the road and operating your vehicle with precision. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn from instructors who are very familiar with the ins and outs of commercial driving having spent years on the road. Search for CDL schools in North Dakota and start your road to education today!
CDL Training Costs in North Dakota
The costs of North Dakota CDL training programs average around $7,233, yet these prices will also vary depending on the type of school and programs available in your area. Nationally, CDL training can cost anywhere from $2,000-$8,300 so it could be best to shop around for the best value and schedule that works for you. Keep in mind that it’s about getting quality experience rather than finding a bargain!
These tuition costs will generally account for the materials you need for class, any additional endorsement courses you’ll be taking, as well as your main experience behind the wheel and in the classroom. As with most college programs, students looking to become commercial drivers can apply for FAFSA student aid to make costs of tuition a little more manageable. Other financial options can include loans or a federal Pell Grant, which can be awarded by participating institutions and acts as money toward your education.
Attending a company-sponsored training program is another very popular option for future commercial drivers. In this scenario, trucking companies will actually pay for you to go through CDL training in North Dakota, allowing you to reimburse them during a period following your hiring. This makes for a smooth transition into earning a regular salary and provides the peace of mind that a job is already lined up as soon as you earn your CDL in North Dakota. It is important to stress that this is a strict financial agreement, so as long as you’re absolutely committed to becoming a commercial driver, this is a great option that can open up a lot of opportunities very quickly and help your career get started sooner.
CDL Prep in North Dakota
Once you’ve spent time behind the wheel, gained all the right knowledge for the job and taken the necessary courses, what is there left to do? Studying hard and reviewing your materials will never hurt, but when it comes to taking your official written test you won’t want to be caught off-guard. To really feel confident in what you can expect, prepare with our practice CDL test available for free here on AllTruckJobs.com! This resource can be used as many times as necessary before it’s finally time to take your real test. While the questions may vary, you’ll get in the right mindset well before the big day!
Beyond written exams, it’s highly recommended that you practice your road test in the exact same vehicle (or at least the same class of vehicle) you’ll use for the final driving portion of meeting your North Dakota CDL requirements. Many students will utilize rental trucks if the program doesn’t already provide a test vehicle, however, it is increasingly common that the right vehicles will be made available to you – especially with company-sponsored programs. With these considerations and CDL prep tips in mind, be sure to ask around to learn what others have experienced during the process to really succeed!
North Dakota CDL Endorsement & Waivers
In North Dakota and the rest of the United States, special endorsements are required to haul certain types of cargo or to operate a specific class of vehicle effectively. Beyond earning your basic class A, B, or C CDL in North Dakota, common endorsements include:
- School Bus - S
- Passenger - P
- Tank Vehicles - N
- Double/Triple - T
- Hazardous Materials - H
- Combination Tank / Hazardous Materials - X
Waivers are also referred to as restrictions and are used to designate certain limitations associated with a specific CDL class type. Using a similar coding system to the way endorsements are displayed on one’s license, restrictions allow employers and road officials to quickly and accurately determine a driver’s ability to be operating certain vehicles or hauling specific loads. These can include medical exemptions, as well as indicators as to the extent of your ability to use specific braking systems or even certain types of equipment like a pintle hook.
CDL Tests in North Dakota
Once the time finally comes and you’re ready to schedule your final written and road tests, it’s best to get an idea of what you can expect. After spending many hours behind the wheel and hitting the books, you’ll soon be able to prove what you’ve learned. But as with any test, it’s important to be aware of the material you’ll want to prepare for. Below is a basic overview of what you’ll encounter before the final steps to becoming a commercial driver!
CDL Knowledge Tests in North Dakota
Similar to a personal driver’s license test, you’ll answer a standard 50 questions covering a wide range of information. This includes commercial vehicle regulations, road safety, and rules, how to handle equipment, proper loading and unloading procedures, and other basic knowledge required to become a commercial driver. Earning an 80% or above is a passing grade, allowing you to move on to your skills and road tests where you’ll really display your newly learned abilities as an upcoming transportation professional.
CDL Skills Test in North Dakota
The North Dakota CDL skills test ensures that you have the proper knowledge and abilities required to operate a commercial vehicle in the state. The test will be broken down into three different sections, each designed to cover every aspect of commercial driving.
Separate from the written knowledge test, instructors will test your familiarity with the class of vehicle you’re seeking a license for, as well as how well you know the proper procedures for handling cargo, utilizing your breaking system, and other important mechanical processes involved before, during, and after transport. This also includes going over your pre-trip inspection tests and being able to determine whether your vehicle is safe to operate given traffic events and road conditions.
Finally, for your road test, you will need to perform various maneuvers like turning, backing up, and merging lanes – basically, everything you’ll need to navigate the roads safely and efficiently. This is one of the most important aspects of your entire CDL training in North Dakota, so be sure to practice as much as possible to really nail it on the first time around! Here you can display just how confident you are behind the wheel – something that company-sponsored programs really like to see!
Job Outlook in North Dakota
Considering that thousands of new drivers are required to remedy the current driver shortage each year, getting your North Dakota CDL is a reliable way to enter a career where talented employees are in high demand! The issue is really one of quality rather than quantity, so setting yourself apart with an education means you’ll have a great shot at earning a consistent salary and moving on to better, higher paying positions quickly.
Transporting goods is something that can’t be outsourced and is vital to the American economy, so that’s where you come in! Given recent projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the commercial driving jobs are expected to increase 5% from now until 2024, so earning a CDL in North Dakota is something that will allow you to earn a solid salary for years come.
North Dakota Truck Driver Salary
Although pay rates can vary across the state, gaining more experience on the road will make you a much more valuable hire as you continue your career as a commercial driver. Based on the most recent data, the average annual salary for a trucking job in North Dakota is currently $53,720. The longer you drive, the more you’ll eventually earn! Start looking for North Dakota Commercial Driving jobs today and keep your future moving forward with AllTruckJobs.com!