North Dakota has five types of operator licenses. Each type requires its own written examination and a demonstration of driving skill for that type of license. The tests, except for hazardous material may be waived for an out-of-state driver obtaining equivalent North Dakota driver license unless the driver is unable to present the actual license, or a physical impairment exists, or driving record is unclear.
Commercial Driver License
Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds. (Holders of a Class A license with applicable endorsements may operate Class B, C, and D vehicle groups, but not a Class M.)
Any single vehicle with gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more and any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds. (Holders of a Class B license with applicable endorsements may operate Class C and D vehicle groups, but not Class M.)
Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,000 pounds or less, any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a gross weight rating not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
CDL Endorsements
- H Endorsement - Needed to transport hazardous materials that require placarding.
- N Endorsement - Needed to transport liquid or gaseous materials (cargo tanks).
- P Endorsement - Needed to operate vehicle designed to transport 16 or more persons including the driver.
- S Endorsement - Needed to operate a school bus designed to transport 16 or more persons including the driver.
- T Endorsement - Needed to tow double or triple trailers.
Non-Commercial Driver License
Any single vehicle less than 26,001 pounds GVWR; may tow vehicles not in excess of 10,000 pounds. Note: must be 18 years of age or under farm exemption if combined weight exceeds 26,000 pounds. Trucks towing trailers in excess of 10,000 pounds, provided the combined weight does not exceed 26,000 Gross Combination Weight Rating. Not valid for Class A, B, C, or M.
Learn more about North Dakota Class D non-commercial driver licenses.
Motorcycle Driver License
Learn more about North Dakota Class M motorcycle driver licenses, applicable to any two or three-wheeled motorcycle.
The following may also be operated on a Class D License:
- A licensed driver at age 15 may drive a farm vehicle within 150 miles of driver’s farm, having a gross weight of not more than 50,000 pounds, when transporting agricultural products or farm supplies.
- 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 or 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.
- Emergency vehicles, RV, camper, certain construction equipment, and vehicles driven by active duty members for military purposes.