You’re here because you want to familiarize yourself with the driver’s license classifications in North Dakota.

Perhaps you’re getting your driver’s license but you don’t know what class to get. Or, you want to know the requirements for the license type you need. 

We’ve got you covered!

In our complete guide on North Dakota driver’s license classifications, we’ll explain the different types and their requirements. 

So are you ready?

Let’s go! 

Driver’s License Classifications in North Dakota

North Dakota’s licenses are primarily divided into two:

• Commercial 
• Non-commercial

These are further classified into the following types:

Commercial

• Class A

A Class A commercial license allows the holder to operate vehicle combinations with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 26,001 pounds. The towed vehicle must have a GVWR of over 10,000 pounds. 

• Class B

A Class B commercial license allows the holder to operate a single vehicle with a GVWR of over 26,001 pounds and tow a trailer with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less. 

• Class C

A Class C commercial license allows the holder to operate a vehicle with a GVWR of under 26,001 pounds, carrying hazardous materials, or transporting 16 or more passengers (driver included). 

Non-Commercial

• Class D

Class D is the most common type of license in North Dakota. It allows the holder to operate a vehicle with a GVWR of under 26,000 pounds, towing a trailer with a GVWR equal to or fewer than 10,000 pounds. 

The main difference between this class and Class C is that it is for personal use, whereas Class C is for commercial use.   

• Class M 

A Class M license in North Dakota allows the holder to operate motorcycles. 

Getting Your Class D Driver’s License in North Dakota

The driving age in North Dakota is 16 years old. However, if you are between 14 and 15 years of age, you are already eligible for a learner’s permit. 

Below are the steps on how to apply for a learner’s permit in North Dakota:  

• Visit any North Dakota driver’s license site to apply in person. To find the one nearest to you, click here for a full list of offices. 
• Provide proof of identity and address.
• Complete an application form.
• Provide a valid Social Security number.
• Pass the Rules of the Road knowledge test. 
• Pass the vision screening.
• If you are under 18, you must provide a sponsor’s signature for approval and financial liability before you receive your learner’s permit. 

Once you get hold of your learner’s permit, here are some restrictions that you must know about: 

• A licensed adult must accompany you in the front seat when you are driving.
• You may not use any electronic mobile device while driving. 
• You may only drive when supervised by a parent, guardian, or any adult relative unless in a vehicle with dual controls, accompanied by a licensed instructor.
• You may not carry more passengers than the vehicle’s capacity. 

Now, here are the requirements to get the actual Class D license:

• You must hold the instruction permit for at least 12 months or until you turn 16. If you applied for a permit at age 16, though, you only need to hold it for six months.
• You must complete a driver’s education course from an approved provider in North Dakota. For a list of approved schools in ND, click here. (Completion of a driver’s ed program is not mandatory for applicants aged 16 and over.) 
• You must complete 50 hours of logged driving practice. (This is not mandatory for applicants aged 16 and over.)
• You must pass the road test to be fully licensed.

Note: Driver’s license offices do not accept walk-ins, so book your appointment in advance by calling 1-855-633-6835 or reserve online via this link.

Getting A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in North Dakota

To be eligible to apply for a CDL in ND, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old for intra-state CDL, 21 for inter-state CDL, or 16 for a CDL restricted to harvesting operations. 
• You can read, write and speak English.
• You must meet the Federal Medical Requirements per 49 CFR 391. You may not qualify if you have a heart condition, hearing impairment, epilepsy, etc… 
• You must have a North Dakota state driver’s license.

If you satisfy the above qualifications, you can then proceed to apply in person at any ND driver’s license site. 

You must pass the knowledge test for the CDL class you wish to apply for and purchase a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). You also need to provide the required documents (completed application form, proof of legal presence, and residence), and you need to pass an eye exam. 

You must hold your CLP for a minimum of 14 days before scheduling a road test.  

North Dakota Driver’s License Classifications FAQs

Is driver’s ed required in North Dakota?

Driver’s ed is mandatory in North Dakota ONLY for teens aged 14 to 15 years old. It consists of 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of supervised driving practice. 

Can I take an online driver’s ed in North Dakota?

The North Dakota Department of Transportation does NOT currently authorize online driver’s ed. 

However, you can still take one for educational purposes. 

If so, we highly recommend DriversEd. 

DriversEd is the country’s best online driving school. Its coursework features animations and 3D videos. Plus, it has rich graphics that show driving maneuvers and techniques that you can later apply on the road. DriversEd regularly updates its courses to contain only the most up-to-date traffic rules and regulations. 

DriversEd can help seasoned drivers get a refresher and newbie drivers to learn everything they need to know. 

What fees do I need to pay when applying for a driver’s license in North Dakota?

Below is a list of fees related to your driver’s license application:

Fee Type:	Amount:
Knowledge Test Fee	$5
Permit/License Fee	$15
Road Test Fee	$5
Duplicate License or Permit Fee	$8 ($3 for name or address change)
Commercial Permit or License Fee	$15 (plus $3 for endorsement)

Conclusion

Knowing which license class you need in North Dakota is essential. It saves you time and effort and helps you prepare for requirements or qualifications you need to meet. 

We hope this guide to North Dakota driver’s license classifications becomes of great assistance to you as you apply for your license.