Truck Driving Schools in North Dakota

When considering a truck driving career in North Dakota, individuals across the state can empower themselves by conducting thorough research. This will help them understand the requirements for a successful career launch, including age restrictions, educational considerations, and licensing and certification opportunities.

Candidates who do this are not only able to handle challenges appropriately, but they also enjoy a straightforward path to career opportunities. To this end, we outline below all of the steps and other helpful information.

Readers will also find out the top training destinations and possible earnings to expect across the course of their careers as truck drivers in North Dakota.

How to Become a Truck Driver in North Dakota

Below are the major requirements for starting a truck driving career in North Dakota.

Fundamental Requirements

A minimum age of 21 years is needed to work as a truck driver in North Dakota with the authority to haul hazardous materials and travel outside of the state. Candidates who will only be working in the state without exposure to hazardous materials can do so when they are between 18 and 20 years old.

It is also required that applicants pass a knowledge test to obtain a temporary learner’s permit (permitting them to train with a vehicle in their license category) and complete a medical exam.

License Classes & Endorsements

Not all truck drivers fall into the same license class. Some fall in class A, while others fall in class B or C, depending on the weight of the truck they’re driving and the weight of the objects they have in tow.

Candidates must understand their desired licensing class before they proceed.

CDL Training Program

Completing a CDL training program before securing employment and taking the CDL exam is highly advisable. These programs offer comprehensive preparation, increasing candidates’ chances of success in the exam and enhancing their confidence in their new career path.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a freight broker in North Dakota

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The major fees to expect when obtaining a CDL in North Dakota include $5 for each attempt of the knowledge test and $15 for a CDL permit. Candidates who are not domiciled in the state will have to pay a $20 fee instead. For the actual CDL itself, applicants must pay a $15 fee, along with $3 for each subsequent endorsement.

The road test also incurs a $5 fee.

Truck drivers in North Dakota may lose their license if they meet any of the disqualification criteria. These include driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, committing a felony with their vehicle, or fleeing from the scene of an accident, among others.

Top Truck Driver Schools in North Dakota

The following are the most prominent training programs to consider for prospective truck drivers in North Dakota.

Explore truck driving schools in North Dakota by City:

• Truck driving schools in Fargo

Salary & Career Outlook

The annual average salary to expect as a truck driver in North Dakota can range from $59,179 to $117,629. Initially, candidates may be in the bottom 10%, where they will be making the first figure, and ultimately, they can improve their earnings to be among the top 10%, where they will be earning the second figure or more.

It is, however, more common to find truck drivers in North Dakota not in the top or bottom category but in the middle. The annual average salary for those in the median category is around $83,434, in line with the national average.

Along with experience and endorsement, location is one of the key factors that can help professionals increase their yearly returns in this field within the state. Mandan and Bismarck currently have the highest annual average salaries, with $114,308 and $113,871, respectively. Truck drivers in Fargo earn an annual average salary of $109,487.