North Dakota CDL Practice Test

Correct answer: English only — audio testing in English is available at the major driver license offices

North Dakota states plainly: "Tests are offered in English only." Audio testing (the questions read aloud in English) is available at the Fargo, Jamestown, Bismarck, Dickinson, Williston, Minot, Devils Lake, and Grand Forks offices, but there is no Spanish CDL knowledge test and no interpreter.

Correct answer: 18 for intrastate; 21 to drive across state lines (interstate)

You must be at least 18 to be issued a Class A, B, or C license (16 only for custom-harvesting operations), and at least 21 to drive a commercial vehicle across state lines. An 18-to-20-year-old CDL is restricted to intrastate operation.

Correct answer: $5 per attempt, with one attempt allowed per day

NDDOT charges $5 per knowledge-test attempt and allows one attempt per day. The commercial learner permit itself is $15 ($20 non-domiciled), each endorsement is $3, and the road test is $5.

Correct answer: Not the same day — you must return on a later day to retake it

North Dakota’s examiner rules state: "If you fail any of the tests, you will not be allowed to retake the examination the same day." You return on another day; each knowledge attempt is a separate $5 fee.

Correct answer: At least 14 days

You must hold the commercial learner’s permit a minimum of 14 days to be eligible for the commercial road test — the federal floor, restated in the North Dakota manual.

Correct answer: A valid Class D (noncommercial) license or a valid out-of-state license

North Dakota requires applicants to already hold and present a valid Class D (noncommercial) driver license, or a valid out-of-state license, before testing for a commercial permit or license — along with proof of identity, Social Security number, and residence address.

Correct answer: A towed vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds

A Class B is any single vehicle with a gross weight or GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, and it may tow a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds. Towing a heavier unit (over 10,000 lbs) is what makes a combination a Class A.

Correct answer: The CDL is valid for intrastate driving only

Restriction "K" means the CDL is valid for intrastate (in-state) driving only. It is placed on drivers under 21 and on those with certain state medical waivers, who may not cross state lines.

Correct answer: Restricted from operating any air-brake-equipped commercial vehicle (an "L" restriction)

Drivers are restricted from operating air-brake-equipped commercial vehicles unless and until they pass both the air-brake knowledge test and a skills test in an air-brake vehicle. Failing or skipping it adds the "L" (No Air-Brake-equipped CMV) restriction.

Correct answer: 24 months — or more often if the health care provider recommends it

A commercial driver must be medically examined by a U.S.-licensed health care provider every 24 months, or more frequently if the provider recommends it. Since June 2025, the medical examiner electronically transmits the certificate to the state.

Correct answer: Hold the wheel tightly, turn sharply back onto the road, then countersteer immediately — as a single steer-countersteer move

Do not try to edge gradually back on — your tires might grab unexpectedly and you could lose control. Turn sharply enough to get back on safely, and when both front tires are on the pavement, countersteer immediately as one steer-countersteer move.

Correct answer: Controlled braking and stab braking

To stop quickly and stay in control, use controlled braking (brake as hard as you can without locking the wheels, with small steering movements) or stab braking (apply fully, release when the wheels lock, reapply once they roll again).

Correct answer: It does not mean jamming the brake pedal down as hard as you can

Emergency braking does not mean pushing the brake pedal down as hard as you can. That only keeps the wheels locked up and causes a skid, and if the wheels are skidding you cannot control the vehicle.

Correct answer: Downshift, pump the brake pedal, use the parking brake, and find an escape route

When hydraulic pressure is lost, downshift into a lower gear, pump the brake pedal to try to build pressure, and use the parking/emergency brake (pressing the release at the same time so you can keep the wheels from locking). While slowing, look for an escape route.

Correct answer: Use the escape ramp — that is what it is built for

Any driver who loses brakes going downhill should use an escape ramp if one is available. Escape ramps use soft gravel or an uphill grade to stop the vehicle and are built to bring runaway trucks safely to a halt.

Correct answer: Being in a low enough gear and going slowly enough that the brakes are not overworked

Going slowly enough and braking properly in the proper low gear will almost always prevent brake failure on long downgrades. Once the brakes have failed, you must look outside the vehicle for something to stop it.

Correct answer: No — stay off the brake until the vehicle slows, holding the wheel firmly, then brake gently

Braking when a tire has failed could cause loss of control. Unless you are about to hit something, stay off the brake until the vehicle slows down, hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands, then brake gently, pull off, and stop.

Correct answer: A loud bang, heavy vibration or thumping, or the steering suddenly feeling "heavy"

The major signs of tire failure are sound (the loud "bang" of a blowout), vibration (heavy thumping can mean a flat), and feel (heavy steering usually means a front tire has failed; a failed rear tire may cause the vehicle to fishtail).

Correct answer: Get out and check all the tires, even if the vehicle seemed to handle all right

After stopping, get out and check all the tires. Do this even if the vehicle seems to be handling fine — if one of a set of dual tires goes, the only way you may know is by getting out and looking at it.

Correct answer: It keeps your wheels from locking up during hard brake applications

ABS is a computerized system that keeps your wheels from locking up during hard braking. It is an addition to your normal brakes and only activates when the wheels are about to lock up.