North Dakota CDL Endorsements
Endorsements are add-ons to your North Dakota CDL that authorize specific vehicle types or cargo. Each requires a separate knowledge test, taken through North Dakota Department of Transportation, and the endorsement codes are federal, so a North Dakota endorsement is recognized in every state. With oil and gas field services, grain and agriculture, coal and energy shaping North Dakota freight, the examples under each endorsement show where that endorsement pays off locally.
Not all endorsements apply to every CDL class. Use the CDL Selector to find what you need.
When It's Required in North Dakota
In North Dakota (ND), required to transport any quantity of hazardous materials that require placarding under federal HazMat regulations.
What to Study for the ND Test
For the North Dakota (ND) Hazardous Materials test, study shipping papers, placard and label selection, safe loading and segregation, emergency response procedures, and security-awareness requirements under federal law.
Hazardous Materials in North Dakota (ND)
- Oil and gas field services: fuel, propane, and oilfield chemical deliveries that require placards (X endorsement with Tank)
- Grain and agriculture: anhydrous ammonia and crop chemicals under placards
When It's Required in North Dakota
In North Dakota (ND), required for vehicles designed to transport liquids or gases in a tank permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle, with individual tank capacity of more than 119 gallons.
What to Study for the ND Test
For the North Dakota (ND) Tank Vehicles test, study liquid surge and baffled tanks, outage allowances, inspections, high-center-of-gravity handling, and rollover prevention strategies.
Tank Vehicles in North Dakota (ND)
- Oil and gas field services: crude, condensate, and fuel tankers serving the oil and gas fields
- Grain and agriculture: liquid fertilizer and anhydrous ammonia tanks for the growing season
- Agricultural equipment: juice, wine, and liquid food tankers where the crop calls for it
When It's Required in North Dakota
In North Dakota (ND), required for commercial vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver: charter buses, transit coaches, and similar vehicles.
What to Study for the ND Test
For the North Dakota (ND) Passenger test, study passenger safety protocols, controlled loading and unloading, emergency door operation, on-road passenger management, and distracted-driving rules.
Passenger in North Dakota (ND)
- Agricultural equipment: farm labor crew buses carrying 16 or more workers
- Transit agencies, charter companies, and church or community buses across North Dakota
When It's Required in North Dakota
In North Dakota (ND), required for any driver transporting school-age students in a vehicle classified as a school bus under federal or state law.
What to Study for the ND Test
For the North Dakota (ND) School Bus test, study student loading zones, stop-signal arm procedures, railroad crossing rules, mirror adjustment, emergency evacuation drills, and state-specific school bus regulations.
School Bus in North Dakota (ND)
- North Dakota school districts and their contractors: every route driver needs S plus P
- Activity and athletics trips, which use the same S-endorsed drivers
When It's Required in North Dakota
In North Dakota (ND), required to pull double or triple trailers where permitted by state law. Common in regional and long-haul freight operations.
What to Study for the ND Test
For the North Dakota (ND) Doubles & Triples test, study coupling and uncoupling double and triple combinations, pull-out stability, off-tracking behavior, full combination inspections, and safe following distance.
Doubles & Triples in North Dakota (ND)
- Grain and agriculture: double grain hoppers at harvest where the state allows them
When It's Required in North Dakota
In North Dakota (ND), required for any vehicle equipped with an air brake system, which covers most Class A tractor-trailers and many Class B straight trucks.
What to Study for the ND Test
For the North Dakota (ND) Air Brakes test, study air brake components, dual-circuit systems, inspection procedures, warning devices, pressure gauges, and stopping distance at highway speeds.
Air Brakes in North Dakota (ND)
- Oil and gas field services: nearly every oilfield truck runs air brakes
- Almost every Class A and Class B vehicle in North Dakota; skip this test and your CDL carries an L restriction
When It's Required in North Dakota
In North Dakota (ND), essential for Class A drivers operating tractor-trailers, lowboys, and other multi-unit combinations over federal weight thresholds.
What to Study for the ND Test
For the North Dakota (ND) Combination Vehicles test, study coupling and uncoupling procedures, air line connections, trailer handling characteristics, off-tracking, and full combination vehicle inspections.
Combination Vehicles in North Dakota (ND)
- Oil and gas field services: tractor-trailer rigs hauling pipe, rig equipment, and frac sand
- Grain and agriculture: grain hoppers from elevators to processors and terminals
- Agricultural equipment: refrigerated produce loads to distribution centers and out of state
- Required for any Class A CDL issued in North Dakota
Not sure which North Dakota CDL endorsements you need?
Answer a few questions about your vehicle and operation, and the North Dakota CDL Selector Tool pinpoints the endorsements you need in North Dakota.