A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required in North Carolina to operate commercial motor vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVWR, buses carrying 16 or more passengers, or vehicles placarded for hazardous materials. North Carolina CDL fees start at $65 for a 5-year license. Three CDL classes are available: Class A for tractor-trailer combinations, Class B for single large vehicles, and Class C for passenger and HazMat vehicles. First-time applicants must complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) through an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the skills test. All interstate CDL holders must maintain a valid DOT Medical Certificate. Test your knowledge with the North Carolina CDL knowledge test, then pass the skills test — pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road driving — to earn your license.
Any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the GVWR of the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle or combination not covered by Class A or B, designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or required to be placarded for hazardous materials.
TSA security threat assessment required. Valid 5 years.
Required for bulk liquid or gas tank vehicle operations.
Required for vehicles designed for 16+ passengers including driver.
Requires P endorsement. NC requires additional school bus training and background check.
Class A CDL required.
TSA background check required.
ELDT required per 49 CFR Part 380 for first-time Class A or B applicants and H, P, S endorsements. Must train with an FMCSA-registered provider at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Find a registered ELDT provider in North Carolina →Interstate CDL holders must maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate from an FMCSA-certified examiner, valid up to 24 months. Submit self-certification and MEC copy to NC DMV. North Carolina intrastate CDL drivers must meet NC's intrastate medical standards.
Find an FMCSA-certified medical examiner →Apply at an NC DMV license plate agency or DMV driver license office with proof of identity, Social Security Number, and NC residency. Pass the applicable knowledge tests, complete ELDT training, then pass the skills test. CDL fee is approximately $65 for 5 years.
North Carolina CDLs are valid for 5 years. DOT Medical Certificates must be renewed separately — typically every 24 months for most interstate drivers.
North Carolina allows 20,000 lbs on a single axle and 38,000 lbs on a tandem axle (higher than the federal 34,000 lbs tandem standard). Gross vehicle weight limit is 80,000 lbs on interstate highways. Oversize/overweight permits are available from NCDOT.
Yes. North Carolina provides CDL exemptions for farmers operating farm vehicles within 150 air miles of their farm for intrastate transport of agricultural commodities or supplies. This exemption does not apply to for-hire operations.
If the tractor-flatbed combination has a GCWR of 26,001 lbs or more with a trailer GVWR over 10,000 lbs, a Class A CDL is required. Oversize and overweight loads also require permits from NCDOT.
Browse commercial trucks for sale from dealers in North Carolina on TruckRadar.
North Carolina CDL fees are approximately $65 (original/renewal) for a 5-year license. Knowledge test included. Skills test fees vary by provider. Verify current amounts at ncdot.gov.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is compiled from publicly available government sources and is provided for general informational purposes only. TruckRadar is an independent search engine — we are not affiliated with any government agency and this content does not constitute legal or compliance advice. Regulations change frequently; always verify current requirements directly with the official source before making compliance decisions.
Official source: North Carolina NC Official DMVLast reviewed: April 8, 2026