Truck drivers are in high demand in North Dakota. There is a booming oil industry that needs qualified drivers to operate their big rigs. That’s one reason to attend CDL schools in North Dakota and pursue a career driving trucks. Keep reading to find the top CDL training programs in North Dakota and the companies that are looking to hire.
Where the best truck drivers go to find jobs nationwide!
Quicklook: Best CDL Training Schools in North Dakota
- Williston State College
- North Dakota State College of Science
- Bismarck State College
- Sitting Bull College
- Candeska Cinkana Community College
Best CDL Training Programs in North Dakota
Now let’s examine the different programs and see what CDL training in North Dakota has to offer.
Williston State College
When it comes to CDL schools in North Dakota, this training facility is focused on providing high-standard programs in a safe environment. There are experienced instructors for classroom and behind the wheel training who will prepare you for the state-regulated CDL test. This school offers training in the cities of Williston, Dickinson, and Minot.
Cost: $6999-$7,999
Program Length: 4 weeks
Financial Assistance:
- Post 9/11 GI Bill and other Veteran Benefits
- Jobs Service or Vocational Rehabilitation Programs
Tuition Reimbursement: No
Class Size: 4
Job Placement: No
Course Location: In-person only
CDL Licenses:
- A
North Dakota State College of Science
This program will give you the understanding you need to thrive in the trucking industry. The training at NDSCS focuses on the knowledge needed to obtain your CDL certification. Once that’s completed, they make sure you are able to recognize potential driving hazards with their one-on-one behind-the-wheel training.
Cost: $5,495
Program Length: 2 weeks
Financial Assistance:
- Federal Financial Aid
- Grants
- Loans
- Work-Study Program
- Scholarships
- Veteran Benefits
Tuition Reimbursement: Many trucking companies partner with schools offering tuition reimbursement, if the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with the North Dakota State College of Science for more information.
Class Size: 15-20, 2:1 student to teacher ratio
Job Placement: Yes
Course Location: Both online and in-person available. Online course work is made available four weeks before class starts to give you ample time to study.
CDL Licenses:
- A
Bismarck State College
Located in the capital city, Bismarck State College’s training program offers coursework on driving safety, techniques, and North Dakota driving laws.
Cost: $5,495
Program Length: 3 weeks
Financial Assistance:
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
- Veteran Benefits
- Vocational Rehabilitation Funding
Tuition Reimbursement: No
Class Size: 4
Job Placement: Yes
Course Location: In-person only
CDL Licenses:
- A
Sitting Bull College
Nestled in Fort Yates, North Dakota this CDL program provides a top notch tractor-trailer truck simulator as well as an 18 wheeler to ensure your success on the road. Whether you’re driving a small truck or a large one, they’ll prepare you for local and long-distance trips. This school is a Tribal College committed to technical education.
Cost: $2,000
Program Length: 12-16 weeks
Financial Assistance:
- Federal Financial Aid
- Veteran Benefits
Tuition Reimbursement: Many trucking companies partner with schools offering tuition reimbursement if the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with Sitting Bull College to learn more.
Class Size: 9-12
Job Placement: No
Course Location: In-person only
CDL Licenses:
- A
Candeska Cinkana Community College
Get in the driver seater faster as Candesk Cinkana Community College, this CDL program will prepare you for bus and tractor trailing driving, proper record keeping, and help you develop a business plan to successfully navigate your new career. Not only are they affordable, but their small class sizes ensure you’ll get the one-on-one attention to safely operate a vehicle.
Cost: $1,800
Program Length: 12 weeks
Financial Assistance:
- Federal Aid
- Grants
- Scholarships
- Work-Study Program
Tuition Reimbursement: Many trucking companies partner with schools offering tuition reimbursement if the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with Cankdeska Cikana Community College to find out more.
Class Size: 4-8
Job Placement: No
Course Location: In-person only
CDL Licenses:
- A
How Does CDL Training in North Dakota Work?
North Dakota CDL training works much like it does in any state. Students receive basic knowledge and safety training in a classroom. They learn the information needed to pass the written half of the CDL test. From there they observe and practice operating tractor-trailers in the training yard using the techniques learned in the classroom.
A CDL is needed for anyone hauling hazardous material, driving a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rate (GVWR) over 26,000 lbs., operating a combination of vehicles weighing more than 26,000 lbs., and driving a passenger vehicle carrying 16 or more people. There are exceptions made for farming operations and military-trained operators.
North Dakota Trucking School Facts & Figures
There are a few things to consider carefully when selecting a truck driving school in North Dakota and information is key to making the right choice. Here are a few statistics that you should be equipped with as you begin your search.
Number of Schools
North Dakota has 11 CDL training schools with most of them concentrated in and around Fargo.
Number of Students per Class
Class size is typically limited to four students per instructor, so the number of people in the classroom is largely dependent on the number of instructors available. Most classes have 3-4 instructors on hand with a class size of 16 students.
Tuition Rates
The average tuition cost is $5,197.
Average Loan Amount
It’s $6,000 on average to help cover any incidentals while training.
Scholarship
Scholarship awards average around $2,000.
Job Placement
Schools in North Dakota have an average placement rate of 90-94%. While this is just under the national average, it still isn’t a number to balk at as their students go on to thrive in their careers.
North Dakota Trucking Employment Facts & Figures
Once you graduate from one of the best cdl schools in North Dakota, finding a job will be at the top of your to-do list.
Employment
An online search will pull up between 400-700 job listings for CDL drivers in North Dakota. That means a number of companies are looking for drivers to make deliveries locally and nationwide.
Fortunately, many CDL schools in North Dakota partner with local businesses that hire recent graduates. If you’d like to explore more options, here are some of the biggest employers in the area for truck drivers.
| Biggest Employer | Average Salary | Company Size |
| XPO Logistics | $132,815 | 44,000 |
| Jericho Services | $129,840 | 55 |
| Big Roy Trucking | $101,490 | 15 |
| Rolfson Oil | $100,012 | 400 |
| G-Style Transport | $75,000 | 71 |
Salary
Completing your CDL training in North Dakota isn’t a bad idea at all considering the average salary for truck drivers in the region.
Weekly: $1,560
Monthly: $6,241
Yearly: $74,895
Change Your Life Today with a CDL School in North Dakota
The job market for truck drivers in North Dakota has plenty of openings looking to be filled by qualified CDL drivers. So, if you don’t have your CDL now, sign up for a course and within a few months, you can be on the road earning a sizable salary.
FAQ
The average salary is $74,895.
The test has 50 questions, and you need to answer 40 correctly to pass.
The minimum age requirement is 21 if you are crossing state lines, and 18 for an intrastate license.
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