How much does it cost to get a CDL in North Carolina?

Getting a Commercial Driver’s License in North Carolina is a major step toward a lucrative career in the transportation industry. In this journey, one of the most important questions is how to deal with the cost of a CDL License in North Carolina. From training programs down to application and testing fees, knowing what these costs will be can help you budget for the process. This guide touches on all the key facts and information you may want to know about the costs of obtaining your CDL license in North Carolina to get you fully ready. Scroll down and explore now!

How much does a CDL license in North Carolina cost?

The total cost associated with acquiring a CDL in North Carolina usually ranges anywhere from $3,000 to $5,500, depending on the license type, endorsements attached, training program, and additional fees. It comprises an exhaustive list of costs that applicants are subjected to meet the standards set by the federal and state governments in order to operate commercial vehicles.

CDL license North Carolina cost
How much does a CDL license in North Carolina cost?

Application fee

In the state of North Carolina, your journey to getting a CDL starts with an application fee of $51.50. With this fee, you are allowed three attempts at passing the knowledge tests, which are a major requirement in the next steps toward getting a license.

The knowledge tests are on traffic laws, safety rules, and how to operate a vehicle. If you fail to pass these tests within these three attempts, you will have to pay the application fee again for a re-test. By planning and preparing well in advance for the knowledge tests, you can have the best value for this fee and avoid extra expenses.

CDL Classes Fee

Commercial Class A

A combination vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more must be operated with Class A when the vehicle or vehicles being towed have a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds. This particular class of CDL is important for drivers handling large trucks, and tractor-trailers,… so it is an important consideration for someone making a career choice for long-haul or freight transportation. In North Carolina, a Commercial Class A CDL costs $25.50 per year.

Commercial Class B

Class B involves a license for the use of a single vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or higher. This includes towing another vehicle to this category, provided the towed vehicle has a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less. It costs $25.50 per year in North Carolina.

Class B licenses are commonly required for driving buses, delivery trucks, and large box trucks, therefore professionals in industries such as logistics, public transportation, and construction will consider them of great importance.

Commercial Class C

Class C is necessary for vehicles not applicable under Classes A and B but required for specific situations. It’s required for vehicles transporting 16 persons or more, not including the driver, for example, small buses or shuttles. The cost of applying for a Commercial Class C CDL is $25.50 yearly.

The Class C license is important for drivers training professionally in passenger transportation and logistics of hazardous materials making their operations compliant and safe on the road.

cdl license north carolina cost
CDL Classes Fee

CLP fees

A North Carolina CDL permit costs $25.50. A CLP is a precursor to the actual CDL and authorizes the driver to operate under the supervision of a licensed CDL holder. The CLP needs to be held for a minimum of 14 days prior to taking the skills tests required for the CDL. It is valid for 180 days, which is quite a long period of time to train and get ready. If the CLP has expired and the driver wants to continue, he/she needs to retake all written tests if the permit has been expired for 30 days or more​.

cdl license north carolina cost
CLP fees

Skills tests fee

In North Carolina, CDL skill tests require a fee of $50-$100. It includes the practical part of the CDL exam, which assesses your skills for the safe operation of a commercial vehicle. It has three components:

  • Pre-trip vehicle inspection.
  • Basic control skills test.
  • Road test.

These tests evaluate your knowledge about vehicle safety checks, maneuvering capabilities, and your driving competence on the road. It is important to prepare well since passing these tests is necessary to get your CDL.

An available pre-trip vehicle inspection practice test you can try to boost your confidence:

Endorsement fee

In North Carolina, it costs $5.00 per year to obtain a CDL endorsement. These endorsements are for drivers who will be operating special vehicles or transporting particular types of cargo. Activities requiring endorsements include

  • Hauling hazardous materials.
  • Transporting passengers.
  • Driving school buses or school activity buses.
  • Driving double trailers.
  • Driving tank vehicle operation.

The endorsement would ensure that drivers have acquired those vital skills and knowledge in dealing with such specialized tasks. Endorsements should be valid, and for that, it’s necessary to renew them from time to time with regard to the State regulation.

Training fee

To get a CDL in North Carolina, you’ll be required to undergo Entry-Level Driver Training, as dictated by the federal rules laid down on February 7, 2022. First-time CDL applicants, those who apply for an upgrade, and applicants who seek endorsements will need to follow this rule.

cdl license north carolina cost
Training fee

The cost of ELDT in North Carolina will depend on the school or training center of your choice. On average, most CDL training programs in the state can cost anywhere between $2,500 and $5,000, depending on the program length and type of training provided. This fee generally covers both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training.

Medical examination fee

To get a CDL in North Carolina, drivers are required to face the medical examination process to identify any physical or health defects outlined by the Department of Transportation standards. This examination is usually administered through certified medical examiners appearing in the National Registry.

The fee for this medical examination varies, but it usually ranges from $75 to $150, depending on the medical provider and the location.​ It is very important for drivers to keep their medical certification current; failure to do so may result in the suspension of CDL privileges and may affect employment​.

Additional fees

There are additional fees beyond the main training, permits, and test costs that drivers should take into consideration. Knowing the existence of these extra costs and what they cover will assist you in better preparing yourself for the financial obligation involved in gaining your CDL license.

TSA background check for Hazardous Materials endorsement fee

To be qualified to operate a CDL that transports hazardous materials requires a Transportation Security Administration background check to obtain an endorsement. Background screening requirements will be fingerprinting, verification of identity and a security threat assessment. The cost will be $86.50 good for five years. To apply will be slightly different in states, but mostly conducted through an accepted documentation submission with an authorized enrollment center​​.

cdl license north carolina cost
TSA background check for Hazardous Materials endorsement fee

Commercial Driver’s License Duplicate

If you want to make a duplicate of the commercial driver’s license, the given fee is $16.75 if you are in North Carolina. This service will be done if your original CDL is lost, stolen, or damaged. To replace it, you should provide your proof of identity, your residency, and your Social Security number at any DMV office. Retain a duplicate of your CDL in case one gets damaged, which helps in the principle of keeping yourself compliant while ready for work or possible road inspections. Remember to also update your address or other personal details at this moment if need be.

FAQs

1. How can I get my CDL for free in North Carolina?

You might be able to get a free CDL through programs offered by state workforce agencies, community colleges, or employer-sponsored training. Other trucking companies will pay for training in return for a guarantee that you will drive for them, often for a year or two. You may also find other financial aid programs, such as WIOA grants, available for those who qualify. For more information, contact your local employment office or community college.

2. How much does it cost to endorse a CDL license in North Carolina?

You must pay $5.00 per year for each endorsement on your CDL license in North Carolina. For instance, endorsements such as hazardous materials, transporting passengers, or driving school buses each come with separate fees and can entail additional testing or background checks like the TSA background check for hazardous materials costing $86.50.

3. How much does CDL school cost in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the cost of CDL training usually depends on the training providers and the length of the training. It typically varies between $2,500 and $5,000. Usually, the programs and services that are more expensive are those that include classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel practice, as well as job placement assistance. There are also scholarships, grant awards, or employer sponsorships to offset those expenses.

Final thoughts

Acquiring a CDL license in North Carolina is actually an investment that you look up to the aspirations for a career in commercial driving. With training fees, endorsements, and mandatory background checks adding up, a CDL license in North Carolina cost can widely vary. With associated costs and requirements, including fees related to the license, endorsement, and training programs for a CDL, understanding these will better equip the aspirant to achieve goals in the commercial driving industry. A North Carolina CDL license opens many different career paths in a very viable and growing field. Let’s get started now!


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