Commercial Driver License Holder License Cost in North Carolina
Documented CDL license fees for North Carolina are not published in this dataset, so the total cost varies. Check the current fee schedule with North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles before budgeting.
Figures below come from the same dataset as the full guide and list only what the state publishes. Anything not published is marked “varies — check the board” rather than guessed.
CDL license cost — North Carolina at a glance
| Pre-license education | Varies — check the board |
| Exam fee | Varies — check the board |
| Application fee | Varies — check the board |
| License fee | Varies — check the board |
| Documented fees total | Not published |
| BLS median annual wage | $58,640 (heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers) |
Official source: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles ↗
Fees vs. median pay
The BLS median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is $58,640. Actual local earnings vary widely by market and experience — use the career ROI tool to model your own numbers.
Frequently asked questions
What does a CDL license cost in North Carolina?
Documented fees for North Carolina are not published in this dataset — check North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles for the current fee schedule.
Are the exam fee and the license fee the same thing in North Carolina?
No. The exam fee covers sitting for the test, while the application and license fees cover processing and issuing the credential. Each is listed separately in the table above where the state publishes it.
How much does CDL training cost in North Carolina?
Training-hour requirements for North Carolina are not published here — ask North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles for the approved programs and their costs.
Is a CDL license in North Carolina worth the cost?
The BLS median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is $58,640. Earnings vary widely by state and market — treat this as a planning estimate, not a promise.
Budget your CDL licensing in North Carolina
This page is informational and not legal advice. Fees, pass rates and retake rules change frequently — verify all figures with North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles and your exam vendor before paying (retrieved 2026-08-20).