North Dakota driving lesson · Your License & Permits
License classes & the farm exemption
A 3-minute lesson from the North Dakota course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
North Dakota has five license classes, and each needs its own written exam and skills test. This manual prepares you for Class D, the regular car license. Learn the weight lines that move a vehicle into another class.
License classes
License classes
Class
Covers
A
Combinations 26,001+ lbs towing a unit of 10,001+ lbs
B
Single vehicle 26,001+ lbs; may tow up to 10,000 lbs
C
26,000 lbs or less, built for 16+ riders or placarded hazmat
D
Single vehicle under 26,001 lbs; trailers up to 10,000 lbs
Class A may also drive Class B, C and D vehicles; Class B may drive C and D; Class C may drive D. None of them covers a motorcycle (Class M) unless endorsed.
Class D note: you must be 18, or under the farm exemption, if combined weight exceeds 26,000 pounds. Trucks may tow trailers over 10,000 pounds if the combined weight doesn't exceed 26,000 pounds GCWR.
Covered Farm Vehicles show farm plates or a farm designation (form SFN 60860). At 26,001 lbs or less they may go anywhere in the U.S.; heavier ones stay in their home state or within 150 air miles of the farm or ranch.
You're 17 and a summer job asks you to drive a single box truck rated 28,000 pounds GVWR. That is 26,001 pounds or more, so it's a Class B vehicle. Your Class D license doesn't cover it.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
Which vehicle class covers any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more?
Class A
Class B
Class D
Class C
Answer: Class B
Class B covers any single vehicle with a GVWR or gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more.
When does a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less require a Class C license?
When designed to carry 10 or more people
When towing a trailer over 5,000 pounds
When designed for 16+ people or hauling placarded hazmat
When used to haul farm products
Answer: When designed for 16+ people or hauling placarded hazmat
Class C covers a single vehicle of 26,000 pounds GVWR or less designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or transporting placarded hazardous materials.