Category: North Dakota

Photo: Brett Buskirk, Pexels

In North Dakota, reaching 12 points suspends your license. Each point over 11 adds 7 days to the suspension. If you are under 18, just 6 points cancels your license. For DUI, the limit is 0.08 alcohol concentration, or 0.02 under 21. A first offense means a 91-day suspension and a fine of at least $500. This guide sets out the point values, how to reduce points, and the administrative and court penalties for DUI, including the 24/7 Sobriety Program.

Key facts

• Suspension: 12 or more points. 12 points means 7 days, and each point over 11 adds 7 days.
• Under 18: 6 or more points, or an alcohol or drug offense while driving, cancels your license.
• Point reduction: 1 point comes off for every 3 months without a new violation. A defensive driving course takes off 3 points, once every 12 months.
• Legal limit: 0.08, or 0.02 under 21.
• Test refusal: revocation for 180 days to 3 years.

How the North Dakota point system works

Points are normally added to your record within 10 days of a conviction. Once your record reaches 12 points, NDDOT tells you it intends to suspend your license, and you can ask for an administrative hearing.

Point total	Suspension
12	7 days
13 or more	7 days for each point over 11 (for example, 15 points means 28 days)

Speeding points

Over the limit	Zones of 65 mph or less	Zones above 65 mph
1 to 5 mph	0	0
6 to 10 mph	0	1
11 to 15 mph	1	3
16 to 20 mph	3	5
21 to 25 mph	5	7
26 to 30 mph	9	10
31 to 35 mph	9	12
36 to 45 mph	12	15
46 mph or more	15	15

In the 65 mph or less column, NDDOT lists the bands as 26 to 35 mph (9 points), 36 to 45 mph (12 points) and 46 mph or more (15 points). In the above-65 column, 36 mph or more over is 15 points.

Other common violations

Points	Examples
1	Not providing a child restraint, failing to dim headlights, unlawful parking in prohibited places
2	Failing to yield, disobeying a traffic signal, driving on the wrong side of the road, breaking instruction permit conditions, open container (driver)
3	Failing to stop at a railroad crossing, exhibition driving
4	Violating a restriction on a restricted license or instruction permit
6	Passing a stopped school bus, careless driving
8	Reckless driving
10	Racing
18	Leaving the scene of a crash with injury or death
24	Fleeing a law enforcement officer in a vehicle

For a driver under 18, one ticket for passing a stopped school bus (6 points) is enough on its own to cancel the license.

How to reduce points in North Dakota

• Time: 1 point comes off for every 3 months with no new points. Reductions are paused while you are serving a points suspension or cancellation.
• Defensive driving course: an approved course takes off 3 points, once every 12 months.
• Course instead of points: for a violation worth 5 points or fewer, you can take an approved course so the points are never added. You can do this once every 12 months, and not in the same period as the 3-point reduction.

Some insurers check your record. NDDOT says insurers who check can see violations from the last three years that carry 3 or more points.

Minor’s cancellation (under 18)

If you are under 18, either of these cancels your permit or license:

• reaching 6 or more points
• an alcohol or drug offense while driving, when the court orders cancellation.

You then start again. You need a parent’s permission, the written and vision tests, a new permit held for the required time, and driver’s education before the road test. Your points do not reset to zero. Under-18s cannot get a work permit or a temporary restricted license. See the restricted license rules.

Drinking, drugs and driving: the North Dakota DUI law

When you drive in North Dakota, you are treated as having agreed to a chemical test of your blood, breath, urine or saliva. You are legally under the influence at 0.08, or 0.02 if you are under 21. The same penalties apply to driving under the influence of drugs. A DUI brings two separate sets of penalties: administrative action against your license, and a criminal case in court.

Administrative license suspension

Offense in 7 years	Below 0.18	0.18 or more
First	91 days	180 days
Second	365 days	2 years
Third or later	2 years	3 years

Refusing a chemical test or a roadside preliminary breath test means revocation for 180 days to 3 years. After at least 30 days of a suspension, you may get a temporary restricted license. If you are in the 24/7 Sobriety Program, this can be after 14 days. A temporary restricted license is never issued to anyone under 18.

Court penalties (North Dakota Century Code 39-08-01)

Conviction	Minimum sentence
First, below 0.16	Fine of at least $500, and an addiction evaluation
First, 0.16 or more	Fine of at least $750 and at least 2 days in jail, plus an addiction evaluation
Second in 7 years	At least 10 days in jail, a $1,500 fine, an addiction evaluation, and at least 360 days in the 24/7 Sobriety Program
Third in 7 years	At least 120 days in jail, a fine of at least $2,000, an addiction evaluation, at least 360 days of supervised probation, and at least 360 days in the 24/7 Sobriety Program
Fourth or later in 15 years (felony)	At least 1 year and 1 day in jail, a fine of at least $2,000, an addiction evaluation, at least 2 years of supervised probation, and the 24/7 Sobriety Program

The 2025 to 2027 manual gives $1,000 as the fine for a second conviction. The current statute and NDDOT’s DUI penalties page both say $1,500, and this table uses the statute.

The 24/7 Sobriety Program

For second and later DUI convictions, the 24/7 Sobriety Program is a mandatory condition of probation. Taking part also lets you get a temporary restricted license sooner: after 14 days of a suspension instead of 30. If you have a test refusal, or more than one alcohol or drug violation, in the past 7 years, you can get a temporary restricted license only by taking part in the program. You must stay in it until you have gone one year without a violation.

Other DUI consequences

• A DUI with a minor in the vehicle can bring up to one year in jail, a $2,000 fine, or both.
• Causing serious injury adds 90 days in jail, and causing a death adds one year, on top of the DUI minimums.
• Driving while suspended or revoked after an alcohol violation brings at least 4 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
• A refusal or DUI conviction means you must file SR-22 proof of insurance.
• Open containers are illegal for drivers and passengers. People under 21 may not buy, possess or drink alcohol.

More: zero tolerance laws for under-21s, implied consent in the US, drugged driving and points systems in other states.

Common questions

How many points before you lose your license in North Dakota?

12 points for adults, or 6 points if you are under 18.

Is a speeding ticket for 10 over worth points in North Dakota?

In a zone of 65 mph or less, no: 6 to 10 mph over is 0 points. In a zone above 65 mph, it is 1 point.

What happens at 0.02 if I am under 21?

You are treated as under the influence, and the administrative suspension starts at 91 days for a first offense.

Can I refuse the roadside breath test?

You can, but refusing the roadside test or the chemical test leads to revocation for 180 days to 3 years. NDDOT also says refusal may be a crime.

Do points ever go away?

Yes. One point comes off for every 3 months without new points, and a defensive driving course can take off 3 more.

Can a teen get a work license after a cancellation?

No. NDDOT does not issue work permits or temporary restricted licenses to anyone under 18.

Overview: learning to drive in North Dakota.

Sources

• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Class D, 2025 to 2027” (dot.nd.gov)
• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “Driver License Points Reduction and Points Schedule” (dot.nd.gov)
• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “Penalties for Driving Under the Influence” (dot.nd.gov)
• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “Driver License” (dot.nd.gov)
• North Dakota Legislative Branch, “North Dakota Century Code Chapter 39-08” (ndlegis.gov)

Photo: Sam McCool, Pexels

If you get your North Dakota instruction permit before you turn 16, you must log at least 50 hours of supervised driving before the road test. The hours must cover five conditions: rural, urban, gravel or dirt roads, night and winter driving. This checklist is for teens and the parents who sign off. It covers who can supervise, how to split the hours, and a practice plan built from the NDDOT manual’s coaching tips.

Key facts

• Who needs the log: instruction permit holders under 16.
• Minimum: 50 hours in total, with some driving in each of the five conditions.
• Driver’s ed: the 50 hours are on top of driver’s education, not part of it.
• Sign-off: a parent or legal guardian comes to the road test and signs that the hours are done.
• Supervisor: at least 18, licensed for the vehicle, with at least three years of driving experience, in the seat beside you.

Who can supervise a North Dakota permit driver?

• A licensed driver for that class of vehicle, at least 18, with at least three years of driving experience.
• They must sit in the seat beside you. Nobody else may be in the front seat, unless the vehicle has only a front seat.
• If you are 14 or 15, the vehicle must belong to a parent, guardian, grandparent, sibling, aunt or uncle. The exception is a dual-control car with a licensed driver trainer.

The supervisor does not have to be a parent. A parent or legal guardian must still sign for the hours at the road test.

The five driving conditions in the North Dakota log

The manual’s log has a row for each condition. You must drive in every one, and the rows must add up to at least 50 hours.

Condition	What to practice (from the manual)
Rural areas	Two-lane highway speeds, passing rules, and watching for deer at dawn and dusk
Urban areas	Four-way stops, turn lanes, pedestrians in crosswalks, and the 25 mph default limit
Gravel, dirt or aggregate roads	Lower speeds, gentle steering, and easing back on after a wheel drops off the edge
Night driving	Dimming your high beams within 500 feet of oncoming traffic and 300 feet when following, and not overdriving your headlights
Winter driving	Testing your brakes at low speed, doubling your following distance, firm pressure on ABS brakes, and staying back from plows

The manual does not set a minimum number of hours for each condition, only that each one is covered. For winter hours, plan your permit timing so that you drive through at least part of a winter.

Sample log layout

Copy this into a notebook, or use the log page at the back of the manual. A dated entry for every drive makes the parent sign-off easy to back up.

Date	Condition	Hours	Skills practiced	Supervisor initials
	Rural
	Urban
	Gravel or dirt
	Night
	Winter

Parent and guardian coaching tips

These come from the manual’s parent section, cut down to what to do.

A practice order that works

1. Where: start in an empty parking lot or on a remote road. Move to quiet neighborhood streets, then busier roads and highways.
2. When: start in daylight and good weather. Add night, rain, snow and different roads as skills improve.
3. What: start with turning, parking and backing. Move on to lane changes and merging.
4. Who: only the two of you in the car. Other people and pets distract you both.

Every session

• Practice only when you are both rested, in a good mood and not rushed.
• Adjust the mirrors, seat, steering wheel and seat belts before starting.
• Wear seat belts and use headlights, day and night.
• Stop fully at stop signs, and before turning right on red.
• Look left, then straight ahead, then right before pulling away from a stop.
• Check the mirrors every 6 to 8 seconds, and keep a 3 to 4 second gap.
• Stay out of a truck’s no-zone, about 15 feet on all sides.

The blind-spot exercise

With the engine off, stand at the front bumper and walk backward until your teen can see your feet. Mark the spot with a cone or cup. Repeat behind the car and at both sides, then measure and write down how much of the road your teen cannot see.

Errors to watch for

The manual lists the top 11 teen driving errors. Among them:

• not watching the path of travel
• driving 5 mph or more too fast for conditions
• taking curves too fast
• poor searching at intersections
• following too closely
• being distracted.

Make these the focus of your later sessions.

Common questions

Do I need the 50 hours if I got my permit at 16?

The 50-hour rule in the manual applies to permit holders under 16. NDDOT’s rules for permit holders aged 16 and 17 do not include it. The manual’s coaching section still urges plenty of practice.

Do driver’s ed hours count toward the 50?

No. The manual says the 50 hours are in addition to the formal driver’s education requirement.

Do I hand in the log?

The manual says your parent or guardian goes with you to the road test and signs that you completed the hours. Bring your log anyway, in case the examiner asks to see it.

Can a grandparent supervise?

Yes, if they are at least 18, licensed for the vehicle and have at least three years of driving experience.

How many hours of night or winter driving do I need?

The manual does not set a number for each condition. You must drive in every condition, and the total must reach 50 hours.

Does the waiver course replace the 50 hours?

No. The road test waiver replaces only the road test. See the road test and waiver.

Related: the restricted license at 15, supervised hours in other states and winter driving tips. Overview: learning to drive in North Dakota.

Sources

• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Class D, 2025 to 2027” (dot.nd.gov)
• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “How to Apply for a Learner’s Permit” (dot.nd.gov)

Photo: North Dakota Department of Transportation, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A North Dakota restricted Class D license lets a 15-year-old drive without an adult, with two limits. You may drive only family-owned vehicles, and night driving is limited. The license becomes unrestricted at 16. This guide explains how to qualify, how long you must hold your permit first, the exact restrictions, and the phone ban that applies to everyone under 18.

Key facts

• Age: 15, once you have passed the road test or had it waived.
• Vehicles: only those of a parent, guardian, grandparent, sibling, aunt or uncle.
• Night limit: from sunset or 9 p.m., whichever is later, until 5 a.m., you need a parent, guardian or someone 18 or older with you, unless you are driving directly to or from work, an official school activity or a religious activity.
• At 16: the license becomes unrestricted.
• Under 18: no phone use while driving. Six or more points means cancellation.

How to get a restricted license at 15 in North Dakota

1. Get an instruction permit at 14 or older. See the North Dakota permit test.
2. Complete driver’s education and earn a Certificate of Training.
3. Log at least 50 hours of supervised driving. See the driving log.
4. Hold the permit for the required period (see the table below).
5. Pass the road test with a parent or guardian present, or have it waived. See the road test and waiver.

How long do you have to hold a permit in North Dakota?

Age when you got the permit	Holding period before the road test or waiver (manual)
14 or 15	12 months, or until you turn 16, whichever comes first, but never less than 6 months
16 or 17	6 months, or until you turn 18, whichever comes first

Worked example from the manual’s rule: you get your permit at 14 years 6 months. Twelve months comes before your 16th birthday, so you can test at 15 years 6 months. If you get your permit at 15 years 9 months, turning 16 comes first, but you still need the 6-month minimum. That means you can test at 16 years 3 months.

The NDDOT learner’s permit page words the 14 to 15 rule more simply: hold the permit “for at least one year.” Because the two sources differ, confirm the date your teen can test with a Driver License site before you book.

Restricted Class D license rules

Which vehicles a 15-year-old may drive

You may drive only vehicles that belong to your:

• parent or guardian
• grandparent
• sibling
• aunt or uncle.

A friend’s car, or a car belonging to an employer or a cousin, is not on the list.

The night driving limit

Between the later of sunset or 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., a parent, legal guardian or someone at least 18 must be in the car. The only exceptions are driving directly to or from:

• work
• an official school activity
• a religious activity.

Because the start time is the later of sunset or 9 p.m., it moves through the year. When sunset is before 9 p.m., the limit starts at 9 p.m. When sunset is after 9 p.m., it starts at sunset. On long summer evenings, check the local sunset time.

Passengers

The manual and the NDDOT licensing pages set no passenger limit for restricted license holders. The manual’s parent section does warn that crash risk rises with each teen passenger, and it suggests families set their own passenger rules.

Electronic device ban for drivers under 18

Licensed drivers under 18, and permit holders of any age, may not use an electronic communication device while driving. This includes talking, and composing, reading or sending messages. The only exceptions are:

• calling for emergency help
• preventing a crime that appears about to happen
• a reasonable belief that someone’s life or safety is in danger.

Texting while driving is also illegal for drivers of every age, with a $100 fine. See texting laws by state.

How you can lose a restricted license

• Points: if you are under 18, six or more points cancels your permit or license. Breaking a license or permit restriction is 4 points on NDDOT’s schedule.
• Alcohol or drugs: a court can order a minor’s license cancelled for an alcohol or drug offense while driving.
• Parental consent: the parent or guardian who signed can withdraw consent at any time, and the license is cancelled.

After a cancellation, you start again as if you had never held a permit. You retake the knowledge and vision tests, hold a new permit for the required period, and repeat driver’s ed before the road test. Your points do not reset to zero. See North Dakota points and DUI penalties.

What changes at 16?

At 16, the restricted Class D license becomes an unrestricted license. The vehicle and night limits end. The phone ban, and cancellation at six points, apply until you turn 18.

Common questions

Can a 15-year-old drive friends in North Dakota?

No passenger limit appears in the NDDOT manual or on its licensing pages. Your parents can still set one, and the manual recommends it.

Can I drive to my job after 9 p.m. at 15?

Yes. The exception covers driving directly to or from work, so go straight there and straight home.

Can I drive my grandparent’s car on a restricted license?

Yes. Grandparents are on the list of allowed vehicle owners.

Can I drive in another state at 15?

That depends on the other state’s rules. North Dakota itself requires nonresidents to be 16. See driving with a permit in another state.

Do I need to retest at 16?

The manual says the restricted license becomes unrestricted at 16. Check with a Driver License site if you are unsure what to do at 16.

Can I use GPS on my phone?

The ban covers using a device to talk, or to compose, read or send messages. Set your route before you start and leave the phone alone while you drive.

Compare teen rules in other states: GDL laws by state. Full overview: learning to drive in North Dakota.

Sources

• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Class D, 2025 to 2027” (dot.nd.gov)
• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “How to Apply for a Learner’s Permit” (dot.nd.gov)
• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “Driver License Requirements” (dot.nd.gov)
• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “Driver License” (dot.nd.gov)
• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “Driver License Points Reduction and Points Schedule” (dot.nd.gov)

Photo: Thomas, Pexels

To pass the North Dakota road test, you must follow the examiner’s instructions, keep to the proper lane, signal, parallel park, keep a good driving posture, and obey all signs and traffic laws. If you are 15 or older, you can skip the test altogether with an approved driver’s ed certificate. This guide covers what to bring, the vehicle inspection that comes first, what is not allowed in the car, and how the road test waiver works.

Key facts

• Fee (NDDOT, as of November 2026): $5. Book at dot.nd.gov or call 1-855-633-6835.
• Required skills: following instructions, lane position, signals, parallel parking, posture, and obeying signs and laws.
• Failing: you cannot retake the same day.
• Not allowed: self-parking features, passengers, pets (service animals excepted) and electronic devices.
• Waiver: a certificate showing at least 30 hours of classroom and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training, from a course approved for waiver purposes. Applies from age 15.

What to bring to the North Dakota road test

• Your valid North Dakota instruction permit.
• If you are under 16: your driver’s education Certificate of Training, and a parent or legal guardian, who must come with you. They sign that you have completed 50 hours of supervised driving, and an authorization for you to drive without an adult.
• Current registration for the test vehicle.
• Current proof of insurance for the test vehicle.

Make sure you have held the permit long enough first. See permit holding periods. You supply your own vehicle. A 14 or 15-year-old may use a vehicle that is not a parent’s or guardian’s for the test.

The road test vehicle inspection

The examiner inspects your vehicle before the drive. If the vehicle is unsafe, the test does not go ahead. Check each item at home:

Item	What passes
Brakes	Both the service brake and the parking brake work
Headlights	High and low beams
Rear lights	Brake lights and taillights
Turn signals	Working
Exhaust	Leak-free, with a muffler
Doors	Open from inside and outside
Horn	Clearly audible at 200 feet
Mirrors	At least one that shows the road 200 feet behind
Seat belts	Present and working
Windshield and windows	Intact, with no cracks that block your or the examiner’s view
Wipers	Working
Registration	Current

Self-parking cars

Self-parking vehicles are not allowed. Switch the self-parking feature off, or bring a different car.

What the North Dakota examiner checks

The manual lists these road test items:

1. Following instructions. Cooperate with the examiner throughout. If you are not sure what you have been asked to do, ask.
2. Proper lane. Stay centered. Make right turns close to the right curb. Start left turns close to the center line.
3. Signals. Signal continuously for the last 100 feet before a turn, and for every lane change. Cancel the signal afterward.
4. Parallel parking. Finish with your wheels parallel to the curb and within one foot of it.
5. Driving posture. Keep both hands on the wheel, and use one foot for both the gas and the brake.
6. Signs and laws. Make full stops at stop lines. Keep to speed limits, including 20 mph past a school at arrival and dismissal times. Follow the right-of-way rules.

Parallel parking, step by step

1. Signal. Stop level with the vehicle ahead, about two feet away from it.
2. Turn the wheel right and back slowly toward the vehicle behind.
3. Once you are clear of the vehicle ahead, turn the wheel left and keep backing slowly.
4. Turn the wheel right and pull forward toward the curb. Stop in the center of the space and put the car in park.

Common mistakes nationally: why people fail the road test. Parking rules: US parking rules.

Driver’s education for under-16s

If you are under 16, you must show a driver’s education Certificate of Training at the road test. You can earn it in two ways:

• 30 hours of classroom and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training through the Department of Public Instruction (school driver’s ed), or
• 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training at a commercial driving school approved by NDDOT.

Behind-the-wheel training can start at 14. A high school driver’s ed student may drive the school’s training car without a permit, under a certified instructor. This also requires the school district to have the right insurance.

How the North Dakota road test waiver works

You can skip the Class D road test by presenting either of these:

• a North Dakota Driving School Certificate of Course Completion, or
• a Department of Public Instruction Student Completion Certificate.

Either certificate must show at least 30 hours of classroom and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training, in a course the NDDOT director has approved for waiver purposes. The waiver applies from age 15.

	Certificate of Training (required under 16)	Waiver certificate
Purpose	Lets you take the road test	Replaces the road test
Commercial school route	6 hours behind the wheel	30 hours classroom plus 6 hours behind the wheel, in a waiver-approved course
School (DPI) route	30 hours classroom plus 6 hours behind the wheel	30 hours classroom plus 6 hours behind the wheel, approved for waiver

On NDDOT’s list of approved driver training schools, an asterisk marks the schools in the road test waiver program. Ask the school before you enroll. The waiver replaces only the road test. The permit holding period and, for under-16s, the 50 supervised hours still apply. See the 50-hour log.

Common questions

Is parallel parking on the North Dakota road test?

Yes. The manual lists parallel parking among the things you must do to pass.

Can my parent ride with me during the road test?

No. Passengers are not allowed in the vehicle during the test. If you are under 16, a parent or guardian must still come with you to the test site.

Can I use my car’s backup camera or park assist?

Self-parking vehicles are not allowed, so switch that feature off. Ask the examiner on the day whether you may use a backup camera.

When can I retake the road test if I fail?

Not on the same day. Book another appointment.

Does every driving school’s course waive the test?

No. Only courses approved for waiver purposes do. On NDDOT’s school list, these are the schools marked with an asterisk.

Can I get the waiver at 14?

No. The manual says the road test waiver applies from age 15.

How other states test: US road test by state. Back to the North Dakota learner guide.

Sources

• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Class D, 2025 to 2027” (dot.nd.gov)
• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “How to Apply for a Learner’s Permit” (dot.nd.gov)
• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “Driver Training Schools” (dot.nd.gov)
• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “Driver License Requirements” (dot.nd.gov)

Photo: Brett Buskirk, Pexels

The North Dakota permit test is the Class D knowledge test. You can take it at a Driver License site or at home on nd.knowtodrive.com, in English or 13 other languages, from age 14. This guide covers the documents to bring, the fees, the online option, the testing-room rules that can fail you before you start, and how sponsorship works for under-18s.

Key facts

• Minimum age: 14.
• Where: a North Dakota Driver License site (appointment needed), or online at nd.knowtodrive.com.
• Cost (NDDOT, as of November 2026): $5 per test attempt, and $15 for the permit.
• Retakes: one attempt per day.
• Also required: a vision screening and, if you are under 18, a parent or guardian’s sponsorship.
• Study from: the NDDOT Noncommercial Driver License Manual (2025 to 2027 edition).

How many questions are on the North Dakota permit test?

Neither the NDDOT manual nor its permit pages give the number of questions or the pass mark. Check the current figures with NDDOT (1-855-633-6835) or at a Driver License site before your test, and treat any number you see on a practice-test website as unofficial. For how other states compare, see permit test questions by state.

Taking the permit test online

NDDOT calls KnowTo Drive (nd.knowtodrive.com) its only official online knowledge testing platform. Two rules matter:

1. Passing online does not give you a permit. You must make an appointment at a North Dakota Driver License office to get the permit. You take the vision screening there and show your documents.
2. Follow the rules shown on the platform. The NDDOT manual does not print them, so read them carefully before you start the test.

Which languages is the North Dakota knowledge test in?

The noncommercial (Class D) knowledge test is offered in 14 languages:

• English, Spanish and French
• Arabic, Pashto and Dari
• Somali and Swahili
• Russian, Serbo-Croatian and Turkish
• Vietnamese, Nepali and Chinese

Automated American Sign Language and audio testing are available at the Fargo, Jamestown, Bismarck, Dickinson, Williston, Minot, Devils Lake and Grand Forks offices. For other accommodations, NDDOT has a Request for Reasonable Accommodations form (SFN 60135).

Checklist for testing at an office

Documents

• Proof of legal presence, current name and date of birth. For example, a certified US birth certificate, a valid US passport or passport card, or a Permanent Resident Card. Bring originals or certified copies only.
• Proof of your Social Security number. For example, your Social Security card, a W-2, an SSA-1099 or a pay stub showing your full number.
• Two proofs of your North Dakota home address. For example, a current utility bill, a lease, or a school transcript issued within the last 6 months. A parent can supply these for a child under 18.
• Proof of your legal name if it differs from your identity document: a certified marriage certificate, adoption document or court order.

Without proper identification, you will not be allowed to test.

Timing

Arrive at least one hour before closing time. If the office closes for lunch, also arrive at least one hour before noon. If you arrive later, you may not be allowed to test. Except in Bismarck, Minot, Grand Forks and Fargo, offices close from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

What you cannot bring into the testing area

You cannot bring children, pets (service animals excepted), backpacks, purses, paper, pens, pencils, markers, notebooks, cell phones or any other electronic devices into the testing area.

Bringing any of these into the testing area is an automatic fail. So is leaving the testing area before you finish. Lock your things in the car first.

Instruction permits: what the permit lets you do

• A licensed driver must sit in the seat beside you. They must be at least 18, have at least three years of driving experience, and hold a license for the vehicle class you are driving.
• Nobody else may sit in the front seat, unless the vehicle has only a front seat.
• You may not use a phone or other electronic communication device while driving, whatever your age.
• If you are 14 or 15, you may drive only a vehicle owned by a parent, guardian, grandparent, sibling, aunt or uncle. The exception is a dual-control vehicle with a licensed driver trainer.
• Breaking the permit conditions puts 2 points on your record.

How long you must hold the permit before the road test depends on your age. See the North Dakota restricted license guide for the holding periods.

Sponsorship for applicants under 18

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign approval and sponsorship on your application. By signing, they also accept financial liability.

• A legal guardian must bring the guardianship papers.
• If the parent or guardian cannot attend, they can name a temporary signer in a notarized document. The financial liability stays with them.
• If there is no living parent or legal guardian, another adult who swears responsibility for the minor may sign.
• The person who signed can withdraw consent at any time. The permit or license is then cancelled until consent is given again or you turn 18.

What to study

The test is based on the Rules of the Road in the NDDOT manual. These topics appear in the manual and are easy to get wrong:

• Default speed limits: 25 mph in business and residential districts, 55 mph on gravel roads, and 80 mph on rural Interstate.
• Distances: signal for the last 100 feet before a turn. Dim your high beams within 500 feet of oncoming traffic, and within 300 feet when following.
• Parking: no parking within 10 feet of a hydrant, or within 15 feet of a stop sign.
• Alcohol: the limit is 0.08, or 0.02 under 21.
• Winter: studded tires are allowed from October 15 to April 15. If a snowstorm strands you, stay with the vehicle.

The North Dakota learner guide summarizes each chapter.

Common questions

Can I take the North Dakota permit test at home?

Yes, on nd.knowtodrive.com. You still have to visit a Driver License office to get the permit.

What if I fail the North Dakota permit test?

You can try again on another day. NDDOT allows one attempt per day and charges $5 per attempt.

Can I take the test in Spanish or Somali?

Yes. Both are among the 14 languages offered for the Class D knowledge test.

Is there an eye test for the permit?

Yes. You take a vision screening as part of getting the permit.

Can my grandparent sign for my permit?

Only in two cases. A parent or legal guardian can name them in a notarized document, or they can sign if you have no living parent or legal guardian.

Why would I fail before answering a question?

Bringing a phone, bag, paper or any other banned item into the testing area, or leaving it during the test, is an automatic fail.

Sources

• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Class D, 2025 to 2027” (dot.nd.gov)
• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “How to Apply for a Learner’s Permit” (dot.nd.gov)
• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “Driver License Requirements” (dot.nd.gov)
• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “Driver Education” (dot.nd.gov)
• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “Driver License Points Reduction and Points Schedule” (dot.nd.gov)

Photo: Nancy Yu, Pexels

In North Dakota you can get an instruction permit at 14, a restricted Class D license at 15 and an unrestricted license at 16. This guide is for North Dakota teens, their parents and adult first-time drivers. It covers each step, the tests and fees, and the road rules from the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Noncommercial Driver License Manual (2025 to 2027 edition) that you need to know.

Key facts

• Instruction permit: from age 14, after a knowledge test and a vision screening. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign as sponsor.
• Restricted Class D license: at 15, after the road test (or a road test waiver). There are vehicle and night limits.
• Unrestricted license: the restricted license becomes unrestricted at 16.
• Under 16: you need driver’s education and 50 hours of supervised driving.
• Phones: permit holders of any age, and all licensed drivers under 18, may not use electronic communication devices while driving.
• Fees (NDDOT, as of November 2026): knowledge test $5 per attempt, permit $15, road test $5, noncommercial license $15.

The North Dakota licensing steps by age

Your age when you get the permit	What you must do before the road test	What you get
14 or 15	Hold the permit for 12 months or until you turn 16, whichever comes first, but at least 6 months. Complete driver’s education and 50 supervised hours.	A restricted Class D license at 15. It becomes unrestricted at 16.
16 or 17	Hold the permit for 6 months or until you turn 18, whichever comes first.	A Class D license, with the under-18 phone ban.
18 or older	Pass the road test. The NDDOT permit page sets no holding period for this age group.	A Class D license.

Step by step: the North Dakota permit test, the 50-hour driving log, the road test and the driver’s ed waiver, and the rules for the restricted license at 15.

Your operator’s license: what you need to apply

Book an appointment at a North Dakota Driver License site, or take the knowledge test at home on nd.knowtodrive.com, NDDOT’s official online test platform. If you pass online, you still have to book an office visit to collect your permit. Bring:

• One proof of identity, date of birth and legal presence, for example a certified US birth certificate or a valid US passport. Originals or certified copies only. No photocopies and no hospital certificates.
• Proof of your Social Security number, for example your Social Security card, a W-2 or a pay stub.
• Two proofs of your North Dakota home address, for example a utility bill or a school transcript issued within the last 6 months. A parent can supply these for a child under 18. PO boxes are not accepted.
• A sponsor if you are under 18: a parent or legal guardian. A legal guardian must bring the guardianship papers.

If you move to North Dakota, you count as a resident once you have lived there for 90 consecutive days. After you become a resident, you can drive on your other state’s license for 60 days. After that you must take the tests needed for a North Dakota license. If you change your name or address, tell the Driver License Division within 10 days. See transferring your license to another state and REAL ID for a first license.

Signs, signals and road markings

The manual groups signs into regulatory, warning and guide signs, plus school, pedestrian and work zone signs. Points that often come up in North Dakota:

• The stop sign is the only eight-sided sign. Stop before the stop line or crosswalk. If there is neither, stop where you can see traffic coming from every direction.
• You may cross a broken yellow center line only to pass or to turn left. With two solid yellow lines, there is no passing in either direction.
• Do not use the center lane of a two-way left-turn lane for passing.
• When a train is crossing, stop at least 15 feet from the tracks. Never drive around lowered gates. If your car is stuck on the tracks, get out and walk toward the oncoming train, away from the tracks at about a 45-degree angle. Then call the number on the crossing’s Emergency Notification System sign, and then 911.

More: US road signs by shape and color.

Rules of the road in North Dakota

Speed limits

Where	Limit unless posted otherwise
Approaching a railroad crossing or an intersection when your view is blocked; passing a school while children are arriving, leaving or at recess	20 mph
Business or residential district	25 mph
Gravel, dirt or loose-surface roads; unposted paved two-lane county and township roads	55 mph
Rural paved two-lane highways posted for that speed	65 mph
Paved, divided multi-lane highways	70 mph
Rural Interstate	80 mph

Right of way, turns and passing

• At an unsigned intersection, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. At an uncontrolled T-intersection, traffic on the ending road yields.
• At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop goes first.
• Signal continuously for the last 100 feet before you turn.
• Never pass within 100 feet of an intersection, a railroad crossing or a tunnel. After passing, get back in your lane at least 200 feet before you meet an oncoming vehicle.
• No U-turn near the crest of a hill or on a curve where you can’t see at least 500 feet.
• Work zones: speeding when work is in progress and workers are present carries a minimum $80 fee.
• Keep at least a 3-second following distance. Leave more on slippery roads, behind motorcycles and when towing.
• For a school bus with flashing red lights, traffic from both directions must stop. Wait until the bus moves off, the driver signals you to pass, or the red lights stop flashing.
• For an emergency vehicle using its lights or siren, pull over to the right and stop until it has passed. On the Interstate or a multi-lane highway, move out of the lane next to a stopped emergency, police or NDDOT vehicle that has its lights flashing. Do the same, outside city limits, for any stranded vehicle with its hazard lights on; if you can’t change lanes safely, slow down and pass with caution.
• Roundabouts: slow down, pick your lane before entering (left lane to turn left, right lane to turn right), yield to pedestrians, bicyclists and circulating traffic, stay in your lane, and never pass a truck inside one.

More on these rules nationally: school bus laws, move over laws and roundabouts.

Parking

Do not park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant or a crosswalk at an intersection, or within 15 feet of a stop sign, flashing beacon or roadside traffic signal. When you parallel park, stop with your wheels within one foot of the curb.

Seat belts, child seats and phones

• Everyone in every seat must wear a seat belt.
• Children under 8 must ride in a car seat or booster seat. The manual says a child should be at least 4 and 40 pounds before moving from a car seat to a booster. A child at least 57 inches tall can use a seat belt instead. Ages 8 to 17 must use a seat belt or a child restraint. The penalty is $25 and 1 point against the driver.
• Texting while driving is illegal for every driver, with a $100 fine. Drivers under 18, and anyone on a permit, may not use a phone at all while driving, except in an emergency. See hands-free and texting laws.

Crashes and insurance

• If a crash injures or kills someone, or causes $4,000 or more in combined damage, report it right away. In a city, report it to the local police. Outside city limits, report it to the Highway Patrol or the county sheriff.
• Driving without liability insurance carries a $150 fine for a first offense, and $300 for a repeat within three years. See minimum car insurance by state.

Driving skills and emergency situations

North Dakota’s manual is heavy on winter and rural driving:

• Driving onto a road that has been officially closed carries a $250 fine. Dial 511 for road and weather conditions.
• In snow, double your following distance. Studded snow tires are allowed from October 15 to April 15.
• If a snowstorm strands you, stay with your vehicle. Run the engine and heater only in short spells, with a window slightly open, to avoid carbon monoxide.
• Stay well back from snowplows, and never drive into a whiteout.
• Never drive through a flooded road: six inches of water reaches the underside of most cars, and two feet of moving water can carry away an SUV or pickup. Don’t coast downhill in neutral, and never leave a child in a parked car, even on a mild day.
• On gravel, slow down and avoid sudden changes of direction. If a wheel drops off the pavement, ease off the gas and steer gently back once you have slowed down.
• Do not swerve to avoid a deer. Slow down where deer crossing signs are posted, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Dim your high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle, and within 300 feet when you are following one. Use headlights in rain, snow, sleet, hail, smoke or fog whenever you can’t see 1,000 feet.
• Throwing litter on a public highway can bring a $500 fine.

More: driving in snow, fog and rain.

Drinking, drugs and driving

You are legally under the influence at 0.08 alcohol concentration, or 0.02 if you are under 21. Refusing a chemical test or a roadside breath test can cost you your license for 180 days to 3 years. A first offense starts with a 91-day suspension and a fine of at least $500. Open containers are illegal for drivers and passengers. Full details: North Dakota points and DUI penalties.

Pedestrian traffic and recreational vehicles

• Pedestrians have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks. Yield to anyone with a white cane or a guide dog.
• When you pass a bicycle, leave at least three feet.
• You must be at least 14 to ride a motorized bicycle, and you need a license or permit. Riders under 18 must wear a helmet.
• Snowmobiles may never use the roadway, shoulder or inside bank of a North Dakota road. They may not use any road right of way from April 1 to November 1.
• Off-highway vehicle operators need a driver’s license, a permit or an off-highway vehicle safety certificate, and riders under 18 must wear a helmet. OHVs stay off roads, shoulders and ditch banks except where state law allows.

Parent and guardian driver coaching tips

The manual asks parents of under-18s to read its licensing pages and its coaching section. In short:

• At first, practice with only the two of you in the car. Start in empty parking lots or on remote roads in daylight, then move to busier roads, night driving and bad weather.
• Use a parent-teen driving agreement. Set the consequences for tickets, missed curfews and passenger violations before they happen.
• The parent or guardian who signed the sponsorship can withdraw consent at any time. The permit or license is then cancelled. The teen can get it back with a parent’s consent again, or on turning 18.

Supervised driving log

Permit holders under 16 log at least 50 hours. The hours must include rural, urban, gravel or dirt roads, night and winter driving. A parent signs off on the day of the road test. See the North Dakota driving log checklist.

Common questions

Can I drive alone at 15 in North Dakota?

Yes, once you have passed the road test, or had it waived, and hold a restricted Class D license. You may drive only a vehicle that belongs to a parent, guardian, grandparent, sibling, aunt or uncle. Between sunset or 9 p.m., whichever is later, and 5 a.m., you need a parent, guardian or someone 18 or older with you, unless you are driving directly to or from work, school or religious activities.

Do I need driver’s ed in North Dakota?

Yes, if you are under 16. You must show a driver’s education Certificate of Training at the road test. From 16, the NDDOT permit page does not list driver’s ed as a requirement.

Can I take the North Dakota permit test online?

Yes. Use nd.knowtodrive.com, then book an office appointment to collect your permit and take the vision screening.

Can I get a North Dakota license if I have seizures?

The manual says people with a history of epilepsy, seizures, blackouts or other lapses of consciousness can’t be licensed unless they have been seizure-free for at least six consecutive months and agree to the required medical examination.

Can I drive in North Dakota on another state’s license at 15?

No. A nonresident must be at least 16 to drive in North Dakota.

What happens if I get too many points under 18?

Six or more points, or any alcohol or drug offense while driving, gets your permit or license cancelled. You then start again from the beginning. See the points guide.

How does North Dakota compare with other states?

Compare the rules in GDL laws by state and how to get a license in the US.

Sources

• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Class D, 2025 to 2027” (dot.nd.gov)
• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “How to Apply for a Learner’s Permit” (dot.nd.gov)
• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “Driver License Requirements” (dot.nd.gov)
• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “Driver License” (dot.nd.gov)
• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “Penalties for Driving Under the Influence” (dot.nd.gov)

Photo: Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The North Dakota permit test is the Class D knowledge test, based on the Rules of the Road in the NDDOT Noncommercial Driver License Manual (2025 to 2027 edition). This page gives you 30 original practice questions that cover the manual, with extra weight on North Dakota’s own rules: permits at 14, restricted licenses at 15, gravel roads and winter driving. The questions are unofficial, not NDDOT’s.

North Dakota knowledge test: key facts

• Minimum age: 14. Take it at a Driver License site (appointment needed) or online at nd.knowtodrive.com.
• $5 per attempt and one attempt per day; the permit costs $15 (NDDOT, as of November 2026).
• Offered in 14 languages, with automated ASL and audio testing at the larger offices.
• Phones, bags, paper and pens in the testing area, or leaving before you finish, mean an automatic fail.
• Question count and pass mark: ask NDDOT before your test.

Documents, sponsorship and the online option: the North Dakota permit test guide.

Section A: signs, signals and right of way

1. A square white sign with a red circle and slash over a U-shaped arrow means:

• A. U-turn lane ahead
• B. Detour
• C. No U-turn
• D. Winding road

Answer: C. The red circle and slash show the action that is forbidden. Manual topic: regulatory signs.

2. In North Dakota, a yellow pennant-shaped sign on the left side of the road means:

• A. No passing zone
• B. Yield ahead
• C. School crossing
• D. Narrow bridge

Answer: A. It can be used in addition to the rectangular DO NOT PASS sign, which goes on the right. Manual topic: regulatory and warning signs.

3. A sign reads TWO WAY LEFT TURN ONLY over the center lane. That lane is for:

• A. Passing slow vehicles
• B. Left turns by traffic from both directions only
• C. Buses
• D. Emergency stopping

Answer: B. It is not for passing or overtaking. Manual topic: regulatory signs.

4. Diagonal stripes on a barricade in a work area show you:

• A. The speed limit
• B. That the road is open
• C. A detour distance
• D. Which direction to pass the barricade

Answer: D. The stripes guide you toward the side you should pass on. Manual topic: channelizing devices.

5. When must your turn signal be on in North Dakota?

• A. Continuously during the last 100 feet before the turn
• B. Only as you start turning
• C. Only in towns
• D. Only when cars are behind you

Answer: A. Learn the hand signals too, and give cyclists and motorcyclists room for theirs. Manual topic: turn signals.

6. A pedestrian with a white cane or guide dog is waiting to cross. You should:

• A. Honk to let them know you are there
• B. Drive past slowly
• C. Yield or stop, and stop behind the crosswalk so their path is clear
• D. Call out directions

Answer: C. Manual topic: pedestrians.

7. An emergency vehicle flashing red, white or blue lights or using its siren approaches. You must:

• A. Keep going at the limit
• B. Immediately stop along the right-hand curb or edge, and stay stopped until it passes
• C. Stop in the intersection
• D. Speed up to get out of its way

Answer: B. Never stop in the middle of an intersection. Manual topic: right of way.

8. A North Dakota DOT maintenance vehicle is parked on the Interstate with its work lights flashing. You should:

• A. Use the shoulder to pass
• B. Stop behind it
• C. Flash your lights
• D. Move over to the opposite lane and proceed with due caution

Answer: D. The same applies to emergency and law enforcement vehicles on multi-lane roads. Manual topic: right of way.

9. A flashing yellow light on a tow truck or slow-moving vehicle tells you to:

• A. Slow down
• B. Stop
• C. Pass immediately
• D. Pull off the road

Answer: A. Manual topic: right of way.

10. At a roundabout in North Dakota, traffic travels:

• A. Clockwise
• B. Either direction
• C. Counterclockwise around a center island
• D. Straight through the center

Answer: C. Reduce your speed and, on multi-lane roundabouts, use the left lane to turn left. Manual topic: roundabouts.

Section B: speed, space and parking

11. Unless posted, the North Dakota speed limit in a business or residential district is:

• A. 20 mph
• B. 25 mph
• C. 30 mph
• D. 35 mph

Answer: B. Manual topic: speed limits.

12. Unless posted, the limit on a gravel, dirt or loose-surface road is:

• A. 55 mph
• B. 45 mph
• C. 35 mph
• D. 65 mph

Answer: A. 55 mph also applies on paved two-lane county and township highways with no posted limit. Manual topic: speed limits.

13. You approach a railroad crossing where your view of the track is blocked. Unless posted otherwise, the maximum speed is:

• A. 10 mph
• B. 30 mph
• C. 25 mph
• D. 20 mph

Answer: D. 20 mph also applies at intersections with an obstructed view and past a school while children are arriving, leaving or at recess. Manual topic: speed limits.

14. The manual’s rule for a safe following distance is the:

• A. One-second rule
• B. Three-second rule
• C. Ten-foot rule
• D. Two-car rule

Answer: B. Count from when the vehicle ahead passes a fixed mark until you reach it. Manual topic: following distance.

15. You may not make a U-turn near the crest of a hill or a curve where you cannot see at least:

• A. 100 feet
• B. 200 feet
• C. 500 feet
• D. 1,000 feet

Answer: C. Manual topic: right of way and turns.

16. You may not park within how many feet of a fire hydrant in North Dakota?

• A. 10 feet
• B. 5 feet
• C. 20 feet
• D. 30 feet

Answer: A. Also not within 10 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, or within 15 feet of a stop sign, flashing beacon or traffic signal at the roadside. Manual topic: parking.

17. You park facing downhill next to a curb. Turn your front wheels:

• A. Away from the curb
• B. Toward the curb
• C. Straight ahead
• D. Either way

Answer: B. Uphill with a curb, turn them away from it; uphill with no curb, toward the shoulder. Manual topic: parking on a hill.

18. A school bus is stopped with red lights flashing on a North Dakota road. Who must stop?

• A. Only traffic behind the bus
• B. Only oncoming traffic
• C. Only drivers who see children
• D. Drivers approaching from both directions

Answer: D. Stay stopped until the bus moves, the driver signals you on, or the red lights stop. Yellow lights mean it is about to stop. Manual topic: school buses.

Section C: alcohol and implied consent

19. A North Dakota driver under 21 is considered under the influence at an alcohol concentration of:

• A. 0.08%
• B. 0.05%
• C. 0.02%
• D. 0.10%

Answer: C. The adult level is 0.08%. Manual topic: driving while under the influence.

20. For a first offense at 0.08% or more (or 0.02% under 21), the administrative license suspension is:

• A. 30 days
• B. 91 days
• C. 1 year
• D. No suspension

Answer: B. Court penalties come on top. See North Dakota points and DUI penalties. Manual topic: DUI.

21. If you refuse a chemical test under North Dakota’s implied consent law, your license will be:

• A. Revoked for 180 days to three years
• B. Suspended for 7 days
• C. Unaffected
• D. Marked with a warning

Answer: A. Manual topic: implied consent.

Section D: North Dakota permits, restricted licenses and phones

22. Who may sit beside a North Dakota instruction permit holder?

• A. Any passenger aged 16 or older
• B. A licensed driver at least 18, with at least 3 years of driving experience and a license for that vehicle class
• C. Only a parent
• D. Any licensed driver

Answer: B. Nobody else may sit in the front seat unless the vehicle only has a front seat. Manual topic: instruction permits.

23. A 14-year-old with a North Dakota permit may drive:

• A. Any car with a supervisor
• B. Only their own car
• C. Any farm vehicle
• D. Only a vehicle owned by a parent, guardian, grandparent, sibling, aunt or uncle, or a dual-control driver training car

Answer: D. The same family-vehicle rule applies at 15. Manual topic: instruction permits.

24. Which phone use is allowed for a North Dakota permit holder while driving?

• A. Hands-free calls
• B. None, except calling for emergency help and the other narrow exceptions in the law
• C. Texting at red lights
• D. Music apps only

Answer: B. Permit holders of any age, and licensed drivers under 18, may not use an electronic communication device while driving. Texting is illegal for everyone, with a $100 fine. Manual topic: electronic devices.

25. On a restricted Class D license at 15, you need a parent, guardian or someone 18 or older with you:

• A. From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• B. At all times
• C. From the later of sunset or 9 p.m. until 5 a.m., unless going directly to or from work, a school activity or a religious activity
• D. Only on weekends

Answer: C. The license becomes unrestricted at 16. See the North Dakota restricted license at 15. Manual topic: restricted license.

26. A North Dakota driver under 18 who reaches 6 or more points will:

• A. Get a warning letter
• B. Pay a fine only
• C. Have the permit or license cancelled
• D. Lose points after a year

Answer: C. Breaking a permit or license restriction adds points too. Manual topic: points.

27. How many hours of supervised driving must a teen log before the road test or waiver?

• A. At least 50 hours
• B. 20 hours
• C. 100 hours
• D. No minimum

Answer: A. See the North Dakota 50 hour log. Manual topic: parents and teen drivers.

Section E: winter and rural driving

28. Your car gets stuck in a snowstorm on a rural North Dakota road. The manual says to:

• A. Walk to the nearest farm
• B. Stay with the vehicle, open a window slightly and run the engine and heater only for short periods
• C. Run the engine nonstop with windows shut
• D. Leave the car and flag down traffic

Answer: B. Most deaths happen when people leave their vehicles and get lost. Short engine runs avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Manual topic: winter driving.

29. When may studded snow tires be used in North Dakota?

• A. All year
• B. November 1 to March 31
• C. December to February only
• D. October 15 to April 15

Answer: D. Even with snow tires or chains, double your following distance. Manual topic: winter driving.

30. You come up behind a snowplow at work. You should:

• A. Stay well back: plows may stop or back up, and the driver cannot see directly behind
• B. Follow closely in its cleared path
• C. Pass on the right shoulder
• D. Honk until it pulls over

Answer: A. Pass with extreme caution: drifts can push the plow sideways. Manual topic: meeting snow removal equipment.

Check your score

Correct out of 30	Suggested next step
27 to 30	Book your test
24 to 26	Reread the manual pages behind your misses, then retest yourself
Under 24	Read the Rules of the Road chapters again before booking

These bands are study guidance only, so check the pass mark with NDDOT. Aim for 27 or more to give yourself a margin.

Common questions

Are these the real North Dakota test questions?

No. They are original, unofficial practice questions written from the NDDOT Noncommercial Driver License Manual.

How many questions are on the North Dakota permit test?

Neither the manual nor NDDOT’s permit pages state the number or the pass mark. Check with NDDOT before your test and treat figures on practice-test websites as unofficial.

Can I take the North Dakota permit test online?

Yes, on nd.knowtodrive.com. You still visit a Driver License office for the vision screening and to get the permit.

What if I fail?

You can try again on another day. NDDOT allows one attempt per day at $5 per attempt.

What part of the manual should I study most?

The Rules of the Road. Parents of under-18s should also read the parent pages, which cover the permit and restricted license rules.

Where are practice tests for other states?

See US permit practice tests. The full route is in learning to drive in North Dakota.

Sources

• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Class D” (2025 to 2027) (dot.nd.gov)
• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “How to Apply for a Learner’s Permit” (dot.nd.gov)
• North Dakota Department of Transportation, “Driver License Points Reduction and Points Schedule” (dot.nd.gov)