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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:
- 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.
- 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)